January 21st: Squirrel Appreciation Day

Yes, it’s a thing! While we’re celebrating those adorable bushy-tailed acrobats, let’s give a nod to the squirrely ADHD humans in our lives too. Not the "I’m a little ADHD" folks, but the "27 projects, 18 hobbies, never on time" kind of ADHDers.

Squirrels and ADHD brains have a lot in common—quirky, endlessly curious, and a little unpredictable. You might even have ADHD people in your life without realizing it because they’ve learned to hide it so well.

So, I'm sharing their dirty little secret ADHD quirks!

Surprising Traits of the ADHD Squirrel

ADHD manifests in ways that might surprise you—traits that make the comparison to squirrels even more apt! For example:

• Distain for Large Spoons: Yes, it’s oddly specific, but preferences like this can be a sensory quirk. Just like squirrels might favor one type of nut, ADHD folks might gravitate toward the "just-right" utensil - the small spoon.
  
  
• Listening to the Same Song on Repeat: Finding comfort and focus in repetition, ADHD brains often wear out their favorite tunes before moving on.
  
  
• Bumping into Things (Proprioception): Much like squirrels occasionally misjudge their leaps, ADHD folks might struggle with spatial awareness, leading to frequent bumps and bruises.
  
  
• Hypermobility / Ehlers-Danlos: A lesser-known connection, some ADHD individuals experience physical traits like hypermobility or conditions such as Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome.
  
  
• Dysautonomia: Challenges with the autonomic nervous system, such as regulating heart rate or blood pressure, are also more common among ADHD individuals.
  
  
• Strong Sense of Moral Justice: Much like a squirrel fiercely defending its territory, ADHD folks often feel deeply about fairness and justice, making them passionate advocates for causes they care about.
  
  
• Raptor Hands or T-Rex Arms When Sleeping: Some ADHD folks unconsciously tuck their arms close to their bodies in a bent position while sleeping, resembling a tiny T-Rex—a quirky and endearing trait that makes them all the more unique.

So, how can you appreciate the ADHD "squirrels" in your life on this special day? Here are a few ideas:

• Celebrate Their Passions: Acknowledge the things that light them up. Whether it’s a hobby, a project, or a quirky interest, cheer them on.
  
  
• Be Patient with Their Process: ADHD brains work differently, but that doesn’t make their methods any less valid. Give them the space to thrive in their own way.
  
  
• Laugh with Them: Share in their joy, even when it feels a little chaotic. Sometimes the best memories come from the unexpected moments.

Appreciating Both the Squirrels and the People

Squirrel Appreciation Day isn’t just about those little nut collectors. It’s about finding joy in unpredictability, celebrating resourcefulness, and embracing the kind of energy that makes the world a brighter place. So, whether you’re watching a squirrel tackle a bird feeder or marveling at your ADHD friend’s latest creative project, take a moment to appreciate the beauty of their unique ways of moving through the world. They may zigzag, but they always keep life interesting.