I memorized this Rudyard Kipling poem as a kid. It has stuck with me my entire life. When facing a challenge, especially one with a looming deadline, a quick read of this self-paraphrased version usually does me good. Maybe it can help you today. You can read Kipling’s poem, here, via the Poetry Foundation.

Here is my paraphrased version, cooked down to a punch list, for my diagnosed (and undiagnosed) friends living with ADHD, depression, anxiety, or any physical, mental or emotional disability:

stay calm

trust yourself

be patient

tell the truth

always be kind

stay modest

be bold

expect good and bad times

keep moving forward

take big risks

be resilient

remain positive

be courageous in fear

take a stand

treat everyone the same

take care of yourself

learn from your mistakes

show up

always forgive