Therapist Confession #1: Yes, We Also Forget to Meditate

To be totally honest, mindfulness is something I struggle with. I have a reminder on my phone that goes off twice a day to prompt me to pause and check in with myself. These reminders are set for times when I know I won’t be in appointments, but regrettably, most days, I just swipe them away.

When I do manage to pause—even if it’s just for a few minutes—I’m never surprised by what shows up. It could be some anxiety or stress I’ve been carrying, a thought about something that happened earlier, or, more notably, some tension in my body.

Mindfulness is tough for me, and it always comes down to two things: my mind and my sense of time. As someone with ADHD, my mind is usually racing ahead—three steps ahead of where I am. It’s not easy to bring myself back to the present. I also live by the clock. I pack my schedule with too many things, leaving little room to just “be.” Mindfulness can often feel like a waste of time when there’s so much on my to-do list.

But when I’m out on a run, especially on trails, I experience moments where I’m totally tuned in. I can hear my thoughts, feel my body, and notice everything happening around me. That’s when mindfulness clicks, and it feels more natural.

And, yes, I’m guilty of encouraging clients to practice mindfulness while not always following through myself. I get it; it’s a challenge. But that’s why I always remind my clients: mindfulness takes practice, and it’s okay to struggle with it.