Beauty in the Blur

Before we begin today’s post, I should probably start with a little disclaimer about the way my mind works. Some of you may thrive on a typical, ordered pattern or progression of posts. I apologize in advance, if this is the case for you, because my posts will likely take an alternative route.

A much rockier, less traveled route but, just as captivating and capable of getting you to your destination.

Oh, and before I forget…my posts probably won’t arrive in a timely manner. Sorry…maybe one day :D.

My mind is...how do I say this?

My mind is like a loosely saddled bronco, chasing after a galloping

wind. It’s unstoppable speed, rapid bolt, and winding turns may throw you off balance and its movements can be very unpredictable.

You may, now, be wondering, where, when, and how will this horse get to its destination?

I know, I know…I often wonder this too hehe.

Just take a minute, find your breath and know…it will get there. It always gets there. So, sit tight, hold onto the reins and try to keep your hair from slapping you across the face as you ride. Also, try not to worry about the "when."

After all, God has made everything beautiful in its time (Ecclesiastes 3:11, NKJV).

Did I miss anything? Most likely, but that pretty much sums it up.

Now, let’s take a dictionary dive into logical versus illogical. Shall we?

Logical is defined as “capable of reasoning or of using reasoning in an orderly cogent fashion (Merrium-Webster, n.d.)."

i.e. my mind… on a smooth ride kind of day ;D.

Illogical is defined as “Not observing the principles of logic (Merrium-Webster, n.d.)." Also, my mind… most other days :D.

Logical sounds delightful, doesn’t it? And delightful, it is.

But for me, the illogical can be just as magnificent. It’s like a whimsical garden of wild flowers, frantically fluttering amongst a boisterous breeze. It’s off-beat nature and steep slants, effortlessly embrace me in a powerful portrait of perfectly painted petals...most of the time. Are you following me?

Ehh maybe…if not, just stumble your way to the next part. As my husband often tells me, “it will all buff out in the end.”

So now for the illogically placed, logical topic of today 😉

Logically, my first post should have probably been on the topic of neurodivergence. Since many of you may not be familiar with the term or it’s traits.

But…like my grammar...it is what it is.

So, what is neurodivergence? I’m so glad you asked!

Hold on tight! Here comes a winding turn.

It’s important to note, there are a few more key terms to understand, not just neurodivergence.

The first being, neurodiversity. The second being, neurodivergent and last, but definitely not least, neurotypical.

Okay, so now that you have our terms of the day, here’s my quick summarization of each. Neurodivergence simply means the mind works and processes information in ways that are not considered typical. Neurodiversity is the belief that our minds learn, process and experience the world differently. Neurodivergent refers to people who think, learn and/or interact with others in an atypical fashion. Neurotypical refers to individuals who think, learn and/or interact with others in a typical fashion (Resnick, 2023; Cleveland Clinic, 2022; NLM, 2025; Merriam-Webster, n.d.). I know. It's a lot to understand but, oh, so exciting once you do.

One more side curve (get it, like side note but not). Hang on tight! And keep those tresses pulled back because here we go again and we're almost to the point.

It’s worth noting that many forms of neurodivergence include the word disorder, as though it’s something to be fixed. This topic brings with it much debate by various professionals. Many believe neurodivergence is a normal variation in human development and should be celebrated. Others see it as a problem that needs to be solved. And as with most things, there is also the gray area, in which neither opinion is viewed as the obvious answer.

Anyway, back to the "kind of" straight and narrow road.

Some common forms of neurodivergence are Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), and certain learning disabilities. Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD) is an uncommonly known form of neurodivergence (Prism Advocacy, n.d.; Spielmann, n.d.). Giftedness can also be considered neurodivergence since children with these abilities, process information differently and can often have co-occurring conditions such as ADHD, ASD, SPD, or learning disabilities ("Gifted Children," n.d.). This is, by no means, a comprehensive list and there are other types of neurodivergence that have not been mentioned in this post.

It’s important to understand that, while neurodivergence can come with various challenges, it is also accompanied by extraordinary strengths and talents. Many neurodivergent people, including myself, view neurodivergence as something to be embraced, understood, accommodated, and accepted but not fixed. Can you imagine, if we were all the same? How boring would that be!

