How awkward is it when you figure out late in life that you are neurodivergent?
I had not heard this word before I met Mariah and Byron Edgington. I had heard people talk about the different issues that stem from being neurodivergent, each with their own label. I even have a child with some neurodivergent tendencies. But I had not heard it described under this umbrella term.
So when I met Mariah and Byron and learned their story about how Mariah was diagnosed in just the past few years as neurodivergent, I became curious.
Just what does it mean to be neurodivergent? Well, it means your brain works just a but differently than others. Wow, what a gift. Can you imagine the possibilities when you can view the same world in a light that others don’t see. What a superpower.
I’m sure this has not been the sentiment or the journey for most who find they are neurodivergent. As with any awkward part of ourselves that makes us different, it takes time to understand, accept, and then flourish.
So not knowing too much about living a neurodivergent life, I was honored to have the chance to visit with Mariah and Byron in a candid conversation about what it’s like to find out later in life that this is who you are. We discussed all the things. How does it feel to make this discovery? How does this affect your relationship? What has changed? To sum up the essence of Mariah’s sentiment it’s that this doesn’t change who she is, it just helps her better understand where she is coming from. From Byron’s angle, and I think they would both agree, it’s brought them even closer together.
My favorite insights from our conversations come in the shared moments of their relationship which has grown even stronger over time. Moments where Byron thinks his wife is being silly, or funny, to make a joke, before understanding what she is sharing is actually the way she sees the world.
Having someone love you and get to know you even as you get to know yourself has to be the ultimate in true love.
There once was a time when I believed I was stamped from a mold and then that was it. How I was would just be how I would remain. My conversation with the Edgingtons has reinforced what I have learned in the past few years: that we are all a work in progress and self-discovery.
Just what are they doing with the next part of their journey? I was waiting for you to ask. Mariah and Byron are on a mission to help people understand neurodivergence, to help people accept themselves, and most of all to journey well. Journey Well is a theme for their life and the title of just one of their books. They are professional speakers who have graced a Tedx stage, and coaches who help you work towards the best life you can live. Be sure to visit their website at the link below and download your free manifestation guide.
It was a pleasure to learn more about neurodivergence. Even more than that it was a joy to get to know two friends even closer as they opened up and shared their stories with me. Thank you so much Mariah and Byron for your inspiration. My hope is that as you walk forward you will take the lead from these two and do everything you can to Journey Well.
You can find them online in these places:
Website: www.mandatetoelevate.com
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/mariahedgington
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/byronedgington