Tag: Resilience and Self-Compassion

Adventure to Publish

Today, I’m celebrating a milestone that has been years in the making. Holding the proof of my book, A Journey to a Valiant Mind, feels like a tangible representation of perseverance, growth, and my deeply personal connection to this work. For anyone who knows me well, you’ll understand why this is more than just a personal accomplishment—it’s a victory over a lifelong pattern shaped by my ADHD and a testament to my passion for helping others navigate similar challenges.

Over the years, I’ve had countless bursts of inspiration where I would dive headfirst into writing projects. Whether it was a workbook, a fiction novel, or a set of creative ideas, my ADHD hyperfocus would kick in full throttle, and I’d pour my energy and heart into the work. Many of those projects grew to about 70 pages before my interest began to wane, and I’d inevitably set them aside for the next shiny idea that caught my attention. It became a cycle that I’d grown to accept, even as I wished I could take one project across the finish line.

This book was different. A Journey to a Valiant Mind was born from my personal experiences and my professional journey as a therapist specializing in ADHD. It’s a reflection of the struggles I’ve faced, the tools I’ve learned to use, and the resilience I’ve seen in my clients. I wrote this book to empower others, to help them understand that navigating life with ADHD is not just about challenges but also about finding strength, self-compassion, and a path toward empowerment.

I decided to challenge myself to break the cycle and push through. I promised myself that I wouldn’t let the excitement fizzle out this time. I took intentional steps to stay accountable—working with professionals who helped bring my vision to life. Collaborating with an editor, proofreader, and typist not only ensured my book would look polished and professional, but it also kept me committed to the process. They became my accountability partners, each contributing their expertise to refine my ideas and hold me to deadlines.

Through this journey, I’ve learned just how vital accountability is when tackling big goals. I’ve always believed in the power of working as a team, but this experience truly drove it home for me. Sometimes, we need others to help us stay on track, especially when our natural tendencies might lead us astray. Having professionals in my corner helped me focus and see this project through to the end.

Seeing this book—complete, vibrant, and real—has brought me so much joy and pride. It represents not just a lifelong dream fulfilled but also a testament to growth, commitment, and the power of collaboration. Most importantly, it represents my desire to help others understand that they are not alone in their journey. For anyone struggling to push past their own patterns or roadblocks, let this be a reminder: You can achieve your goals, especially when you surround yourself with the right support.

I’m so excited to share this book with the world soon and to see where this journey takes me next. Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way—this is only the beginning!

A woman with long dark hair is smiling while holding up a proof copy of her book titled A Journey to a Valiant Mind. She is wearing a gray hoodie with orange and white text and is seated in front of a light blue wall with a red curtain partially visible in the background. The book cover is bright yellow with bold text and a decorative illustration. The image radiates pride and accomplishment.

Holding the proof copy of my book, A Journey to a Valiant Mind! This moment represents years of perseverance, growth, and the determination to bring my vision to life.

COMING SOON: A Journey to a Valiant Mind: A Guide to Navigating ADHD with Resilience, Self-Compassion, and Empowerment

A vibrant book cover for "A Journey to a Valiant Mind" by Valerie McIntyre, LPC, ADHD-CCSP, featuring a classical statue with colorful illustrations of thought patterns emerging from its head on a bold yellow-green background.

Discover the transformative journey through ADHD with A Journey to a Valiant Mind by Valerie McIntyre, coming March 2025. Empowering stories, practical tools, and a path to self-compassion await.

I’m thrilled to announce the upcoming release of my debut book, A Journey to a Valiant Mind: Navigating ADHD Towards Resilience, Self-Compassion, and Empowerment, scheduled for publication in March 2025.

This book is more than just a personal accomplishment—it’s a deeply meaningful project born from years of experience and passion. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, I’ve dedicated my career to supporting individuals as they navigate the often-misunderstood complexities of ADHD. As a mother, I’ve experienced firsthand the daily dance of balancing the joys and challenges of raising a family, while managing my own needs. And as someone living with ADHD, diagnosed later in life, I’ve walked the path of self-discovery, learning how to transform what once felt like barriers into sources of strength.

This book is my way of connecting with you, the reader. It is a product of my professional insights, personal experiences, and a deep desire to make ADHD—and its far-reaching impact—better understood. Writing A Journey to a Valiant Mind allowed me to reflect on the shared struggles and triumphs of those I’ve worked with in therapy, as well as my own journey of embracing self-compassion and resilience.

What This Book Offers

This isn’t just another ADHD self-help book. It’s a companion, a guide, and a bridge between understanding and action. Within its pages, I’ve combined storytelling, therapeutic insights, and actionable tools to create an experience that resonates on a deeply human level. You’ll find yourself walking into the therapy room through relatable stories, exploring the intricacies of emotional regulation, executive functioning, relationships, and self-identity.

Reflection questions at the end of each chapter provide a space for introspection, while practical worksheets help you turn understanding into tangible progress. My goal was to create a resource that doesn’t just tell you what ADHD is, but shows you how to navigate it, manage its challenges, and harness its unique strengths.

Why This Book Matters to Me

When I think about the inspiration behind this book, I always return to the lessons I’ve drawn from two impactful works: Irvin Yalom’s Love’s Executioner and Viktor Frankl’s Man’s Search for Meaning. These books wove psychological wisdom into deeply personal narratives, creating a connection that was as emotional as it was intellectual. They showed me that the power of storytelling can make even the most complex concepts accessible and transformative. I aspired to do the same, combining clinical expertise with my personal journey to create a resource that empowers readers to take ownership of their stories.

In writing this book, I wanted to go beyond the surface-level understanding of ADHD. I wanted to delve into its connections to co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, and trauma—areas that often remain in the shadows. I also wanted to challenge the narrative of ADHD as a limitation and instead show how it can be a lens for self-discovery and growth.

A Resource for All

Whether you’re someone living with ADHD, a loved one seeking to better understand the condition, or a mental health professional looking for actionable strategies, A Journey to a Valiant Mind offers insights and tools for transformation. It’s not just about surviving the challenges of ADHD—it’s about thriving, finding resilience, and embracing the journey toward self-compassion and empowerment.

Join Me in This Journey

As we count down to the release in March 2025, I invite you to walk this path with me. I’ll be sharing updates, insights, and behind-the-scenes moments along the way. My hope is that this book becomes a trusted companion for anyone navigating ADHD, offering not only strategies but also validation and connection.

Thank you for being part of this transformative journey. Together, we can redefine what it means to navigate ADHD and embrace the resilience within us all. Stay tuned for updates, and I can’t wait to share this labor of love with you!

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