ADHD Coaching in New Orleans: Five Questions With Adela

Hi! Mind Coach NOLA's social media manager here! I asked Adela some questions about her life so others can get to know her better. Adela is a mother of two, a wife, a native New Orleanian, former Spanish and French teacher, world traveler, former ex-pat, activist, volunteer, cancer survivor, and entrepreneur! As an ADHD-specific Mind Coach or as a Life Coach for adults, she uses her training and life experiences to help clients live with intention, vision, organization, and success.

How long have you lived in New Orleans? 

"I was born and raised in New Orleans. In high school, I vowed to move far away and never come back. I managed to do the first but not the latter."

What's your favorite thing about living in New Orleans?

"The pageantry. I love the daily costumes and drama of the people, which change only in slight variation depending on the season. I love the reverence placed on preparing, serving, and savoring meals. I love the weather, the intensity of flora and fauna, the colors and smells that arouse your senses. I love the history and blend of Latin and African cultures. I love the music and the festivals, feeling the beat in my bones.

I’m half Cuban, and New Orleans is much more of a Caribbean city than an American one, so it’s a good fit."

Where else have you lived, and what was your favorite thing about those places?

"Boston: a common respect for learning and knowledge

Valencia, Spain: energy, passion and zest for life

Paris, France: the importance placed on philosophy and beauty

Breda, the Netherlands (I lived for about eight years in the Netherlands): practical solutions and exemplary organization, feminism, tolerance, respect for the environment and always working for the greater good of the community

While working in Amsterdam I got to travel all over their world setting up local training centers. We translated and adapted the material for cultural differences, yet the basic human needs to be valued, loved and respected never changed."

If you could go back in time and talk to yourself when you were in your twenties, what would you say?

"Take the time to define your values, your identity, and your purpose. Who are you now and who do you want to be? Dream big, create a vision and then have someone help you make a plan that is both fun and in alignment with your goals.  

Also: travel abroad and immerse yourself in a foreign culture."

Which books or authors have been the most influential for you?

"That list changes all the time. In terms of fiction, I just finished Behold the Dreamers by Imbolo Mbue. The characters are challenged to question their values, and their ability to live by those or not determines their happiness. Before that, I enjoyed American War by Omar El Akkad. It reminds us that working towards a global common vision is just as important as working on our personal goals."