How to Stop Feeling Broken

by Lucinda | 17, Apr 2025 | ADHD/ADD, Autism, Boundaries, Neurodivergent, Uniqueness

How to Stop Feeling Broken – You’re Just Different

Have you ever had that sinking feeling that you’re not quite right? That somehow, you missed a memo on how to “human” correctly?

Maybe you’ve been told you’re too sensitive, too intense, too quiet, too loud, too much—or not enough.

That feeling of not fitting in can be overwhelming. It can convince you that you’re somehow broken.

But here’s the truth: You are not broken. You’re just different.

And different is NOT a flaw.

What Feeling Broken Really Means

That “feeling broken” sensation often comes from years of internalising messages that something about you needs fixing.

For many neurodiverse people, that message starts early: at school, in social groups, in work environments built for a different kind of brain.

Feeling broken isn’t really about who you are. It’s about how you’ve been made to feel.

When the world isn’t designed with your way of thinking, feeling, or sensing in mind, it can wear you down.

But your differences – your sensitivities, your focus, your perspective – aren’t errors. They’re signals of a mind that works uniquely.

Reframing “Broken” as “Brilliant”

Let’s flip the narrative.

What if those things that make you feel broken are actually signs of brilliance?

🌱 Struggle in noisy environments? That might mean you have finely tuned sensory awareness.
💡 Need time alone to recharge? You may process deeply and feel more than others.
✨ Communicate differently? That’s not a flaw—it’s another form of fluency.

The world needs all kinds of thinkers, feelers, and beings. Your uniqueness might just be the perspective someone else is longing to hear.

How to Start Healing That Feeling

If you’re stuck in the cycle of feeling broken, here are a few gentle steps to help shift that story:

Notice the narrative
Pay attention to the inner voice that says, “I’m too much” or “I don’t belong.”
Whose voice is that? Often, it’s not yours.
Seek spaces that celebrate difference
When you find places—online or in real life—where people get you, it’s like a deep exhale. Community matters.
Speak kindly to yourself
Start small: “I am doing my best.” “There’s nothing wrong with me.”
Let those words begin to soften the edges.
Recognise your strengths
Make a list of what you do well—not just achievements, but traits: creativity, compassion, pattern recognition, perseverance.
Start to celebrate you.
Get support
Whether it’s a coach, therapist, mentor or trusted friend –
Being seen and heard by someone who understands can be powerful.

You Are Not Broken—You Are Becoming

If no one has told you lately: there is nothing wrong with you.

Yes, the world can be confusing, harsh, and overwhelming. But you? You are still whole.

You’re allowed to feel tired. You’re allowed to feel lost. And you’re allowed to rest.

But please don’t mistake being different for being broken.

Because in your difference lies your depth, your strength, and your quiet brilliance.

Share your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear your reactions, thoughts and feelings.

What Does Coaching Impact Really Feel Like?

by Lucinda | 21, Mar 2025 | Empowerment, Inspiration, Neurodivergent, Radiance Coaching

The Lasting Impact of Coaching: How Radiance Coaching Creates Real Change

What Does Coaching Impact Really Feel Like?

Imagine standing at the edge of a dense forest, unsure of the path ahead. The trees whisper possibilities, but the way forward feels tangled, overwhelming.

Coaching is like a lantern lighting the way – not forcing a route, but revealing choices, opening space, making the next step clear.

The impact of coaching isn’t just a single moment of insight.

It’s the feeling of breathing easier, of moving through life with a sense of direction.

It’s the confidence to trust yourself, the freedom to unmask, the deep exhale of realising you no longer have to fit into someone else’s mould.

The Power of Radiance Coaching for Neurodiverse People

Radiance Coaching is a sanctuary for those who experience the world intensely.

If you process life deeply, feel things profoundly, or navigate a brain that doesn’t fit the so-called ‘norm,’ this is for you.

Radiance Coaching isn’t about fixing – it’s about aligning with who you already are and uncovering what makes you thrive.

The impact of Radiance Coaching shows up in:

🌿 Moments of clarity that feel like fresh air – the sudden realisation that you do know what you need, and always have.

🎶 Expressing yourself in ways that finally feel right – no more struggling to fit into uncomfortable conversations or expectations.

