Sit in the Fullness: Acknowledging Our Accomplishments as Neurodivergent Warriors

I’ve done a lot. But sometimes… it doesn’t feel like I have.

It’s wild how someone can list off the things I’ve accomplished—my education, certifications, creative projects, parenting through illness, launching this very site—and I’ll just blink like it’s no big deal. Like it wasn’t built through pain, persistence, and prayer. Like I didn’t almost give up five different times. Like this isn't an actual manifestation of my dreams....

And I know I’m not alone in this.

A lot of neurodivergent people feel like they’re not doing enough, even when they’re doing everything. And when we dohit a milestone? It’s often followed by an anticlimactic moment of “…okay, now what?” Like the buildup was louder than the moment itself. Like we skipped the celebration because our brains are already on to the next pressure point.

I’ll be real with you: When this site went live—after months of writing, building, designing, second-guessing, reimagining—I launched it and sat there blank. Numb, even. As if it wasn’t an ongoing commitment. As if it wasn’t a labor of love. As if it wasn’t a big damn deal.

But here’s the truth: Just because your brain doesn’t throw you a parade doesn’t mean the moment isn’t worth one.

Neurodivergence is a term used to describe people whose brains work differently from what is considered “typical.” This can include differences in thinking, learning, processing emotions, or behaving. It often refers to conditions like ADHD, autism, dyslexia, and others—but it also acknowledges that everyone’s brain is unique, and those differences are valid, not broken. In my case, I'm what's referred to as an AuDHDer. I have autism and ADHD. Before, you think "No.."....yes...I do. Let's continue, shall we?

Why Do Neurodivergent Folks Struggle to Feel Accomplished?

For many of us, accomplishment doesn’t always register the way we’d expect. It can feel fleeting or underwhelming. A few reasons why:

• Dopamine dysregulation: Our brains may not produce or hold onto the "reward" chemicals that make accomplishments feel satisfying. So instead of joy, we get… flatline.

• Perfectionism and inner critics: Many of us hold ourselves to unrealistic standards, so no matter what we do, it doesn't feel "good enough."

• Task-switching brain: Our minds often jump to “what’s next” before we’ve even absorbed what we just did. We move so fast, we forget to feel.

• Chronic invalidation: If we’ve been taught (directly or indirectly) that our wins don’t matter—or that they’re only worth something if someone else validates them—we may struggle to see them as worthy of celebration.

  
  

Why It’s Important to Sit in the Fullness

This is why we must take a beat. We must feel the weight of the moment—even the small ones. Because without pause, there’s no presence. And without presence, we miss the joy. The pride. The reminder that yes—we’re doing the damn thing.

Being proud of yourself is a practice. So let’s talk about ways to make it one.

3 Simple Ways to Reflect on and Celebrate Your Accomplishments

1. Name it out loud or on paper.After completing something—whether it’s a major launch or a small task—say it or write it down. Example: “I launched my blog today. I followed through on something I deeply care about. That matters.”Your brain needs evidence. Give it.

2. Anchor the feeling with a sensory routine. Choose something intentional to mark the moment:

• Light a scented candle.

• Sip your favorite tea slowly.

• Play a song that feels victorious.These sensory cues help your body feel the accomplishment and create memory around it.

  
  

3. Keep an “I Did That” folder. Digital or physical—store screenshots, kind words, milestones, completed projects. Revisit them on the days you feel like you’ve done nothing. It's a living archive of your effort and growth.

Let’s stop brushing off our brilliance.

Let’s practice staying in the joy a little longer.In the pride. In the proof.

Let’s sit in the fullness. Because you deserve to feel what you've done.

Every little thing counts. Even this moment right here.

And don’t let anyone—including your own brain—tell you otherwise.

🦋—chroniccandor.com

Honest conversations. Mindful resistance. Chronic life, uncensored.