#27
Foot-in-mouth disease – The dark side of having both a sense of humor and ADHD is that often things fly out of my mouth before I have a chance to stop and think: is that appropriate? Is it really funny or will that offend someone? Impulse-control takes years to master, but it is possible – keep at it. But right now, if your impulses are getting the best of you, learn how to apologize and quickly! And remember, some of your “funny” gems are meant for your private enjoyment only.
#26
Forgetfulness – Came home from a great but tiring weekend, got caught up playing the Wii with Natty, popped some popcorn, watched a movie with the Russian and just forgot to write my next T4TD. Being forgetful is something that I and most people with ADHD struggle with. When your mind is racing things tend to fall through the cracks. My memory strategies? I send myself emails, set alarms on my phone, use post-its, and ask others to keep me accountable.
When you do forget something important, and you will, try not to beat yourself up, that will only make matters worse. If possible complete the task, keep moving forward and be mindful to set up memory safeguards for that next important thing you shouldn’t forget.
#25
Can’t Take a Break? I believe my need to keep doing comes from my body trying to keep up with my racecar brain. Since I have a hard time shutting down the engine, I go, go, go until I hit a wall and then it’s not pretty. Find a way to slow down or even stop before hitting the wall because once you do it’s harder than ever to find the power to battle the other struggles of ADHD.
A simple strategy that works for me, is asking my wife to force me to take breaks. I let her use “force” because I trust her and because I know that I can’t help myself. Get yourself a designated enforcer and stop running into walls!
#24
– FUN – If you’ve ever been around someone with ADHD you’ve probably noticed that we love to have fun. Since people with ADHD are always trying to fill their “fun bank account” this has a tendency to get us into trouble. We like to play first and work later. On the positive side we are not a-sit-around-and-do-nothing kind of people; always searching for that next big adventure!
#23
Thought 4 The Day – FLEXIBILITY- When most people struggle with change a person with ADHD thrives! Having a brain that is hyperactive, ever changing, and creative makes a person with ADHD a possibility thinker. To switch gears just seems natural since our brain already goes in 1000s of different directions every day. If flexibility is the name of the game then people with ADHD are in a winning position! Stay STRETCHY!
#22
- SENSE OF HUMOR – I think I love this the one most. Most people with ADHD have a great sense of humor. They just see things that most people miss and have a knack for sharing it in such a why that it leaves you in tears from laughing so hard. It’s been said that laughter is contagious. All of you with ADHD, infect the word with humor!
#21
– CREATIVITY – Having a vivid imagination can be a great blessing, though it can get you in trouble sometimes. Blurting out ideas that come to mind, day dreaming, and doodling in class are just a few of the ways that creativity likes to show up at the wrong time. But find a good outlet for your creativity and it will be one of your biggest joys!
#20
This week’s Thought 4 The Day will focus on my top 5 favorite ADHD qualities.
HIGH ENERGY – We live in a fast paced, never-stop society; having a little extra ADHD Energy is a boost when you’re trying to keep up with the traffic of life. A double shot espresso has nothing on the Energy boost ADHD can give you!
#18
“Like wings on an eagle, ENDURANCE enables the human spirit to soar higher, farther, and faster as it encounters the turbulent winds of life.” Larry Medcalfe
