#128: "Something's Gotta Give" When You're A Creative ADHD Mom: An Interview With A Mother + Artist

Send us Fan MailWe interview mother + artist Christie Russert about how motherhood and ADHD tendencies have impacted her art. We discuss the impact motherhood has on the ADHD woman's ability to focus on tasks with constant divided attention with children. Untangling the overwhelm: what is motherhood and what is ADHD? It can be difficult to separate out symptoms that are a result of neurodivergence instead of parenting. Christie talks about the challenges of being an artist with attention challenges: focusing on completing a task, making decisions, and staying consistent. How does motherhood impact flow? Writers and artists and creators and performers and athletes live for the feeling of flow, and it's rough when it dries up. We ponder whether the ADHD brain craves and thrives on "flow states" because of neurotransmitter regulation issues and the dopamine rush we get from creative flow—is that why so many artists, musicians, and writers have ADHD? "Something's gotta give"—making choices as a creative mom means sacrifice, learning to rein in the idea machine of your brain and let go of things you don't prioritize because of your own values.We talk about alignment: do our values line up with where we are putting our time and energy, and why do we feel frustrated when we aren't getting results with things we actually don't care about? Seasons of motherhood and art: We talk about the importance of tapping into your intuition to work with and honor the seasons of your life as your daily schedule, needs, and capacity for creating change. Meet Christie Christie Russert is the Chicago based artist behind the illustration brand, Sunshine Canteen. She creates a variety of pieces, from vivid abstract patterns to mixed media collage to landscapes.  Her artwork transports you to a carefree paradise with its vintage-inspired bright colors and positive energy. Christie licenses her illustration work with brands that feature her designs on a variety of products. Find her work online through her website, sunshinecanteen.comLike what you hear and want to hang out more? Join us in the ADHD Moms Club.WHERE TO FIND US NOWConnect with Stacey🎧 The Next Phase Podcast —  on Apple & Spotify 📸 Instagram: @stacehutsonConnect with Steph🎧 The Peri-Normal Podcaston Apple and Spotify✍️ The Reclamation Eraon Substack📝 MidCircle— a writing community for midlife women📸 Instagram: @stephsprenger