Soundtrack Of A Misfit:: Adventures in ADD & Addiction

Written by Rachel Leigh Wills

Narrated by Rachel Leigh Wills

This is a debut work by Washington, DC area native writer and poet. It's a coming of age tale about a late bloomer who grew up feeling like a misfit. It's also the story of a young Jewish woman who wanted to be an edgy punk rocker but was too afraid to incur motherly guilt. True to her character, she weaves her ardor for music and nature all throughout the book. The author grew up in the 80's when not much was known about Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD); something she was diagnosed with at the young age of five. She always struggled to keep up in classes and was teased for being too slow, too sensitive and too short. As a young girl and adolescent, her passion for music and the outdoors allowed her to escape reality. As life became more complex, the author turned to adventure, alcohol, marijuana and men.

She had zany experiences traveling throughout the United States, as well as Jamaica and Israel -- always on a quest to find "her" people and a place of belonging. The author epitomized "failure to launch" and tried her hand at a number of careers including: being a barista, a Montessori elementary school teacher; a recycling specialist; an administrative assistant; and an entrepreneur before finally landing. Eventually this small, Jewish girl with ADHD transformed herself into a woman of grit and grace. She found she belonged to a sober community that she never imagined she'd join and today, uses her life's lessons as a power for good.

The author now helps those struggling with ADHD, addiction, anxiety and other mental health issues to focus on their own paths to healing. She once berated herself for being an unruly dandelion stuck among organized rows of roses. Today, Rachel Leigh Wills is proud to call herself a wildflower and help others to sow seeds of self-compassion and self-esteem. Hope you'll enjoy reading. Sincerely, Rachel Leigh Wills

• Language: English
• Publisher: Petrichor Publishing, L.L.C.
• Release date: Oct 12, 2023
• ISBN: 9781736654620

Rachel Leigh Wills

Rachel Leigh Wills is a Washington, DC area native. She hold a Masters of Arts in Vocational Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of the District of Columbia. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor, poetess, writer and speaker. She has previous experience in the field of environmental education (MS from Lesley University/Audubon Expedition Institute).The author spent eight years in the capacities of an Employment Specialist and therapist in the Washington, DC Core Service Agency arena and for Kolmac Outpatient Recovery Centers where she helped individuals struggling with mental health and chemical dependency. She founded ADDvantage Counseling, LLC. and has served as a private practice owner and therapy contractor (currently with DC VA Counseling and Psychotherapy).Rachel Leigh Wills is passionate about helping clients to navigate career transitions, redefine their concept of success and grow their self esteem. Rachel's core areas of focus include: working with adults with Attention Deficit HyperActivity Disorder (ADHD); alcohol use disorder and chemical dependency; anxiety; depression and mood disorders. She combines cognitive behavioral and dialectical behavioral therapy techniques to help individuals better cope with extreme emotions and reactions.Rachel Leigh Wills wrote Soundtrack Of A Misfit: Adventures in ADD & Addiction as a means of reaching others who struggle with ADHD and/or co-occurring disorders, as well as for those who have an appreciation for the underdogs and late bloomers. She has been passionate about music since the age of two, when she bought her first LP by Paul McCartney and Wings because she loved the song Band on the Run. In her debut memoir, she weaves in her ardor for music throughout. Her eclectic musical influences include Chris Cornell; Duran Duran; P!NK; Fleetwood Mac; Eminem; K'Naan; and the Foo Fighters. She has been active in the local long-term recovery community and is open about her struggles with alcohol (primarily) in her work as a mental health therapist. When she isn't seeing clients, the author is likely spending time with her husband Mark and their beloved pets Elliott and Larry Katz (beagle-dachshund mix and mischievous black cat); writing, reading, listening to music, or exploring nature.