Not Just LIVING but THRIVING with ADHD | Angela Aguirre | TEDxCalStateLA

When Angela was first diagnosed with ADHD in 2006, she was told by a counselor at her community college that "school just wasn't for some people." Angela explores her journey from initial diagnosis to college graduate, to published author, to co-founder of Chingona Fire, to Huffington Post contributor, and most recently, honoree of Senator Anthony Portantino's ten Women of the Year for 2017. Angela dives into her story to share how she not only is living, but thriving with ADHD.
Angela Aguirre is a published poet, performer, teaching artist, and advocate for students with special needs. She is co-founder of the Latina Feminist poetry collective Chingona Fire which works to curate events and workshops for women of color in Los Angeles. Angela is an ongoing contributor to the Huffington Post Latino Voices blog, and was recently honored as one of the ten Women of the Year for 2017 chosen by California Senator Anthony Portantino.
This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at www.ted.com/tedx

[@unicornwitchprincess1004]

Her opening broke my heart, I’ve never had someone perfectly describe my life so clearly. Sometimes I say “I would never wish my brain on my worst enemy.” I just want to give hugs to all of the fellow neurodiverse people out there.

[@TonyLey]

Man. That list/poem at the beginning.... "My life ia series of almosts." "The best intentions with the worst execution. I am what happens when a brilliant idea meets a terrible mistake." "I am in a perpetual state of barely getting by." Yep. Every. Single. Word.

[@romaromasalad112]

honestly tho

[@caroiae]

My husband calls me "almost" because my life IS a series of almosts.

[@willemienduplessis3401]

"Five When people tell me I am amazing I do not believe them I smile and give thanks and hope not to be discoverd I am a fraud If only they knew that my accomplishments feel a lot more like accidents As if the universe sometimes makes mistakes in my favor like a glitch in the solar system, a data error Someone somewhere must have spelled my name wrong I hope no-one notices" This brought me to tears. My whole life summed up in one paragraph...

[@annv6781]

Amen so waar

[@alisonbarlow7836]

Same! Same!

[@janeplanner7159]

I feel the same.

[@boss-zv8qg]

Her poem explains it much better than the DSM 😍😍

[@meginm3715]

One I fear that my legacy will be an unfinished poem Like the ones that fill my notebook I do not want to look back at my live and see That it could have been so much more Than it turned out to be Two My life is a series of almosts I fear that i will never know greatness That i will not be able to stay around long enough To even become good enough to be great at anything Three I often feel like I do not belong Like a concert in a library A red dress at a funeral I am a magnet for wide eyed looks People will not always tell you when your different is showing but their eyes will Brows raised in confusion It is more polite to say "You are one of a kind" Than to try understanding why They will say you are unique Claim variety is the spice of life Laughed at often and dismiss the moment because It feels too much like a turtleneck in the summertime These compliments will always feel more like insults Four I am in a perpetual state of barely getting by Of trying to catch up Ironic that someone so fullspeed ahead can so easely get left behind Five When people tell me I am amazing I do not believe them I smile and give thanks and hope not to be discoverd I am a fraud If only they knew that my accomplishments feel a lot more like accidents As if the universe sometimes makes mistakes in my favor like a glitch in the solar system, a data error Someone somewhere must have spelled my name wrong I hope no-one notices Six The best of intentions with the worst execution I am what happens when a brilliant idea meets a terrible mistake Seven My life must look a lot like the fourth of july Upon arrival I light the sky bright loud and temporary I am a beautifull explosion but only for a moment A shortlived spectacle A pyrotechnic poet I have always wished I were more fireplace than firework Eight I have a love-hate relationship with the pillbottle I am now at 60mg of Adderall a day When I don't take it I feel useless But when I do the dry mouth plagues me And I am less myself But I guess that is a good thing People say they see the difference That I am more pleasant and agreable Sometimes I wonder if I am medicated to make everyone else's live easier Nine I wish my life were easier Wish I wasn't such a problem Such a series of unfortunate events There are only so many apologies you get until "I'm sorry" is no longer enough

[@meginm3715]

Spot on. Nailed it. Terrifyingly beautifull poem.

