Our Story
Hello world! My name’s Anthea, and I run this blog with my partner Damian. As of February 2024, we are in a long-distance relationship and have been so for the past three years. We were both diagnosed with ADHD in our early 20s. Damian has the hyperactive type of ADHD, while I lean more towards the inattentive type. This diagnosis illuminated a path of understanding, unveiling the reasons behind past actions, frustrations towards each other, daily life struggles, and feedback from others regarding our “behaviors“. It provided us with clarity and a sense of validation.
Writing has always been my passion, whether it’s chronicling my life or crafting fictional narratives of star-crossed lovers. My early introduction to blogging—at just 7 years old—through Bobo, the renowned Indonesian children’s magazine, ignited this love affair with storytelling. This year, I’ve made a conscious decision to elevate my blogging journey, dedicating myself to documenting life’s moments and encounters with greater purpose.
While ADHD isn’t the entirety of my identity—or Damian’s—it undeniably shapes who we are. The challenges I face, from seemingly simple tasks to major life events like travel, work, family, and building relationships, stem from ADHD. While these endeavors may appear effortless to neurotypical individuals, they pose significant hurdles for those of us with ADHD. Hence, our commitment to this blog: to document our travels, experiences, and routines, not only for personal reflection but also to offer guidance and inspiration to fellow ADHD individuals and beyond by sharing strategies that have proven effective for us. We also hope to shed light on adult ADHD to those who wish to learn more about this condition.
The Marveler
Our Philosophy
We chose the name “The Marveler” as it embodies a spirit of wonder, curiosity, excitement, and appreciation for the small wonders of life.
We believe that life is an extraordinary journey filled with endless wonders waiting to be discovered. Our blog is dedicated to embracing the marvels of everyday life and finding beauty in the ordinary. We strive to inspire curiosity, cultivate gratitude, and celebrate the magic that surrounds us. Whether it’s exploring new destinations, savoring delicious meals, indulging in creative pursuits, or nurturing meaningful connections, we aim to share experiences that ignite a sense of wonder and enrich our lives.
Our Goal
We are starting this blog in the hopes that if you have ADHD, or if someone you care about has ADHD, then perhaps you can learn a thing or two from our experience. ADHD is ever-present and it permeates every aspect of our lives. It’s like an uninvited guest that never leaves – it’s always there, lurking in the shadows and impacting every aspect of our lives and affecting our relationships. What might seem like straightforward tasks for neurotypical individuals, can morph into daily battles for those with ADHD.
The simple act of unpacking a suitcase becomes a Herculean task as distractions pull us in a dozen different directions. Hobbies that should bring joy instead become fleeting interests, abandoned as quickly as they’re started. And don’t even get me started on housework – it’s like trying to navigate a maze blindfolded, with ADHD throwing curveballs at every turn. Focusing in conversations can be hard. Forgetting what they just said makes you feel lost. But you’re reluctant to ask for a repeat out of shame. There are so many other instances like these that can be attributed to ADHD.
For those of us living with ADHD, these seemingly mundane activities take on a whole new level of complexity. But hey, we’re not here to wallow in self-pity. Instead, we’re embracing the quirks and challenges that come with ADHD, finding humor in the chaos and celebrating the small victories along the way. Because let’s face it – life with ADHD may be a rollercoaster, but it’s one heck of a ride! That is why we’re always going to find reasons to marvel at the beauty in simplicity that life has in offer for us. Even quotidian experiences that might seem humdrum and insignificant can be worth telling if we look closely!
What’s next
As we move forward, our blog will cover not only topics related to ADHD, but also delve into lifestyle, travel, experiences, reviews, and more. Our aim is for this platform to evolve and expand alongside us. Whether we’re starting a family, embarking on new adventures in a different country, or diving into entrepreneurial ventures, we’re committed to documenting our journey and sharing valuable insights with our readers. We’re excited to continue delivering value and creating meaningful connections with each and every one of you.