Does anyone have personal stories about ADD and it’s effects of your life?

I’m 20 years old. I was diagnosed with ADD when I was 16. The reason it was diagnosed so late was because it wasn’t such a big thing when I was younger.
One problem was forgetfullness: I constantly forgot things at school or left something at home. My grandparents said I had “jolly robins” in my head. I was aggressive: my report card always had a comment at the bottom like “must learn to compromise”.
I became a talented liar (teachers don’t buy the “I forgot” excuse). I forged signatures on papers I had forgotten to get signed. Things started to catch up in grade 7. As the work load increased, the more anxious I became. I am a talented artist, but I only finished 3 pictures during my entire high school career. People thought I was lazy, but the truth is it got to a point where I couldn’t even look at my drawing board anymore.
I went onto Ritalin (slow-release). Things suddenly got better. I could study. I could write long exams without getting distracted. The only problem was my mindset: I didn’t have any confidence in myself. I still couldn’t draw. I still can’t. Also, I found I became aggressive/agitated when the Ritalin started to wear-off. I take it only for tests and other high stress situations. If it wasn’t for the mentioned side-effect, I would take it all the time.
I’ve had to learn to deal with ADD by myself. I consciously calm myself down with mantras (“I am calm, I am relaxed”). I put fool-proof procedures in place, eg: I have a spare car key in my hand bag and at home, just in case I lock my keys and/or handbag in the car.
So far, mantras have been the best treatment I’ve found. I can’t meditate (too many distractions), so I chose the next best thing.