[@kvernon1]

I don't understand why anyone would hoot, holler & cheer after hearing a poem like this. These are real problems & frustrations, not entertainment. Was the audience even remotely tuned in to the content of what was being said?

[@mattn4182]

kvernon1 it is because they appreciate the message this poem was sending.

[@julialindsay4343]

the irony is that it finishes at 9 not 10, and the first line is about her legacy being an unfinished poem

[@Millennialmija]

@@julialindsay4343 so glad someone caught that!

[@MrBudacat]

"If a child can´t learn the way you teach, you must teach the way they learn." by Angela Aguirre. this quote already exists, but in a different mode. so, this quote is hers. its a great one ! thanks !

[@alyciagibson]

I am nearing the end of my testing for ADHD and learning disabilities. I am 25, turning 26, and I have enough credits to already have a bachelor's degree. I took 2 years off of school due to trauma and being mean to myself saying I couldn't complete school. Here I am back at it, determined this time to get a degree. Thank you for proving that while it may be hard, we can overcome obstacles and thrive. I'm going to prove it as much as I can also and try to give back to the community in my own special way.

[@variyasalo2581]

It took me 13 years to get my Batchelor degree in business, as it turned out. Often, you will feel gipped for not being diagnosed earlier. Don't disclose your ADHD to people you work with. Instead, identify your problem answers ask for what you need to be successful. Asking for support is not bad, it is normalizing. Good luck.

[@faryalarbab4802]

Also its really irritating when they say u r intelligent bt u dont work hard..i mean its hard work that u have to learn everything by urself bcoz in class u lost ur focus..

[@iamshamarbutler3288]

Faryal Arbab yesssssss

[@ildart8738]

It's especially awful when you grow up in a Russian society where psychologigal health is not an issue unless there is something physicallly wrong with you

[@janeplanner7159]

For me it was always - Jane has so much potential but fails to concentrate in class & is easily distracted. I could laugh at the irony if I didn’t feel so sad at the waste

[@bartstudnicki5041]

God there is so much truth in this. Anyone else checked out 3+ different websites and wrote a comment before finishing the video?

[@solosteeze7334]

BRO.... YES, the video is still going while I'm typing this

[@Millennialmija]

lol totally

[@callanrose]

caught me lmao... & i paused to get a snack when there was only 3 min left.

[@janeplanner7159]

Me - looking at sweaters online, feeding my 3 dogs…!

[@recovered4life]

It took me 10 years to finish a 4-year degree...and a LOT of meds and psychiatrists and psychologists... and NEVER did anyone suggest I may have ADHD. I now have my diagnosis, at age 45.

[@kiaonetwothree]

"I don't know about you but someone tells me I can't do anything I take great pride in proving them wrong" jup!

[@liquid_c0urage]

At least I've found my problem. The solution is a mystery.

[@muzzymusgrave1798]

When I watch videos by people with ADHD, I pretty much know what they are going to say before they finish. I wonder if ADHD brains follow similar paths?

[@rosy-holiday]

Underrated speech. I never felt like I could relate to anyone before. This changed that. Thank you so much!!

[@713monchi]

Finally I found a talk that I can share with my Mom how I feel ever day!

[@melarts4686]

The last part of her poem. About only so many sorrys being acceptable. Literally happened to me the other day.

[@karenhenderson9476]

Thank you, thank you so much! Wow. I am almost 60 with increasing confirmations that I have been living with undiagnosed ADHD for decades. I have been exhausted from surviving and have wondered what it would look like for me to actually THRIVE. I Googled "thriving with ADHD" and your video was first in the list of results. Your every word resonates with me. Thank you for unknowingly being a blessing in my life this day. Yes! May you be exponentially blessed in every area of your life this day and evermore!

[@alesiamurray7509]

thank you for sharing i am taking notes as a mom with a child with ADHD. Hearing your story is very encouraging. Wishing you all the best and continued success.

