Tag Archives: depression

December 12, 2012

Traits of an Empath OR “Hey Man! Keep yo’ energy to yo’self!”

Being empathic is a royal pain. Emotions come at you from people in the room like spit wads – “Hey! which one of you folks is making me feel sad/angry/anxious? Did I do something wrong? Are you mad at me? You got it in my eye!”

There’s a need to figure out how to fully harness its positive potential because most of the time it’s basically emotional schizophrenia running willy nilly through the brain and body. It’s exhausting. ~ST

Who is an Empath?

By Christel Broederlow

Empathy is the ability to read and understand people and be in-tune with or resonate with others, voluntarily or involuntarily of one’s empath capacity.

Empaths have the ability to scan another’s psyche for thoughts and feelings or for past, present, and future life occurrences. Many empaths are unaware of how this actually works, and have long accepted that they were sensitive to others.

Empaths Sense Deep Emotions

Empathy is a feeling of another’s true emotions to a point where an empath can relate to that person by sensing true feelings that run deeper than those portrayed on the surface. People commonly put on a show of expression. This is a learned trait of hiding authentic expression in an increasingly demanding society.

An empath can sense the truth behind the cover and will act compassionately to help that person express him/herself, thus making them feel at ease and not so desperately alone.

Empaths experience empathy towards family, children, friends, close associates, complete strangers, pets, plants and inanimate objects. Empathy is not held by time or space. Thus, an empath can feel the emotions of people and things at a distance. Some are empathic towards animals (ie: The Horse Whisperer), to nature, to the planetary system, to mechanical devices or to buildings etc. Others will have a combination of the above.

Deep Sense of Knowing

Empaths are highly sensitive. This is the term commonly used in describing one’s abilities (sensitivity) to another’s emotions and feelings. Empaths have a deep sense of knowing that accompanies empathy and are often compassionate, considerate, and understanding of others.

There are also varying levels of strength in empaths which may be related to the individual’s awareness of self, understanding of the powers of empathy, and/or the acceptance or non-acceptance of empathy by those associated with them, including family and peers. Generally, those who are empathic grow up with these tendencies and do not learn about them until later in life.

Inherited Trait?

Empathy is genetic, inherent in our DNA, and passed from generation to generation. It is studied both by traditional science and alternative healing practitioners.

Empathy has both biological/genetic and spiritual aspects.

Empaths often possess the ability to sense others on many different levels. From their position in observing what another is saying, feeling and thinking, they come to understand another. They can become very proficient at reading another person’s body language and/or study intently the eye movements. While this in itself is not empathy, it is a side-shoot that comes from being observant of others. In a sense, empaths have a complete communication package.

How Empathy Works

While there is much we don’t yet understand about how empathy works, we do have some information. Everything has an energetic vibration or frequency and an empath is able to sense these vibrations and recognize even the subtlest changes undetectable to the naked eye or the five senses.

Words of expression hold an energetic pattern that originates from the speaker. They have a specific meaning particular to the speaker. Behind that expression is a power or force-field, better known as energy. For example, hate often brings about an intense feeling that immediately accompanies the word. The word hate becomes strengthened with the speaker’s feeling. It is that person’s feelings (energy) that are picked up by empaths, whether the words are spoken, thought or just felt without verbal or bodily expression.

Empaths are often poets in motion. They are the born writers, singers, and artists with a high degree of creativity and imagination. They are known for many talents as their interests are varied, broad and continual, loving, loyal and humorous. They often have interests in many cultures and view them with a broad-minded perspective. They are mother, father, child, friend, nurse, caregiver, teacher, doctor, sales people… to psychic, clairvoyant, healer, etc. (That is not to say that any of these categories are all empaths.) The list is extensive and really unimportant. It is more important to notice that empaths are everywhere–in every culture and throughout the world.

Empaths Are Good Listeners

Empaths are often very affectionate in personality and expression, great listeners and counselors (and not just in the professional area). They will find themselves helping others and often putting their own needs aside to do so. In the same breath, they can be much the opposite. They may be quiet, withdrawn from the outside world, loners, depressed, neurotic, life’s daydreamers, or even narcissistic.

They are most often passionate towards nature and respect its bountiful beauty. One will often find empaths enjoying the outdoors, beaches, walking, etc. Empaths may find themselves continually drawn to nature as a form of release. It is the opportune place to recapture their senses and gain a sense of peace in the hectic lives they may live. The time to get away from it all and unwind with nature becomes essential to the empath. Animals are often dear to the heart of empaths, not as a power object, but as a natural love. It is not uncommon for empaths to have more than one pet in their homes.

