Aug 18
ADHDers are often stereotyped (accurately, admittedly) as being obsessed with psychology, personality tests, birth charts–anything that might give us answers on why we do the things we do. But when we’ve spent our whole lives feeling different and not knowing why, is it any surprise that we’re so hyperfocused on trying to understand ourselves?
My guest this episode, Tenrikyo priestess and personal empowerment coach Latoya Williams, finally got some of these answers when she started studying the teachings of Tenrikyo, a Japanese religion that taught her the value of mindfulness and completely changed how she shows up for herself each day. Latoya’s spiritual practice, combined with her ADHD diagnosis, opened her eyes to what was possible in the world and gave her clarity on her purpose, which she knows is to help others.
A self-described “professional disruptor of culture,” Latoya is dedicated to helping the other misfits out there uncover and embrace their own unconventional paths through her trauma-informed work. Join me as Latoya shares how embracing her uniqueness and following her passions led her to her purpose, the value in healing our trauma and examining our deeply-held beliefs about ourselves, and the absolute necessity of marching to the beat of your own weird drum.
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"Our paths don’t have to be conventional, and that speaks to me as someone with ADHD. I definitely think that a lot of what I do now, not only as a studying marriage and family therapist but also as a life coach, is rooted in that idea that sometimes you just have to do things that don't make sense to people. I think that’s the thing that really created that shift in my life."
- Latoya Williams
"In doing the work on myself, it made me understand that my purpose is to serve other people, that it is to really guide people in getting clear on their own lives, and I can say that a lot of the work that I’ve done for myself has truly benefitted a lot of people around me."
- Latoya Williams
"I was obsessed with anything that would tell me a little more about myself, because I just wanted to know more about me and get a better understanding of who I was and what role that I served in this world."
- Latoya Williams
- Latoya shares her experience with ADHD, mentioning both her hyperactive and inattentive traits depending on the situation.
- Latoya emphasizes the importance of intentionality in her life, including her decision to study Japanese and her experience in college.
- Latoya shares her experience studying the Tenrikyo faith in Japan, a unique religious sect not affiliated with Buddhism.
[27:50 - 46:32] Trauma and Personal Growth
- Latoya explains the role of yoga in Tenrikyo, including the service and grant given to yoga schools.
- Latoya shares her journey of embracing unconventionality and finding success as a life coach and trauma-informed therapist, despite being diagnosed with ADHD.
- Latoya reflects on the concept of social construction and its impact on her life, including generational trauma and the need for intentional reflection and personal growth.
- Latoya shares how her ADHD has helped her in various aspects of her life, including her support system and relationships.
- Latoya embraces her ADHD as a superpower, finding it has opened up new possibilities and allowed her to do things differently.
- Latoya discusses disrupting cultural norms and trauma-informed therapy.
Website: yggcoaching.com
IG: @yourgreatestgood
https://tenrikyo.com/
https://www.tenrikyo.or.jp/eng/