🔥 Energy shifts that transform daily life – recognising what drains you, what fuels you, and how to balance both.

🌊 Finding your natural rhythm – honouring how you move through the world, instead of forcing yourself into someone else’s pace.

🌟 Success on your terms – defining progress by how you feel, not by arbitrary checklists or comparisons.

How Do You Know Coaching is Working?

The effects of Radiance Coaching don’t come with a scorecard – they show up in the little things, the ripples that turn into waves:

Noticing more ease in your days – decisions feel smoother, self-doubt loosens its grip, your energy flows where it’s needed.
Recognising and celebrating small wins – setting boundaries without guilt, speaking up with confidence, feeling seen in your own story.
Feeling at home in yourself – not needing to shrink, mask, or explain away your natural ways of being.

The Ripple Effect of Coaching

Transformation isn’t just personal – it extends outward.

When you shift, so do your relationships, your environment, your way of engaging with the world.

You move with more presence, more authenticity, creating spaces where others can do the same.

Neuro-Affirming Coaching click - LucindaCurran.com

Ready to Experience the Shift?

If you’re ready to move from stuck to flowing, Radiance Coaching is here to support you.

I’ve got a couple of places opening up – let’s chat about how coaching can help you step into your fullest self.

Learn more and book your sessions here.

How to Book or Create a Package - LucindaCurran.com

Hyperfocus: The Joy (and Challenge) of Deep Dives

by Lucinda | 17, Mar 2025 | ADHD/ADD, Autism, Empowerment, Hyperfocus, Neurodivergent

Hyperfocus: The Joy (and Challenge) of Deep Dives

I was catching up with a friend over coffee when she sighed, shaking her head with a wry smile.

“I just don’t get it. I sat down to do a quick bit of research for my project, and before I knew it, six hours had passed! I forgot to eat, I ignored my phone—nothing else existed. It’s like I disappeared into another world. Is that normal?”

A familiar spark of recognition lit up in me. “That sounds perfectly normal to me!! It’s called ‘hyperfocus’!” I said.

If you’ve ever lost yourself in an absorbing task—emerging hours later, dazed and completely unaware of the time—you might have experienced hyperfocus, too.

It’s the intense, immersive state where distractions fade away, and your entire being locks onto one fascinating thing.

Whether it’s reading, gaming, creating, or problem-solving, hyperfocus can feel like a superpower—until it’s not.

What is Hyperfocus?

It is a state of deep concentration where a person becomes completely absorbed in an activity, often to the exclusion of everything else.

It’s most commonly associated with neurodiverse individuals, particularly those with ADHD and autism, but anyone can experience it.

Unlike general concentration, which can be consciously controlled, hyperfocus often feels involuntary.

It’s not just paying attention—it’s disappearing into something, sometimes to the point of neglecting basic needs like eating, sleeping, or responding to others.

The Double-Edged Sword

Hyperfocus can be a gift.

It allows for deep learning, creativity, and productivity.

Many breakthroughs in science, art, and technology have likely come from someone deeply immersed in their work.

But it also has its downsides.

If the focus locks onto the ‘wrong’ thing (a video game instead of an important deadline, or a creative project instead of much-needed sleep), it can cause frustration, stress, or even burnout.

It can also make it difficult to switch tasks, leading to missed appointments, unfinished chores, and an imbalance in daily life.

Monotropism: The Science Behind Hyperfocus

A key concept linked to hyperfocus is monotropism – the idea that some brains naturally focus on fewer things at a deeper level, rather than spreading attention broadly.

This explains why shifting attention can be difficult and why deep dives into interests are so rewarding.

For those with a monotropic attention style, engaging in a passion feels energising and fulfilling, but being forced to multitask or switch focus can be exhausting.

Understanding this can help people manage their focus more effectively, rather than fighting against it.

Managing Hyperfocus: Harnessing the Magic

If this is something you experience, here are a few ways to work with it rather than against it:

1️⃣ Set External Reminders – Alarms, timers, and accountability check-ins can help break up long focus sessions so you remember to eat, drink, and rest.

2️⃣ Plan ‘Deep Work’ Time – If you know you hyperfocus best in the evenings, schedule important tasks for then, instead of forcing yourself into less optimal times.