Traits of an Empath

Empaths are often quiet and can take a while to handle a compliment for they’re more inclined to point out another’s positive attributes. They are highly expressive in all areas of emotional connection, and talk openly, and, at times, quite frankly in respect to themselves. They may have few problems talking about their feelings.

However, they can be the exact opposite: reclusive and apparently unresponsive at the best of times. They may even appear ignorant. Some are very good at blocking out others and that’s not always a bad thing, at least for the learning empath struggling with a barrage of emotions from others, as well as their own feelings.

Empaths have a tendency to openly feel what is outside of them more so than what is inside of them. This can cause empaths to ignore their own needs. In general an empath is non-violent, non-aggressive and leans more towards being the peacemaker. Any area filled with disharmony creates an uncomfortable feeling in an empath. If they find themselves in the middle of a confrontation, they will endeavor to settle the situation as quickly as possible, if not avoid it all together. If any harsh words are expressed in defending themselves, they will likely resent their lack of self-control, and have a preference to peacefully resolve the problem quickly.

Empaths are sensitive to TV, videos, movies, news and broadcasts. Violence or emotional dramas depicting shocking scenes of physical or emotional pain inflicted on adults, children or animals can bring an empath easily to tears. At times, they may feel physically ill or choke back the tears. Some empaths will struggle to comprehend any such cruelty, and will have grave difficulty in expressing themselves in the face of another’s ignorance, closed-mindedness and obvious lack of compassion. They simply cannot justify the suffering they feel and see.

People of all walks of life and animals are attracted to the warmth and genuine compassion of empaths. Regardless of whether others are aware of one being empathic, people are drawn to them as a metal object is to a magnet! They are like beacons of light.

Even complete strangers find it easy to talk to empaths about the most personal things, and before they know it, they have poured out their hearts and souls without intending to do so consciously. It is as though on a sub-conscious level that person knows instinctively that empaths would listen with compassionate understanding.

Here are the listeners of life. Empaths are often problem solvers, thinkers, and studiers of many things. As far as empaths are concerned, where a problem is, so too is the answer. They often will search until they find one–if only for peace of mind.

About this contributor: Christel Broederlow is a natural born empath and author of numerous articles about empathy through personal experience and continual research. Her Web site, The Empath Report, previously hosted at Geocities is no longer active.

3 comments | tags: add, adhd, Adult, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, depression, Empathic, Empathy, gifted, giftedness, gifts, Mood swings, Quirks, sensitivities | posted in AD(H)D Superpowers, ADD/ADHD, ADHD Quirks, Anxiety, depression, Emotions, Empathy, Gifted, Gifts, Intuition, Sensitivities

November 25, 2012

2 Week “Box It Out” Meditation Challenge

By adhdsuperhero

We live in a fast-paced world, and it’s only getting faster. Our to-do lists never end, the kids always need a ride somewhere, and the deadlines come faster than our emails we don’t want to look at. It’s easy for everyday life to quickly become overwhelming and stressful. So, how are we supposed to keep ourselves sane?

Meditation! You might imagine a bald monk, sitting cross-legged in a temple, repeating “Ommm” over and over again. If that works for you, go for it! But for those of you that want to keep the lifestyle you already have, and still gain from the practice of meditation, here is your opportunity to do so.

Stacey Turis, aka #ADHD Superhero presents the Box It Out Meditation Challenge. This is a two week challenge to show participants how easy, and beneficial it is to incorporate meditation into everyday, crazy life. Before you say “I don’t have time,” you only need 2 minutes a day.

There are 24 hours in one day, that’s 1,440 minutes, and all you need is TWO. Even if this means you lock yourself in the bathroom for two minutes, it’s worth it. Your brain and body are like a car; a nice, expensive, mid-life-crisis-convertible. Of course you value it, and want to keep it in the best shape possible. If you constantly use it, and don’t take the time to oil/gas/wash/change brakes/etc., it’s going to break down. Your body is the same; you need to oil the gears in your head. This benefits everyone that owns a head, so ALL AGES welcome!

Here’s how it works:

Location:

Find a place you can relax without interruption. Maybe it’s after you dropped the kids off at school, or sitting in your car before you go into work. Maybe it’s even like I mentioned earlier, being locked in the bathroom for a couple minutes before you go to bed.

Position:

The position you meditate in is personal preference. You could be sitting cross-legged or in a chair, or even standing. Relax your body. Go down a mental checklist from head to toes, and consciously relax each muscle.

Box It Out:

No need for gloves or a speed bag. Follow the simple Box Meditation Exercise.

