When ADHD Goes Full Speed Ahead (And Accidentally Changes Stainless Steel Into Sterling Silver)

Sometimes My Superpower Has a Blind Spot

If you've followed Mala for Vets for any length of time, you probably know that I have ADHD.

Most days, I genuinely consider it one of my superpowers.

It helps me connect dots that other people don't see. I notice patterns. I can spot opportunities almost instantly. I love learning, so I usually know just enough about almost everything to jump into a conversation. My brain loves solving problems, building systems, and creating things from scratch.

It's also the reason I built Mala for Vets and Chris Eder Design by myself.

But ADHD has another side.

Once I create a system, my brain assumes the system must be right. Then it shifts into cruise control.

Not 60 mph cruise control.

More like 108 mph with the windows down and music cranked up…most likely some 80s New Wave.

Sometimes that works beautifully.

Sometimes...well...

That's how I recently discovered that I've been calling my stainless steel skull beads sterling silver.

Oops.

Wait...Those Aren't Sterling Silver?

Nope.

They're stainless steel.

And honestly, that makes a whole lot more sense.

First, have you seen the price of sterling silver lately?

Who can afford to build an entire collection of sterling silver skull wrist malas without selling a kidney?

Second, stainless steel is actually the better choice for what I make.

It's incredibly durable.

It doesn't tarnish the way sterling silver can.

It stands up to everyday wear.

And for many people, it's simply more comfortable to wear.

Then another thought hit me.

How Many Warriors Never Bought One?

That question bothered me more than the labeling mistake.

I know plenty of people who avoid silver because it irritates their skin or because they've had allergic reactions to certain metals in the past.

Some people simply see the word silver and immediately move on.

How many Warriors looked at one of my Skull Wrist Malas, assumed it wasn't for them, and never clicked because they believed the skull bead was sterling silver?

I'll never know.

But I do know this.

If that was you, I'm sorry.

The listings are being corrected, and now everyone knows the truth.

Sometimes paying attention means noticing the little things.

Mindfulness Isn't About Being Perfect

One of the biggest lessons meditation has taught me is that mindfulness isn't perfection.

It's awareness.

You notice.

You acknowledge.

You adjust.

That's it.

No guilt.

No beating yourself up.

Just awareness followed by action.

Funny enough, this little mistake became its own mindfulness lesson.

I wasn't paying attention because I thought I already knew the answer.

How often do we do that in life?

We assume.

We rush.

We stop observing.

Then one day we slow down enough to notice something we've been overlooking the whole time.

That's mindfulness.

Not getting everything right.

Just becoming aware when something isn't.

Warrior Mindful Moment

Take five slow breaths.

With each inhale, silently say:

I notice.

With each exhale, silently say:

I adjust.

Don't worry about fixing your whole life.

Just notice one thing today.

Maybe it's a habit.

Maybe it's a thought.

Maybe it's a story you've been telling yourself.

Awareness is where growth begins.

Every mindful breath is an opportunity to course correct without judgment.

A Fresh Look at the Skull Collection

If you've skipped over the Skull Wrist Malas in the past because you thought the skull bead was sterling silver, I'd invite you to take another look.

They're actually made with durable stainless steel, making them a great choice for everyday wear while pairing beautifully with the natural gemstones that give each bracelet its intention.

Every Skull Wrist Mala is still hand-knotted by me, built one bead at a time, and created with the same purpose it's always had: helping Warriors find moments of grounding, resilience, and mindfulness in everyday life.

Apparently, I just needed my own mindful moment first.

Sometimes the teacher needs the lesson, too.

If it's been a while since you've browsed the collection, take a look at the Skull Wrist Malas. You might discover one that's been waiting for you all along.