[@ArtyMars]

I could just hug you, my every insecurity and fear and struggle in one video, it's sort of nice to know I'm not alone.

[@tashaylayou4709]

same

[@janeplanner7159]

Me too!

[@majdglory7153]

I have Adhd, and I’m currently a brilliant doctor. We can do it all.

[@giaezgi]

ADHD: An honest list of fears and confessions One I fear that my legacy will be an unfinished poem, Like the ones that fill my notebook. I do not want to look back at my life and see, That it could have been so much more Than it turned out to be... Two My life is a series of “almosts” I fear that I will never know greatness That I will not be able to stay around long enough To even become good enough to be great at anything Three I often feel like I do not belong, Like a concert in a library, A red dress at a funeral. I am a magnet for wide-eyed looks People will not always tell you when your difference is showing, but their eyes will Brows raised in confusion. It is more polite to say "You are one of a kind" Than to try understanding why... They will say you are unique, Claim variety is the spice of life. Laugh it off then dismiss the moment because It feels too much like a turtleneck in the summertime These compliments will always feel more like insults. Four I am in a perpetual state of barely getting by Of trying to catch up Ironic that someone so full speed ahead can so easily get left behind. Five When people tell me I am amazing I do not believe them. I smile and give thanks and hope not to be discovered "I am a fraud" If only they knew that my accomplishments feel a lot more like accidents As if the universe sometimes makes mistakes in my favor Like a glitch in the solar system, a data error. Someone somewhere must have spelled my name wrong, I hope no one notices Six The best of intentions with the worst execution I am what happens when a brilliant idea meets a terrible mistake Seven My life must look a lot like the 4th of July Upon arrival I light the sky bright, loud and temporary I am a beautiful explosion but... only for a moment. A short-lived spectacle, A pyrotechnic poet. I have always wished I were more fireplace than firework. Eight I have a love-hate relationship with the pill bottle I am now at 60mg of Adderall a day When I don't take it, I feel useless But when I do, the dry mouth plagues me And I am less myself, But I guess that is a good thing. People say they see the difference, Say “I am more pleasant and agreeable”. Sometimes I wonder if I am medicated to make everyone else's life easier. Nine I wish my life were easier, Wish I wasn't such a problem, Such a series of unfortunate events. There are only so many apologies you get Until "I'm sorry" is no longer enough.

[@ZealousEZRA]

Sound is horrible Great TED talk though

[@maricelasandoval8948]

I cried in such a good way. This is beautiful.

[@PolitelyOffend]

I love this. I am Latina and ADHD as well as a writer and teacher. I have accepted my neurodivergence and live medication free now.

[@intellsoul1]

I think test of diagnostic could be so wide and mistaken. How somebody can get out of medications for this Adhd?

[@alanrodriguez-lx3qv]

Electrician and live medication free too . A active job best for a ADHD brain.

[@janeplanner7159]

Me medication free too. The more I eat home cooked food with lots of fruits, vegetables & starches - & make sure I drink enough fluids - herbal teas, water with lemon or cucumber & stay away from alcohol or caffeine, the calmer I feel. Have had so much anxiety over the years & panic attacks. I agree with Alan about being in an active job too

[@work_in_progress161]

@@intellsoul1 medication doesn't work for everyone (20-35% roughly) and is not good for those with heart problems or high blood pressure. Plus it will be hard to find the right medication and dosage.

[@PVVI2015]

Thank you for believing in yourself enough to share your story❤️ I am at the early stage of discovering the influence my ADHD has had on my life. It feels like I can finally breathe after holding my breath for my 74 years of life. I’ve been successful in many ways, but not so much in others. But now it all makes sense and that has brought me amazing peace. Your poem is amazing - really, really amazing🤗

[@josephgreen7519]

I'm so happy for you, that you've finally been able to exhale after such a long time. After I got my ADHD diagnosis I cried, not because I was sad but because it felt like my life FINALLY made sense.