First set a timer for 2 minutes. Then, close your eyes and visualize a box. Starting on the left-bottom side, imagine traveling up the side of the box, inhaling as you count to 5. As you go across the top of the box, hold that inhale for 5 counts. Now traveling downward, exhale for 5 counts. As you move across the bottom, hold that exhale for 5 counts. Start again from the beginning and repeat until the timer goes off.

IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER – You WILL have thoughts enter your mind and you WILL get distracted by noises because you are alive. If this happens, acknowledge them and go back to visualizing your box and breathing – this is not a big deal, you are still meditating.

If you can’t focus long enough to make it all the way around the imaginary box, try using a visual aid such as the side of a tissue box, or the edge of a cabinet. Be careful though, don’t use something that already stresses you out (i.e. cell, computer).

Bing! Timer buzzes and you’re done meditating for the day! The next step is the hardest part, but it is possible.

Consistency:

It’s better to have a small amount of relaxation every day, than one large time period once a month. Think of it as clearing out your mail every day, instead of having to go through a giant pile all at once. Once you become more comfortable with the task, slowly increase the amount of time you spend meditating. Remember, you don’t have to sit still for an hour – even one minute is better than no minutes.

GO HERE TO START YOUR 14 DAY CHALLENGE!

3 comments | tags: add, adhd, alternative, anxiety, Aspergers, attention deficit disorder, depression, Exercise, meditation | posted in ADD/ADHD, Anxiety, Autism, Creativity, depression, Happiness, Holiday Stress, meditation, Natural Treatments, OCD, ODD, Over-excitabilities, Stress, Therapy

September 25, 2012

Bullied – Book Review

By adhdsuperhero

Bullied – What Every Parent, Teacher and Kid Needs to Know About Ending the Cycle of Fear

Author, Carrie Goldman

Reviewed by Stacey Turis

Bullied has truly opened my eyes. What I once thought was a one-dimensional issue, I now realize has layers and layers of complexities.

After author Carrie Goldman’s daughter, Katie was bullied at school for carrying a Star Wars water bottle, Goldman posted about the experience on her blog. In her words, “it was the post that launched a thousand Geeks.” The post went viral and a colorful (and quite large) cast of characters came out in support of this little Jedi that was simply doing her own thing. This attention and “cyber-support” motivated Goldman to research bullying in our culture. She presents her findings in the wildly-interesting book, Bullied.

Bullying brings to mind a bigger kid picking on a smaller one. Maybe the smaller kid has a lisp. Maybe he wears glasses. Maybe there isn’t one particular thing that would obviously stand out as a reason to be picked on, but everyone knows who the bully is and everyone stays away from him. According to Goldman, what on the outside appears to be a mere school yard issue, really goes much deeper and broader into the working mechanics of our current society.

If you ask a victim of bullying why they feel they’re being attacked, their response normally is that they just don’t fit in. Unfortunately in this day and age the amount of ways to not fit in are compounded by a host of different sociological factors such as gender-specific marketing; including toys and packaging, sexual preference, culture, and media presentation just to name a few.

According to Goldman, “Children learn exclusion from the media, what with the superficial importance placed on looks, clothes, accessories, and brands.” According to me, they also learn to talk like little smart asses. A perfect example; I’m a huge fan of iCarly. I think it’s a smart, funny and well-written show, but never in my wildest dreams did I consider the fact that every smart-ass comment I laughed at was making an impression on my young daughter. Before I knew it, she was the smart-ass whipping zingers left and right.

According to the author, my assessment is right on. “Twenty years ago, girls were largely idealized as nice and sweet, and popular television shows emphasized the idea that girls don’t rock the boat. That was the heyday of shows like My Little Pony, Care Bears and Strawberry Shortcake. As some girls began to rebel against the rigid stereotype of the unassertive female, a revised category of girl characters emerged, but now the pendulum has swung too far in the other direction. Sugar and Spice gave way to sassy and saucy. Mimicking the trend in television shows, the toy industry introduced edgier dolls.”

Edgier dolls! Ah ha! Let’s talk about my daughter’s fascination with Monster High Dolls. I liked the Monster High dolls when they came out because they were original and included back-stories we all know and love (the Monster High kids were spawned from the likes of Dracula, Wolf man, Creature from the Blue Lagoon, etc.). I also felt like they were good tools for teaching diversity and acceptance. Unfortunately (or fortunately) I was never privy to the webisodes used to market the dolls. According to the author, “The young girls who watch Monster High are led to believe that teenagers in high school should look like skinny, sexy supermodels preparing to strut down the catwalk during Fashion Week in Paris. There are real consequences to the girls who watch these programs, as evidenced by the American Psychological Association’s Sexualization of Girls, which found that three of the most common mental-health problems among girls – eating disorders, depression or depressed mood, and low self-esteem – are linked to the sexualization of girls and women in the media.” Correct me if I’m wrong, but this looks like a lose-lose to me. The girls that buy in to these marketing efforts are at risk for mental health problems and the girls that don’t are at risk for exclusion. Basically, through media, marketing and merchandising, we’re breeding mean girls and low self-esteem.

