How can we live authentically as a NeuroHybrid?
Firstly, what is NeuroHybridity?
We define this as the unique blending of all our neurodivergent identities, traits, experiences, challenges and strengths. Where they all overlap, interweave and interplay is what we call the neurohybrid sweet spot. It is ever-changing, dynamic, and evolves over time as we get to know ourselves and our inner world more intimately. This sweet spot is where we find our flow state, where we are happiest and function at our best.
Living authentically in this sweet spot takes work.
There is no quick fix or easy response to the question of living authentically. Unmasking, finding your true self, de-coupling from conditioning, unlearning all the internalised ableism and capitalism, and finding a way of restructuring yourself and your life is a life’s work. And you need safety to be able to do these things.
But here’s a few ideas for you to start pondering to help you on your journey:
Educate yourself: whether you are diagnosed or self-identify, find out as much as you can about neurodivergence, and the different neurodivergent identities you already know about. Then begin to explore other identities that also could be part of you, including giftedness and strengths-based traits
Be open: explore these identities and their traits, self-reflect and try to be honest with yourself about who you really are and what resonates for you. If you feel particularly repelled by a particular identity or trait, explore why that is and where you’re feeling that rejection in your body
Unlearn, then re-learn: start to dismantle your belief systems by asking yourself challenging questions, like:
Is this really what I believe?
Am I showing up as my true self in this situation or masking?
Am I going my own way or am I taking on the views of those around me to keep the peace?
Is this opinion I have ableist (supporting of minimising the experience of a disabled person, or thinking of yourself as of less value because you behaving in a traditionally acceptable way)?
Learn about the nervous system: this could be your biggest ‘a-ha’ moment. Unlocking the secrets of your neuroception and how your brain operates to keep you safe – and why sometimes it's a bit wonky – can be life changing. You can order a starters guide to the nervous system and polyvagal theory here.
Explore psychological safety:
Does it feel safe for you in this situation/with this person?
What does psychological safety feel like for you?
When do you feel most safe?
Discovering your uniqueness, strengths, and neurohybridity is a gift to yourself.
It is a way of showing up for yourself with complete truth and honesty. By honouring your unique self in this way, you are giving yourself a strong message of acceptance. As neurodivergent people, we’ve craved acceptance our whole lives. This is why we mask and hide our true selves away from the day light, because our realness has been undervalued, minimised, crushed, and shunned.
Finding a way of living, thriving, flourishing needs us to value our own experience. And to step into our true identity. This can be an incredibly difficult but ultimately rewarding journey. Because with authenticity comes less masking, less hiding, and eventually, no more burnout.
At DL, we celebrate your neurohybridity. And we invite you to discover it, and explore how to harness it, by following @divergentlives on instagram.
We also support you by offering a range of coaching services and programmes designed specifically for discovering your neurohybrid identity.
You can find out more in services or by requesting our flagship Neurodivergent Identity Programme info pack. This incredible programme is designed for individuals, but we can also adapt it for organisations looking to support their staff in finding a safe space to step into their full potential.