This stance is not meant to minimize the deep suffering and profound debilitation experienced by some neurodivergent individuals and families. It instead encourages us to view neurodivergence through a positive, rather than a negative lens. Forever fixating our gaze on the blessings within the struggles. And giving us an eternal focus on what God can do through us, not on what we can't do for ourselves.

To better understand this. Let’s take a look at ADHD, as an example.

A common misconception surrounding ADHD is that individuals with ADHD have difficulty focusing. I'm sure you've heard this, right? Well I'm sorry to be the one to burst your blurry bubble but you've heard wrong. Or at least mostly wrong. In reality, people with ADHD do not have difficulty focusing. Yes, I said it and it's true.

Maybe…they lose sight of information, the largely neurotypical world believes these individuals should be focusing on, but they do not have difficulty focusing.

It’s quite the opposite, actually.

People with an ADHD, neurodivergent mind, focus extremely well. Almost too well, sometimes. Their focus is just typically on one thing or in some instances, many things that interest them. This is called hyperfocus. And they often hyperfocus on one or more areas of interest which, unsurprisingly, can cause the other things around them to quickly fall out of focus. All tasks seen as less important or uninteresting to the ADHD mind, at the time, often involuntarily and sometimes voluntarily, dissolve into a big beautiful blur.

The blur being... all the fluff, outside of the ADHD mind’s interests, that mysteriously and sometimes, frustratingly floats away. Until that fluff is inexplicably no longer in view. Are you picking up on my bittersweet tone? I sure hope so ;).

The hyperfocus trait can definitely come with its drawbacks. This characteristic can bring serious challenges in productivity, time-management, and organization. But... on the other hand, this same trait can be wonderfully useful and profoundly productive. Often, leading to the most imaginative stories, amazing illustrations, wonderful ideas, fantastic creations, and extraordinary successes.

So, if you have a little mind that loves living in the illogical, just remember this. We all have different minds and different gifts but the same great God is always working within us. Masterfully using all of His creations for His divine purposes (1 Corinthians 12:4-6, NKJV).

Until next time,

Christina

After thought of the post: "Find beauty in the blur, my friends, because God doesn't make mistakes, whether they are in focus or not."

"For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them (Ephesians 2: 10, NKJV)."

***Even though I am an independently licensed social worker, none of the information provided to you in this blog, within my books or on my website is professional advice, diagnosis or treatment of any kind. These posts are strictly providing general information/education and are not substitutes for professional help. If you find yourself concerned about you or your child's mental health, please don't hesitate to reach out to a qualified mental health provider. All views expressed in this blog are personal and not representative of the social work profession.***

References:

Cleveland Clinic. (2022, June 22). Neurodivergent. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/23154-neurodivergent

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Neurodivergent. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neurodivergent

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Neurodiversity. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved November 19, 2025, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neurodiversity

Merriam-Webster. (n.d.). Neurotypical. In Merriam-Webster.com dictionary. Retrieved November 18, 2025, from https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neurotypical

National Network of Libraries of Medicine. (2025, November 18). Neurodiversity. National Network of Libraries of Medicine. https://www.nnlm.gov/reading-club/topic/331

Prism Advocacy. (n.d). Understanding "giftedness" as Neurodivergence. https://www.prismadvocacy.com/blog/understanding-giftedness-as-neurodivergence

Resnick, A. (2023, November 2). What Does It Mean to Be Neurodivergent. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/what-is-neurodivergence-and-what-does-it-mean-to-be-neurodivergent-5196627#:~:text=Neurodivergence%20is%20the%20term%20for,in%20how%20the%20brain%20works

Scripture taken from the New King James Version ®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.

Spielmann, V. (n.d.) What Happened to Sensory Processing Disorder (SPD)? Star Institute. https://sensoryhealth.org/node/2079

Gifted Children. (n.d.). My Neurodivergent Child. https://www.myneurodivergentchild.com.au/gifted-children/#:~:text=This%20model%20understands%20giftedness%20as,mental%20health%20and%20well%2Dbeing

All written content @2025 by Christina Retherford. All rights reserved. Graphics created using Wix media.