While we’re discussing the sexualization of girls, let’s get on the topic of the masculinization of boys. I may have just made that word up, but the theory is real. We’ve all heard the idiocy of “real men don’t cry.” I’m not sure whose theory that was, but it is really screwing up our guys. The perfectly natural and very human acts of boys and men sharing feelings and releasing emotions are discouraged in our “be tough” society. Apparently, if you’re a sensitive guy that doesn’t enjoy the act of blowing things up or other seemingly macho activities, you’re at risk for being called “gay” (which is sad to me to be considered an insult).

Goldman writes, ““Homophobic Bullying inhibits all boys’ ability to connect with one another in deep, meaningful ways, and they suffer terribly as a result. Boys feel as if they can no longer trust their closest friends and they cease to talk about their feelings and emotions. They become lonely and isolated, not because they lack social and emotional skills, but because society discourages them from accessing and using these skills. Boys are afraid to be labeled ‘gay’ and thus subscribe to these extreme stereotypes, which is part of their attraction to ultramasculine music and media.”

All of the above is what the heterosexual male goes through. Just imagine the pain that a homosexual male has to endure from his peers. Sometimes it’s too much for a kid to bear and not living is the only way they see out of the situation. When a person takes their own life due to the effects of bullying, it is called “Bullycide”. Bullycide is a very real risk for LGBT kids. According to Goldman, “Nine out of ten LGBT students report experiencing bullying in their school; LGBT teenagers are four to seven times likelier to attempt suicide. LGBT children who are rejected by their families are eight times likelier to attempt suicide and at much higher risk of winding up homeless and living on the streets.”

The pain and trauma from bullying is real. It’s also so incredibly invasive and damaging; it can actually change the physiology of the brain. Goldman explains, “Studies investigating the neuroscience of bullying have found that bully victims experience anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress, difficulty concentrating, headaches and stomach pain as a result of being bullied…studies have shown that parts of the cortical pain network are also activated when a person is socially excluded. This goes not just for adults but for children as well. The brain of a child as young as thirteen has been shown to react to social pain as if the child were being physically injured.”

Reading Bullied has really made an impact on the way I interpret the things happening currently in our society. I realize now that there are threads of commonality weaving their way through issues that are seemingly unrelated and something has to be done. I leave you with my favorite quote (and will be added to my favorite quotes page) from the book. “To the princess boys and the Star Wars girls, the non-conformists, the marginalized, the ignored and the outcasts, the hidden Jedis of the universe, over and over I offer up these words to you: You are not alone.”

Bottom Line: Bullied is a smart, how-to read that will change the way you view the background and dynamics of our society. Bravo to Goldman for advocating acceptance as a way to navigate through those dynamics.

Carrie Goldman is the author of the critically-acclaimed book Bullied: What Every Parent, Teacher, and Kid Needs to Know About Ending the Cycle of Fear (Harper Collins, 2012). She also writes an internationally-followed blog called Portrait of an Adoption for ChicagoNow, the online community hosted by the Chicago Tribune.

Goldman writes about issues related to parenting, adoption, bullying and contemporary culture. She has been featured on the Huffington Post, Babble.com, CircleofMoms.com, Mamapedia.com, and other top parenting sites.

In addition to writing, Goldman is an accomplished oil painter. Her award-winning landscapes and portraits have been featured in exhibits and shows around the country.

Goldman received her B.S. from Northwestern University and her M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management. She lives in Illinois with her husband and three young daughters.

You can find her on Twitter here.

2 comments | tags: adhd, anxiety, Aspergers, Author, Book, Book Review, Bullying, depression, LGBT, Suicide | posted in ADD/ADHD, ADHD Quirks, Anxiety, Autism, Behavior, Book, Book Review, Bullying, depression, Emotions, Kids, Quirks, Relationships, Stress

September 7, 2012

Book Review – Pills Are Not for Preschoolers

By adhdsuperhero

Pills Are Not for Preschoolers – A Drug-Free Approach for Troubled Kids

Reviewed by Stacey Turis

Author Marilyn Wedge addresses something in this book that seems to have fallen to the wayside when it comes to treating troubled kids; the importance of understanding family dynamics, and knowing how to communicate effectively within those dynamics. Pills Are Not for Preschoolers offers case-based evidence on how child-focused family therapy can address seemingly neurological-based symptoms, break them apart, and then “reframe” them in a way that doesn’t label the child with a condition or require them to take medication. This type of therapy incorporates the valuable yet mostly forgotten concept of “it takes a village”; with therapy participants including parents, teachers, grandparents, siblings or whoever else may need to be included in the “reframing” of the behavior.

