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Unfold the Brain
your thoughts, your way
My Journey
Meet Sheila
Welcome to Unfold the Brain!
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I’m Sheila Countryman — a lifelong learner, questioner, and advocate for understanding how our minds shape our lives and stories.
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This space was born from curiosity, compassion, and lived experience.
It’s where reflection meets resilience — a place to celebrate the beauty of neurodiversity, to honor the many ways people find meaning, healing, and growth.
How My Journey Began
My path began as a mother searching for ways to understand and support my son, who was diagnosed with autism and ADHD.
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His challenges reflected traits I’d seen in myself and others close to me, inspiring me to dive deeply into research, psychology, and neurodevelopment.
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What started as a quest to help him soon became a mirror for my own growth. Over time, I realized that the traits I was studying weren’t just his — they were woven throughout our family’s story, each of us expressing them in our own unique ways.
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Through this realization, I came to understand that neurodivergence isn’t a limitation — it’s a different kind of brilliance, one that deserves both understanding and celebration.
A Turning Point
At 50, I received my own ADHD diagnosis — a revelation that reframed my entire life story.
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It brought clarity, compassion, and purpose. Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with me?” I began asking, “How can I use this understanding to help others?”
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That shift changed everything. I discovered that self-acceptance is one of the most powerful forms of healing — and that embracing the way our minds work opens the door to creativity, connection, and confidence.
Where I Am Now
Today, I live in the peaceful countryside of Shasta County, Northern California, where I continue learning, writing, and creating spaces that invite curiosity, compassion, and growth.
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I’m grateful you’re here.
May something in these reflections spark a sense of understanding, comfort, or connection in your own journey.
Unfold the Brain is more than a website - it's a reflection space.
Thank you for being part of this journey.
-Sheila