3️⃣ Create Soft Exit Strategies – Transitioning out of hyperfocus can be difficult. Using a wind-down routine, like journaling your progress or setting a stopping point in advance, can make it easier.

4️⃣ Use It to Your Advantage – When channelled well, hyperfocus can be an incredible asset for work, hobbies, and personal growth. Understanding your own patterns helps you make the most of it.

5️⃣ Build Recovery Time – Hyperfocus can be exhilarating but also exhausting. Plan for rest, movement, and downtime after deep dives to prevent burnout and keep your focus sustainable.

Embracing Your Focus Pocus

I’ve always called hyperfocus my “Focus Pocus”—that magical ability to get completely absorbed in something I love.

Learning to embrace and manage it has helped me balance its benefits while avoiding its pitfalls.

hyperfocus focus pocus - lucindacurran.com

If you or someone you know experiences hyperfocus, it’s worth recognising its power and finding ways to make it work in your favour.

What’s the last thing you got lost in for hours? Let’s celebrate the deep dives together!

Share in the comments, or come over and share in our free community: Different… and Loving it!

Sounds for Autism, Anxiety & Fear

by Lucinda | 12, Mar 2025 | Anxiety, Autism, Sound Healing

Sounds for Autism, Anxiety & Fear

How Sound Helps Calm the Nervous System

Ever felt completely overstimulated, like every sound, light, or social interaction is just too much?

Whether it’s anxiety, sensory overload, or shutdowns, there’s one natural tool that can help: sound.

From humming and singing to deep vibrations and music, sound can directly activate the vagus nerve, our body’s built-in relaxation switch.

This means it can help reduce stress, prevent meltdowns, and bring a sense of calm—all in a way that’s backed by science.

Let’s explore how it works and how you can use sound to support your nervous system.

The Vagus Nerve: Your Body’s Relaxation Switch

The vagus nerve runs from your brainstem down through your body, connecting with your heart, lungs, and gut.

It’s a key part of the parasympathetic nervous system, which helps you rest, digest, and recover.

Unlike the fight-or-flight response, which ramps up anxiety and stress, the vagus nerve brings everything back to a state of calm.

💙 It slows the heart rate
🔷 Regulates breathing
💙 Reduces inflammation
🔷 Supports emotional regulation

And the best part? Sound is one of the easiest ways to activate it.

(Read more about the vagus nerve.)

How Sound Stimulates the Vagus Nerve

Research has found that certain sounds and vibrations can directly engage the vagus nerve, helping to regulate emotions and reduce stress.

🎶 1. Humming & Singing

The vibration of your voice stimulates the vagus nerve, sending calming signals through your body. (Check out my #1 Humming Technique here.)

Studies have shown that group singing even increases heart rate variability—a sign of a well-regulated nervous system. (Maybe it’s time to join a choir?)

💧 2. Gargling

Dr Carlo Rinaudo, a chiropractor, explains that gargling is a powerful vagus nerve exercise.

The muscles at the back of the throat engage, stimulating vagal tone—the measure of how well your nervous system regulates stress.

🎵 3. Listening to Music

Certain types of music, particularly those that create a sense of awe or deep relaxation, have been linked to increased vagus nerve activity and lower anxiety levels.

🔔 4. Sound Healing & Vibrational Therapy

Low-frequency sounds, Tibetan bowls, and tuning forks create deep resonance in the body, supporting relaxation and emotional balance.

Research suggests these types of sound therapy can reduce stress and even improve focus.

Why This Matters for Autism, Anxiety & Fear

For many neurodiverse people, sensory overload, anxiety, and emotional overwhelm are part of daily life.

Learning to regulate your nervous system through sound can be a game-changer.

💙 Helps prevent meltdowns & shutdowns

🔷 Reduces stress and sensory overwhelm

💙 Supports emotional regulation & focus

🔷 Provides a simple, natural way to find calm

The beauty of sound is that it’s always available—whether you hum, listen to music, or even gargle!

Try It for Yourself

Now, I’d love to hear from you!

💬 What sounds help you feel calm and regulated? Share your experience in the comments.

🎧 Want to explore sound healing? Join me in a sound journey! LucindaCurran.com

And if you’re looking for a community of unique people who truly get it, come join us at members.LucindaCurran.com—it’s free!