Wedge writes, “Family therapy is not a magic bullet, nor is it a prolonged course of ‘talk therapy’. Rather, it is a holistic and humanistic approach to treatment that frames a child’s problem in the wider context of the family. Some of the strategies come from ordinary common sense. Others are more sophisticated and paradoxical. All are intended to treat children – even those with the most serious disturbances – without diagnosing them with mental disorders and without using drugs to control them. The techniques are easy to understand and easy to put into action. Most important, you can use them without reservations or fear because, unlike psychiatric medications, they can do no harm.”

According to the author, “With over five million American children currently diagnosed with ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) and other psychiatric disorders, taking a child to a psychiatrist – and giving him medication to curtail his symptoms – has become as common as taking a boy or girl to soccer practice.”

The fact of the matter is that most people simply don’t realize there are other avenues that can be explored before medicating, which according to Wedge is not surprising considering the amount of money that pharmaceutical companies put into marketing and advertising so their drug is the first one that pops into a parent’s head when their child starts exhibiting a few of the bullet-point symptoms that aggressively flash over the TV.

This book did not bring out indifference in me. Some of the author’s points I passionately agreed with. I absolutely question the sanity of allowing economic forces to drive the mental health field, especially when it comes to children. As the author points out, “Developing new drugs or re-purposing old ones and prescribing them to children, has been immensely profitable to drug companies and to the scores of psychiatrists and medical researchers who accept financial perks from the pharmaceutical industry.”

I’m also a firm believer in the art of holistic healing; which includes mind, body and spirit. There is no doubt that therapy is highly beneficial to our minds. Sometimes getting a new perspective can change the way you look at your entire world. It’s never too late to open the lines of communication and start repairing old hurts and misunderstandings, and talking to a therapist puts you on the fast track to that healing.

Like the author, I believe that even though it looks like a duck and walks like a duck, it could just be a fish. There are many behaviors that mimic neurological symptoms that could simply be the manifestation of unrest in a child’s environment (amongst other things like diet and sleep patterns), and that is something that should be looked at before jumping into a diagnosis and correlating medication.

Though I appreciated the variety of cases presented, I would have liked to have seen the results from different children suffering from the same symptoms to be able to really grab on to some consistency. As an adult with ADHD, I was interested in a particular case study with a child thought to be ADHD, who had been showing signs of focus and attention difficulties and was disruptive in the classroom. Through family therapy, the author was able to find the source of the behavioral issues and the corresponding diagnosis and medication was never needed.

There lies one small issue I have with the book – the assumption that ADHD only manifests as issues with focus, attention and behavior. It’s just not that black and white. I’m not saying that therapy isn’t beneficial for those suffering from true neurological disorders, because I believe it is. Therapy is a MUST in our box of tools. I’m just saying, if a kid doesn’t have ADHD but is exhibiting ADHD symptoms, there is a possibility of some discord somewhere that child-focused family therapy can address; but if a kid actually has ADHD, that’s a whole different bucket of worms. No amount of therapy is going to give a kid executive function skills that didn’t have them to begin with.

Family therapy can help an ADHD child and their family develop coping skills and change perspective, but no amount of therapy is going to change the physiology of the ADHD brain, and I was disappointed at the author’s following view on physical evidence of these differences; “ Consider, finally, the “scientific evidence” for a biological cause of children’s psychological problems. How do we account for the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans that show in vivid color how the brains of ‘mentally ill’ children differ from the brains of other children? This research is impressive, but framing a child’s behavior as brain disease leaves out an important observation. A child may be troubled at school but not at home or vice versa. If he’s troubled only at school, what happens to his ‘brain disease’ when he is at home or a friend’s house? If a kid with school problems behaves well at his grandparents’ house, where he can focus for hours on an exciting video game, what happens to his brain disease…?”

Individuals familiar with ADHD and the co-morbid conditions that follow, know quite well that there are many factors that come into play where symptoms are concerned, including but definitely not limited to: sensory factors, over-stimulation, interest in the environment and hyper-focus. It’s not uncommon at all for a child with ADHD to have trouble focusing at school or with anything seemingly uninteresting, but then come home and hyper-focus on something deemed “interesting” for hours at a time. That’s pretty much how we roll!

