Finding My Center: How I Use Mind Maps to Calm the Noise

Sometimes, the world moves too fast. Between the heavy news cycles—like the recent immigration incidents in the Lower 48—and the daily demands of life, my mind can feel like a blur of “too much, too loud.”

When I feel stunned or stuck, I turn to a tool that serves as a bridge between the clutter in my head and the peace I need: The Mind Map.

The “Brain Dump” Method

As someone navigating the beautiful (and sometimes exhausting) intersection of Autism and ADHD, my brain craves two things that often conflict:

1. Autism loves categorization and structure.
2. ADHD creates a constant stream of “clutter” and non-linear thoughts.

A mind map solves both. I start by putting my name, Til, right in the center. From there, I let the ink flow. I don’t worry about being “neat”—I just need to get the thoughts out.

How I Organize My Map

Looking at my current map, you can see how the branches help me reclaim control:

• The Big Rocks: Family, Home, Work, and Health.
• The Details: Under “Home,” I see the light switches and paint; under “Health,” I distinguish between the gym (physical) and this very mind map (mental).
• The Finances: Categorizing bills and debts helps me see the numbers as a plan rather than a monster under the bed.

Why It Works

By physically drawing these connections in bright pink ink, I’m not just making a to-do list; I’m externalizing my internal world. It allows me to see that while life is busy, it is also categorized. Once it’s on the paper, I don’t have to carry it in my headspace anymore.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed today, try it. Grab a piece of paper, put your name in the center, and start branching out. You might find that the “fast” thoughts start to slow down once they have a place to land.