[@Lowdermoomoo]

I take 20mg a day and it honestly saved my life as a mom, wife and student. ADHD crippled me into a cycle of constantly replaying my PTSD until i became non-functional, and quite honestly suicidal because my brain would stop. Like a horror movie of my life kept replaying and I didn’t have the remote. I feel like myself when I’m on medication, like i can process things at a tolerable pace.

[@JennyRodrigo-t3l]

I would love to buy your book and share this with my daughters but having trouble finding a copy in Australia. If anyone can help point me in the right direction I would be very grateful. Thank you so much.

[@CheekyCreole]

I am so glad you talked about your business partner because I always knew with my ADHD in order for me to be successful I wanted someone who understood me& my brain and that would work well with meeting me where I'm at and maybe even picking up the slack where I'm not my best & vice versa.

[@danielleriverin6886]

Thanks God for sharing this precious information to see how the world outside sees me without any bias! and how to work it out to be a spiritual helper as I am a teacher in my native High School : Self compassion is very important and to remember myself that I am already perfect as I am...I work with teenagers having learning disabilities as I do too! All my blessings to all that permits me to getting myself more & help teach others, X0X

[@costicle123]

Bless you, your poem makes me feel like a human being again, it’s fantastic

[@rosemaryziskind4157]

Hi Angela, I loved your poem and everything you mentioned here. I forwarded this to my daughter who will be 28. Your poem and what you shared here, reminds me so much of her. How can she get help. She may have ADHD, but I am not 100% sure. Her life sounds a lot like everything you say. How can she get help without taking medication. Can you give me some advice so that I can forward the info. to her.

[@kikihappy54]

I was lucky enough to be diagnosed early, at age 6. It's always been a part of my life, and now, at 22, I am only just now learning how incredible my abilities are, and how to manage my shortcomings. I am supposed to be studying for a final that's in less than 7 hours, and this video has made all the difference.

[@user-oo2gz9ln8v]

Katie Breyman i’m guessing you didn’t study

[@ThisBeWe]

@@user-oo2gz9ln8v Or did... How would you know? People with ADHD fare well under last-minute deadlines.

[@ritapatrocinio4546]

how did you manage to accept yourself?

[@kikihappy54]

Florian De Schepper Honestly, both was probably true. I don’t even remember what final I was studying for.

[@kikihappy54]

Rita Patrocinio It helped to figure out the things I enjoyed, and was good at. External praise helps A LOT. But it takes time, effort, and a lot of therapy.

[@Jaynep89]

I couldn't not stop to say how incredibly gifted you are at writing. I loved this. Congratulations on being truly amazing.

[@janeplanner7159]

I was so thrilled & surprised to find your wonderful, powerful talk. I was almost in tears with relief at seeing you on the TED talk stage talking about me!! So much respect & kudos to you. I am 58 & my menopause has resulted in my ADHD being something I can no longer ignore. I am now going to embrace it as it’s part of who I am; who I have always been. My soul was hiding in plain sight. I feel like a Phoenix. Thank you ❤️

[@mollylitteken7804]

i love my sister ANGIE

[@august7564]

Hey Angela, I am Latinx and have ADHD. My story is so much like your story and your poem is beautiful and every word rings so true to me. Thank you for putting yourself out there and doing this talk. I'm glad I found this tonight.

[@noname6979]

Paloma Romero Lopez Wall

[@ActuallyArmaniProductions]

no name Roof.

[@Millennialmija]

thank you so much for watching and I am glad you found it too.

[@diosadeamore]

I LOVE "you think outside the box vs not knowing where the box is" 1000% !!!!!!!!

[@runneryg]

I am so Eretibull i need to run i cry inside as i feel so alone i just can't focus on the things i what because the energy to great to sooth my self i go for a run. i just need to read moire but i dont. I,m disclosed at 52. i suppose i can focus but i what to do other things all the time. it,s hard for me. time for my run.

[@shkolakhader6567]

I have adhd too this is beautiiful

[@valeriehrhrfrendonsudud4740]

Yes story is so heart touching I have a son who no body believes in him I tell him that no matter what people think of him that as long as I'm alive he will be the king of the world n not to believe what any one tells him

[@allenwilliams355]

It's amazing how your poem and your wonderful presentation describes me so accurately. It gives me hope.

