I discovered that Maria, of The Sound of Music fame, is a lot like myself and other ADHD women – flighty, charming, and hyperactive.
The part had my name written all over it. When the Princess of Wales Theater in Toronto held a call to find the perfect Maria for a dramatic production of, I thought I should get it, hands down. No, I am not an actor, but I do have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder. I figured I could method-act my way through the performance, and skip acting school.
Shortly after her arrival at Captain Von Trapp’s home, Maria’s impulsive behavior and spontaneous remarks both repel and attract her new employer. Maria confesses, “I can’t seem to stop saying things, everything and anything I think and feel.” This sounds familiar. Impulsive blurting is a hallmark of myMaria’s lack of polish contrasts with the ever-so-controlled Baroness, whom Von Trapp professes to love. Or at least, to understand. Still, Maria’s exuberance tempts him; she’s won his heart.
When the captain finally professes his love for Maria, she is befuddled. How could anyone possibly love her? She searches her memory to find something lovable about herself. “Somewhere in my youth or childhood, I must have done something good.” Only she can’t think what.By the time an undiagnosed person with ADHD reaches adulthood, her self-esteem is often shot. It’s hard to remember that “something good” among so many failures.
Maria found her happy ending in the captain’s arms. Many professionals stress the importance of a healthy relationship to stabilize. Achieving it isn’t always easy, and divorce rates are higher among ADHD adults. Just for a moment, think about if Maria had been one of these grim statistics?
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