Faith, Empathy, And ADHD Scott MacLeans story part 2

Send us Fan MailWhat if the beliefs that shaped you were never really yours? We trace a raw, human journey from fear-based religion to a daily practice of grounded prayer, gratitude, and intentional mindset. Along the way, we take on a bigger challenge: extending empathy not just to the obviously wounded, but to the people who hurt others—seeing them as products of their circumstances without excusing harm. It’s uncomfortable, necessary work that changes how we show up at home, at work, and in our communities.We share how an elder’s guidance reframed prayer as a simple, repeatable habit that steadies the day. Then we dig into practical tools for neurodivergent brains: building routines that front-load hard, meaningful wins; choosing delayed gratification over quick hits; using the “30-second rule” to prevent clutter and chaos; and finding stillness by feeding birds in the park. These small, repeatable acts reduce reactivity and create room for better choices. The theme is discipline with compassion—honest about what hurts, patient with what’s hard.We also wrestle with truth. Honest feedback can sting, especially around health, habits, and identity, yet truth offered with care can be lifesaving. Stories of changed minds—from meeting LGBTQ friends to Daryl Davis befriending KKK members—reveal why shaming fails and connection works. Stoic ideas help tie it together: we suffer more in imagination than reality; regret and anxiety steal the present; choosing the moment brings peace. If you’ve ever felt trapped by old scripts, overwhelmed by ADHD, or unsure how to talk across divides, this conversation offers clear, human strategies you can use today.If this resonated, subscribe, share with a friend, and leave a review. Tell us the one belief you’ve unlearned lately—and the small routine that keeps you steady.We'd like to thank our sponsor...The Big Bears Podcast is sponsored by ADDvocacy ADHD & Executive Function Coaching and TrainingDisclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the show