From Inside the TDAH Community: Dear Body

There are moments inside this community that are hard to put into words—and sometimes, someone does.

This was written by a member after a live teaching session that ended with a reflection on gratitude and the body.

Dear Body,

Today I thought differently about you.

You were there.

With me. Miles and miles on the trails, through tears of despair and tears of joy, you were there. Through the worst of betrayals, you were there. In all my painful discoveries, you were there.

With all my rumbling and groaning, wondering if anyone, even God, is faithful, dependable, true, trustworthy, you were there.

At my lowest of lows, when I thought I wanted to leave this world, you were there.

You’ve witnessed and experienced and felt every part of me.

Your feet have walked me through adventures in the jungles of Panama, the beaches of South Africa, the streets of London. And so many places in between.

You’ve driven me across this country, catering to my need for adventure, letting me feel wild and free.

Your arms have paddled me up and down the Frio River, in solitude and peace. Your hands have painted canvases, shaped hot glass, written the words of my heart. Your legs have run off a mountain edge, gliding through the air, showing me the lightness of a child. You’ve descended into the water, hovering on the ocean floor, giving me a moment of awe at the bigness of the world.

You’ve held babies and puppies to your chest, allowing me exchanges of comfort and joy and love. You’ve given and received hugs, showing me the power of human touch.

Your ears have heard the healing power of music. Your eyes have seen the magic of sunsets and candlelight. Your skin has felt the gentle breeze, reminding me I am held.

You have endured.

Car crashes.
Drug, alcohol, and food abuse.
ATV wrecks.
Cancer.
Broken bones.
Heartbreak.

Still, you’re strong.

You have endured.

My accidental glimpses riddled with disgust. My scoffs and insults.

Arm flab.
Crepey skin.
Puffy ankles.
Jiggly stomach.
Dimply legs.

Too short.
Too fat.
Too much this.
Not enough that.

Still, you stay.

You have endured me.

Abusing you.
Degrading you.
Hating you.
Refusing to look at you.

Still, you’re with me.

Today, I look at you with gratitude.
You have given me so much.
You are faithful.

I’m learning to love you. To see you with kindness, gentleness, and curiosity. To treat you like the one-of-a-kind gift that you are.

You were there.
You give.
You endure.
You are here.

Thank you.