[@kaylonrushing4785]

THAT POEM LORD JESUS THAT WAS REAL

[@seldispat]

ADHDers' brain were wired differently, that's why our Attention Development History Differed(ADHD) from others.

[@TheDewynter18]

I was so moved by this! Thank you so much for sharing! You describe what I've felt for so long beautifully! It made me weep

[@damecaprimm6258]

I prefer “learning difference”,opposed to “learning disability.

[@justjulied]

a Latina with ADHD.. finally. thank you Angela

[@noname6979]

julie Wall

[@onyx.daffodil1644]

😳is she related to me? The resemblance of personality is scary

[@MrBudacat]

i understand that the tendency , your tendency will be not to believe this, but anyway, this is what i see in you, YOU ARE BEAUTIFULL !!!!!!!!!!!! keep doing what you´re doing !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1 congragtulations !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@LKBeatbox]

Successful ADHDers make me feel even worse. Even more of a failure. I'm never going to be successful like them. I'm most likely to be suicidal rather than successful

[@ltmltm4945]

Same here I hate it.

[@karenmacrae3189]

I wish I could print that poem. It is perfect!

[@mattpike8355]

Wonderful, thanks for understanding us!

[@SunnyGirlFlorida]

I watched this video but it took 3 hours and lots of distractions to get through it!

[@Tuvaale]

Wow, 1 minute and 30 seconds and I am already crying. Cant wait to finish listening to you. You told my life in the first 1:32!!

[@pri22v11]

Beautiful poetry!

[@lamarjlp914]

I was fighting back tears while listening to this. I thought I was the only one.

[@Millennialmija]

don't fight the tears. let them come as a relief that you are not alone

[@maggiea2707]

The but anyways is was a ADHD moment lolll

[@xy1280]

8. ✅👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻(poem) 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻💚

[@ltmltm4945]

I wonder what meds she took. I want those

[@tashaclark813]

Hi! I was laughing so hard at this video bc it is so much like me! I DID go to a trade school and I am finishing my associates degree. How do you teach without getting frustrated with yourself or the students?? I struggle with both but I love teaching my trade and other things to friends, and I think I will enjoy teaching students in the future. My mom and sister are both teachers. They seem to take control of the classroom and every other room and have patience with every other student...except for me.

[@aishawf]

This presentation was EVERYTHING!!!!! 🤓🤓🤓

[@kaumalnasir8977]

I love this! Thank you 😢

[@Tom_Sawyer385]

My doctor won’t give me 60 mg . He said 30 mg the max he can give me. I toke 2 pills of 30 mg and I felt like i never felt before.

[@sizzlenotsteak]

Oh? I get two 20's per day (ritalin) and vyvanse (40). There's always more month than ritalin. I take it 4 x 10 to stretch it out through the day. A 10 lasts only about three hours.

[@NO-kw9cp]

Number 6.

[@stevenhalle9155]

I couldn't watch this past the first two minutes because I began tearing up too much.

[@josesnovi7689]

she is wonderful very insightful

[@jannadelvecchio8941]

Omg YES YES YES

[@skilltreebusybee]

Ok ill get in to spoken word thanks for giving air to my flame #20%o2

[@DavidGonzalezSamudio]

What a delivery!

[@A_ndrea]

She is me. I am her.

[@divinaa998]

Wow! My life

[@audreypassaro8113]

thank you so so much! so beautiful, bawling like a baby (: cheers to happy tears

[@ddeonbrown]

That's my love 😭

[@dayday279]

I’ve been dreading to take my boards , because of having multiple things going on in my life . A lot of my friends and family don’t understand that I have ADHD . I have so much pressure right now from them , and I’ve been asked if I’m scared to take it . I’m like no, I just have too much on my mind that I can’t concentrate, and study right now . Of course I want to start my career, but I need stability in my life first . I wish they would understand. Listening to these video , brings me hope . That I will accomplish my goals .