Bottom Line: Pills Are Not for Preschoolers offers valuable advice and a much-needed new perspective on the way we look at, communicate with, and treat troubled kids organically and within their family dynamics and environment.

Marilyn Wedge, Ph.D., lic. MFT, is a family therapist and author of two books and numerous professional articles in the field of family therapy. She has a Bachelor’s Degree and a Doctorate from the University of Chicago, where she had a fellowship from the Danforth Foundation. She had a post-doctoral fellowship (supported by the National Institute for the Humanities) at the Hastings Center for Bioethics in New York. She has taught at the California State University, East Bay, the College of the Art Institute of Chicago and the University of Chicago Extension.

In 1979-1980, she volunteered in Cochas Chico, a rural village high in the Peruvian Andes. There she helped native artisans start a craft co-op to sell their weavings and carvings.

Dr. Wedge has blogs on the Huffington Post and Psychology Today, and her work has appeared in the Wall Street Journal. She writes for a number of online websites including Babble.com, Mamapedia.com and ModernMom.com. She has consulted for People Magazine (August 22, 2011), Parenting Magazine (November, 2011) and Natural Health Magazine (Sept./Oct. 2012) on issues of child development and how to parent happy, healthy children.

She is a popular presenter at national and international conferences, including three Milton Erickson Foundation Conferences and two annual conferences of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). She has a private practice in Westlake Village, California, where she sees children, teens, couples, and individuals.

She has been married for thirty-one years to her husband Gene, and they have three grown children and two grandchildren. They live in Oak Park California. In her leisure time, she enjoys ocean swimming, reading, and spending time with grandsons Theo and Hawthorne.

You can visit Marilyn at the following:

Website Facebook Twitter

5 comments | tags: add, adhd, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, Author, Book, Book Review, depression, Family, Kids, Relationships, Therapy | posted in ADD/ADHD, Behavior, Book Review, Kids, OCD, ODD, Therapy

July 12, 2012

Newsflash – we DO feel things. Eventually.

By adhdsuperhero

Michael Jackson

A common misperception is that our tribe can seem “unfeeling, cold or unemotional” to things going on around us. It’s not that. It’s just that we tend to need a LOT more time to process things. We aren’t able to instantly emotionally react because we need to think about it all to even know how we feel.

Perfectly weird example….As an 80′s kid, I loved Michael Jackson. I even threw my Brooke Shields doll in the sump pump when they started dating. I’ve noticed in the past month or so, when I think about him, I feel deep sadness (oops tearing up now), but before that I felt nothing. The day he died, I felt nothing. I hated myself for feeling nothing. I’ve since realized it just takes me longer to feel things, and then I REALLY feel them. Now excuse me while I tell my kids to “Beat It”.

1 comment | tags: add, adhd, Adult, attention deficit disorder, Book, depression, Emotion, Friendship, Here's to Not Catching our Hair on Fire, Mood swings, Quirks, Relationships, Stacey Turis, Unemotional | posted in ADD/ADHD, ADHD Quirks, Burdens, depression, Emotions, Empathy, Here's to Not Catching our Hair on Fire, Mood Swings, Quirks, Relationships, Stacey Turis, Unemotional

June 27, 2012

(anti) Social Media – AD(H)D Superhero updates for 2011

By adhdsuperhero

My Facebook updates from 2011. When I read this straight-through, even I was shocked at my wackiness. Here’s to making you all feel less crazy! XO ~ST

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

It’s quite apparent that I actually took my meds today…whereas normally it would never even cross my mind to vacuum, not only did I vacuum, I actually took the flipping thing apart and washed it piece by piece. Of course, the pieces are still drying on the counter, and will be for the next three or four weeks OR until I decide to vacuum again…

Like • • Share • 21 January 2011 at 18:25

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Is there such thing as an email phobia? If so, I have it…I’m talking, a hard core phobia. I can’t look at it…it’s been weeks and weeks and weeks. Just the thought of checking it makes my armpits itch…

Like • • Share • 21 January 2011 at 19:28

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Nikko (5 yrs.): Mom, are you from New York?

Me: No…why?

Nikko: Because you always act really weird.

Like • • Share • 21 January 2011 at 19:32

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I just yelled at the kids to “CLOSE YOUR MOUTHS AND START EATING!!!” Maybe that’s why they think I’m weird.

Like • • Share • 21 January 2011 at 19:32

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

If you want to see a grown-ass woman have a public meltdown, just change the layout of the store she frequents…I’m talking to you TARGET!

Like • • Share • 22 January 2011 at 09:12

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Am I the only one that has changed my FB profile to the British version to shake things up a bit? I was hoping my “friends” would now be called “mates” but the only thing I’ve noticed is that “o-r” words have now become “o-u-r” words. Bloody hell!