#Autism #AnxietyRelief #VagusNerve #SoundHealing #Neurodiversity #DifferentAndLovingIt #EmbraceYourUniqueness

Masking, Meltdowns, and Managing Your Energy

by Lucinda | 3, Mar 2025 | Energy, Masking, Meltdowns, Neurodivergent

Masking, Meltdowns, and Managing Your Energy

Do you ever feel like you’re holding yourself together just long enough to get through a situation—only to completely crash afterwards? That’s masking. And if you’ve experienced the emotional and physical toll it takes, you’re not alone.

Masking is when we suppress our natural responses, emotions, or behaviours to fit in, meet expectations, or avoid standing out. While it can help us navigate certain social situations, it’s also exhausting and can lead to meltdowns, shutdowns, and long-term burnout.

If you’re constantly running on empty, it’s time to explore how to manage your energy, reduce the impact of masking, and honour your natural rhythms.

What Is Masking?

Masking is often an unconscious response to social pressure. You might suppress stimming, force eye contact, or modify your behaviour to blend in. It’s particularly common among neurodiverse individuals, introverts, and highly sensitive people.

A Personal Example of Masking

For me, one of the biggest challenges has been visiting my parents in aged care. The overwhelming mix of noise, strong smells, social interactions, and confronting realities of dementia means I have to hold it all together while I’m there. I suppress my discomfort, push through, and stay composed. But once I get home, exhaustion sets in. My energy crashes, and I need time to recover.

Sound familiar? If so, let’s look at the cost of masking and how to manage it.

The Cost of Masking

Masking isn’t just tiring—it has real emotional and physical consequences.

1. Emotional Exhaustion

Suppressing your natural reactions can lead to anxiety, stress, and emotional burnout. Over time, it can make you feel disconnected from yourself.

2. Physical Fatigue

Headaches, muscle tension, and extreme exhaustion can result from constantly monitoring and adjusting your behaviour.

3. Meltdowns vs. Shutdowns

Meltdowns: A buildup of sensory, emotional, or mental overload that results in an emotional outburst.
Shutdowns: A response to overwhelm where you withdraw, go silent, and struggle to function.

The more we mask, the more likely we are to experience these crashes—but there are ways to reduce the impact.

How to Manage Your Energy & Reduce the Impact of Masking

💡 You don’t have to stop masking entirely—but you can make it less draining.

1. Recognise Your Triggers

Start noticing when and where you mask the most. Which situations leave you feeling completely drained? Awareness is the first step to managing your energy better.

2. Schedule Recovery Time

If you know you’ll be masking, plan for decompression time afterwards. Give yourself permission to rest, engage in quiet activities, or spend time alone.

3. Find Safe Spaces to Be Unmasked

It’s important to have environments where you can be fully yourself. Who are the people you don’t need to pretend around? Where do you feel truly comfortable?

4. Set Boundaries & Advocate for Yourself

Saying no to overwhelming situations is an act of self-care. If possible, adjust your environment or routine to reduce the need for masking. Small changes—like wearing noise-cancelling headphones or taking regular breaks—can make a big difference.

5. Use Energy Management Strategies

The Bucket Theory: You have a limited amount of energy (‘buckets’) per day—use them wisely.
The 3 Rs: Rest, Recharge, and Reconnect with what makes you feel like you.

Embracing a Life with Less Masking

Masking may be part of your life, but it doesn’t have to control you. By understanding your energy limits, setting boundaries, and prioritising rest, you can navigate the world in a way that feels sustainable and true to who you are.

If this resonates with you and you’re ready to build a life where you don’t have to mask as much, I invite you to explore Radiance Coaching. Together, we’ll create a way forward that honours your unique energy and needs. Click here to learn more!

Also, I’d love to hear from you—when do you find yourself masking the most, and what helps you recharge? Let’s continue the conversation in the comments!

Summing Up

Masking is something many of us do—but we don’t have to let it rule our lives.

By understanding your energy limits, setting boundaries, and prioritising rest, you can reduce exhaustion and honour your true self.

If this resonates with you, let’s talk about ways you can build a life where you don’t have to mask so much.

I offer Radiance Coaching to help unique people like you navigate life with more ease and joy. Want to explore what that could look like for you? Click here to learn more!