[@xy1280]

🙏🏻💚💪🏻

[@solomondomi102]

Yeah sure dreams do not pay any rent I always starts something that I'm good at starting something but not able to finish it I'm not able to pursue it so the finish I always want to be innovative creative but and the middle of the line I just pause because of some people's negativity and not truly believing in myself I know sometimes that's like I don't study well always distracted thinking of something else than what I'm actually doing I don't calculate I don't buy set I just go for it not looking at the consequences or the outcome my Focus mostly is there's going to be good this is it I have to go for it I can do it but it's all a dream actually I'm able to start but I get this garage along the line do I have ADHD

[@romaromasalad112]

those last few are very accurate

[@fitha4474]

I feel every word , every word of the poem

[@pariswhyte9536]

I felt that poem

[@kukleqogohamsi3939]

The fanatical bell previously argue because man phytogeographically open an a groovy spear. learned, second mice

[@diosadeamore]

From the very beginning, my heart twinged with the truth of her words - describing my life (and self) exactly...

[@sharylfernando693]

The tall garden assembly time because camel methodically fancy after a volatile addition. nostalgic, quack porch

[@as-qg9ud]

The oval frame apically film because straw exceptionally attach up a political seat. staking, wealthy tanker

[@Ocudavidimvideooo]

OMG. I've been describing my life exactly as "a series of unfortunate events", with my middle name being (if I had it) "I came here too late". -_- :v

[@rafyhidalgo9471]

The polite printer nearly ignore because time traditionally tremble past a onerous meal. glamorous, helpful lunge

[@ActuallyArmaniProductions]

Amazing poem! A lot of it speaks to me concerning a bad day as well. And the talk was great too obviously!

[@triads1840]

where can i get that picture at 9:50?

[@Enjoytheshow435]

When I do a little “almost harmless” clumsy thing because I’m distracted and people get mad at me or call me names, i wish i was in a wheelchair, I wish my disability was visible to them, at least those people will feel sorry for me. With ADHD you live with 2 disadvantages, you have a disability, and your disability is invisible under your skull. I would trade my ADHD with being paralyzed any day. Sorry, I’m having a bad ADHD day. I’ve let myself down again:( I wish I can walk around with my brain scan but I have to be a big girl and keep tell myself that I would do better tomorrow, i’m going to be on time tomorrow I’m not gonna lose my cc tomorrow which is is a recipe for a disappointment because i’m still gonna wake up with the same brain. I have to learn how to accept that I’m gonna be late again and again and again and I’m gonna keep losing stuff until the last day of myself and that is okay. I just better be prepared with extras and spares

[@Dancestar1981]

I have both ASD and ADHD Inattentive

[@aseneth86]

Jeez…. That poem resonated so deeply. I cried. Thanks for making me feel not so alone.

[@nbd9205]

Wow

[@flickanrimsky]

a series of almost events which turns out unfortunate at the end - my. life.

[@Kickdrum00]

I live off Adderall. I can't go outside without it.

[@GianMarcoSoldo]

made me cry!!

[@HealthcareHeart]

I encourage ADHD presenters to not present rehearsed poem because that doesn't really help in EMPHASIZING the positives that when our emotion kicks in, then passion, then you will quickly get to the same level of innovativeness and the rest is self explanatory. Yes it takes courage and. Time to discover and know how to best optimize the strengths. Thank you all who continues to help me on my road of recovery from PTSD and I hope to start producing videos of encouragement and mentorship for anyone with ADHD'!!!

[@mzlauren20]

thank you

[@arielaea37]

🙌🏼👏🏼❤️

[@sailynrodriguez4301]

This is so amazing and gives me so much hope😭❤️

[@wakalabakataka]

woah you described it very well.

[@rebekahstatz2914]

Your poem is everything! 🥰

[@noname6979]

ADHD 123

[@robertjames9191]

no name 123. 1+2+3= 6 123 is 3 digits. 6/3 is 2 to is the second number in 123 it is also the 2 = second.

[@wordscrafter]

You are AMAZING. BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!