Like • • Share • 22 January 2011 at 09:26

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I really need to learn to practice patience…I thought doing jumping jacks would be a productive way to keep from pulling my eyeballs out of my head while waiting for my tea to warm in the microwave. Apparently I haven’t used those foot muscles in a while, because I now look like a pirate as I limp around the house. ARGHHHH Matey!

Like • • Share • 25 January 2011 at 06:56

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I’m not kidding…I forgot what I was going to write.

Like • • Share • 25 January 2011 at 10:09

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Hmmm. How many “me” things have I had to apologize for this week? Forgetting (multiple times), social anxiety, sensory over-stimulation, introversion, not reading my email or having my phone attached to my hip, having difficulty with transitions, etc., etc., etc. How am I supposed to accept these “infractions” when some around me are CONSTANTLY bringing them to my attention? P.S. – I’m not really sorry.

Like • • Share • 30 January 2011 at 07:58

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Tomorrow, I’ll get on email. Tomorrow, I’ll get on email. Tomorrow, I’ll get on email.

Like • • Share • 30 January 2011 at 18:42

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Winter blues? Take a whiff of Bergamot to fight depression!

Like • • Share • 8 February 2011 at 13:04

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Procrastination is not a bad thing, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise! Without those executive function skills that “normal” people have, a looming deadline is the only thing that tells our brain that we need to get on the ball. Procrastination is a MUST in our superhero tool belt if we want to accomplish anything!!!

Like • • Share • 9 February 2011 at 11:22

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

OH JOY, OH JOY! I finally made it through my holiday super-funk! It’s like clock-work every year, so I just push through, and then suddenly, (angels singing) I see the light.

Like • • Share • 11 February 2011 at 08:33

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Pulling out my focus arsenal to write! Aromatherapy, lamp-lit room, and brain wave app. – geez…it takes a village!

Like • • Share • 16 February 2011 at 08:02

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I lose interest in my coffee as soon as it stops burning my tongue.

Like • • Share • 17 February 2011 at 06:53

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Who else has sensory issues? I’m the proverbial “have to turn down the radio to smell the stew”. That’s the stuff that makes life interesting!

Like • • Share • 26 February 2011 at 18:51

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I’m pretty sure I could be a gourmet chef, if only I could get someone to do all of the boring parts, like cutting up the veggies!

Like • • Share • 27 February 2011 at 05:24

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Meeting fellow superheroes is amazing…imagine how banded together, we could change the world!

Like • • Share • 7 March 2011 at 16:58

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Am I the only one that gets TOTALLY stressed and overwhelmed by email?!?! I almost dislike it as much as my phone! Well, I actually only dislike my phone when people call it…

Like • • Share • 10 March 2011 at 12:44

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

It’s kind of hard to plan ahead, when I spend all of my time just trying to catch up!

Like • • Share • 14 March 2011 at 14:43

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I love my phone, and its ability to run apps. I use a brain wave app, when I’m attempting deep focus, and it works amazing. If you have a smartphone, do yourself a favor and download a brainwave app!

Like • • Share • 15 March 2011 at 12:37

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

ADHD is like a built-in adventure creator…make sure your bags stay packed.

Like • • Share • 15 March 2011 at 12:54

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I always forget words just as I’m getting ready to use them. It’s actually a condition associated with ADHD, and guess what…I can’t remember the name of the condition!!!!

Like • • Share • 22 March 2011 at 10:18

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Bummer…went into a funk. Will reappear shortly.

Like • • Share • 31 March 2011 at 11:19

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Still in that funk…almost out of the cave…maybe.

Like • • Share • 4 April 2011 at 20:24

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Try not to “should” on yourself, and don’t let other people “should” on you, either.

Like • • Share • 10 April 2011 at 15:32

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

When you say something, most people think that you mean what THEY mean when they say the same thing, which for me most times is the complete opposite!

Like • • Share • 12 April 2011 at 08:29

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Get your A-Team together!

I’ve found delegating to be a real key when it comes to happy wife, happy life…

Like • • Share • 15 April 2011 at 17:10

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Glad to be out of the super-funk! I’ve got lots of living to do before the next one rolls around!

Like • • Share • 15 April 2011 at 17:12

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Man oh man…don’t we give ourselves enough sh*t without having people around us give us a dose of their sh*t too?

Like • • Share • 15 April 2011 at 18:45

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Do you suffer from anxiety? Anxiety, depression and AD/HD are BFFs and love to hang out together!

Like • • Share • 19 April 2011 at 13:28

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Happy Earth Day!!!!

