Have Hope: Executive Function Support Does Work

At 67, I tell my new Seeing My Time clients that the reason I keep working is that I’m having too much fun teaching the course to stop! It is such a joy to guide people to build their executive functioning and time management skills.

Another reason is that I can open my email and find such inspiring stories shared by past clients. This past week I got just such an email. I was so moved that I asked if I could share her letter to which she graciously agreed. Her backstory is that she is an educator who had experienced a traumatic brain injury that severely impacted her brain and her executive functioning. She came to me for help.

Here is her message of hope.

Marydee,

I had a moment with a colleague yesterday who said, “Marydee would be so proud of you.” So, I thought I would take a moment to reach out and share. I am starting a new position with my school and at the same time, we are preparing to sell our house in 3 weeks.

To prepare, I made a spreadsheet of every task we needed to complete to get the house ready for sale. The remarkable part is that this action is a precursor to what I will be doing in my new position of coordinating activities and assessments as well as doing instructional coaching.

Remember when I couldn’t even clean my garage or even figure out the first step to cleaning the garage? Little by little change happens.

The last six years have been an amazing transformation for me. If you ever encounter someone who does not believe that their situation will improve, let them know that you have living proof that it can happen. It’s not magic, but consistency and riding that “E” train that will get them there.*

I have been using a lot of executive function support strategies in my daily life, but also in my work. As an instructional coach for teachers, my executive function training is going to come in handy as one of my favorite tools in my toolbox.

I just wanted to thank you for recognizing all those years ago what I really needed was not pedagogy, but real and relevant strategies that ultimately empowered me to change my life.

I have had an incredible recovery, but know that it would not have been as impactful if I had not received your assistance. I am so thankful that I was willing to believe you when you said that change was possible.

Have a beautiful day.

*the “E” train is a reference to a lesson from the Seeing My Time Instructor’s Manual.

So, my friends, if you are full of doubt about your future, take heart from this amazing woman. Have HOPE!

Little by little, change does indeed happen!

Marydee