Like • • Share • 22 April 2011 at 07:58

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

‎”Everybody is a genius. But if you judge a fish by its ability to climb a tree, it will live its whole life believing that it is stupid.”

~Albert Einstein

Like • • Share • 27 April 2011 at 16:24

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

So, for the past couple of weeks I’ve been doing that whole “3 P” thing…perfectionism which leads to procrastination which leads to paralysis. Now, I’m in the paralyzed state. I really detest the paralyzed state…a state where I’m not moving forward. So I do move forward…into the dead place. Here I am. Curse you dead place!

Like • • Share • 13 May 2011 at 10:37

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Even in the face of resistance, it’s imperative that we remain the natural, organic versions of our selves! Fight for your right to be quirky, dammit!!!!

Like • • Share • 15 May 2011 at 06:52

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

AD(H)D gives us a magical perspective that comes from intimately engaging with the universe in ways that don’t meet the eyes and can’t be explained. We are so incredibly lucky.

Like • • Share • 16 May 2011 at 13:31

“We ADDers are wired differently. And we make the world better by being wired so. Let’s go re-wire something today.”

Like · · Share · 18 May 2011 at 16:54

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

My husband calls me “constantly-amazed-girl”. I love that about me.

Like · · Share · 18 May 2011 at 17:29

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

‎”If a man does not keep pace with his companions, perhaps it is because he hears a different drummer. Let him step to the music which he hears, however measured or far away.” ~ Henry David Thoreau

Like · · Share · 19 May 2011 at 09:14

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I’ve been having insomnia lately. Last night, it was coupled with anxiety. I hate it when those two hang out together!!! I found myself lying in bed stressing about how many people fall into the Grand Canyon every year. Wow.

Like · · Share · 21 May 2011 at 05:28

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Beating yourself up for your deficits is so yesterday! The future is all about self-acceptance and using the gifts we were given to change the world. Duh!

Like · · Share · 22 May 2011 at 07:35

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

‎”I don’t like the safe options. I like things that have a 50/50 chance of me falling on my face. I like the magic when it actually comes together and people enjoy it, but the magic is only there because of the distinct possibility of failure. I find that romantic in a funny kind of way.”

~ Keira Knightley

Like · · Share · 22 May 2011 at 08:34

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

An over-flowing sink is not an uncommon sight in my kitchen…I just can’t make the commitment it takes to do dishes every day. The same thing over and over and over and over and over, day after day after day after day. All together now – *middle finger to the dirty dishes*.

Like · · Share · 25 May 2011 at 09:55

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Sometimes it’s a beating…those days when you fight through each second to the next. Tomorrow I’ll be stronger, but today I’m exhausted.

Like · · Share · 26 May 2011 at 17:51

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

It’s another day…I’m feeling kind of bright-eyed and bushy-tailed this morning. Watch out!

Like · · Share · 27 May 2011 at 07:12

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Does anyone else suffer from “unorganized perfectionism”? What a mix those two are! BTW, I had to look up the difference between unorganized and disorganized…”Disorganized is when something was once organized, but is no longer. Unorganized means it’s not organized, whether it was before or not makes no difference.” I’m definitely the latter…there never was or will be organization!

Like · · Share · 27 May 2011 at 09:27

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Thanks to my friend, ADD Crusher for turning me on to flylady.net after witnessing the dishes in my kitchen sink. Has anyone tried this cool little program for keeping yourself organized? #1 Keep your sink polished. Looks like I have a brand-new self-improvement plan on the near horizon…

Like · · Share · 29 May 2011 at 06:59

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Speaking of barely being able to make a list and then losing it anyway, I’m going to try a new tactic. I bought a little notebook, and I’m going to write every list, phone number, website, book…all of these things I write on bits of paper and then lose, in that one notebook. The notebook will be harder to lose! Right? Won’t it be harder to lose? I won’t lose the notebook, will I?! Nah. Wait…will I?

Like · · Share · 31 May 2011 at 11:57

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

OK…weirdest thing ever. I have a BIG issue with transitions. They’re very tough for me…kind of like a kid. I figured out when I’ve finished completing a good-sized task, instead of moving on to the next one, I hang out in fog land and am worthless for the rest of the day, BUT if I take a quick BATH in-between tasks, I’m able to jump in to the next task, piece of cake, when I get out of the tub. Crazy, huh?

Like · · Share · 1 June 2011 at 08:30

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

How many of you get “downloads”, where it’s almost like you have a wireless connection to the great beyond, and information or ideas just stream into your brain rendering you useless until it’s finished? Then, once it finally finishes, it takes a couple days or longer to sort out what the heck was dumped into your brain, so you’re still useless! But then (angels singing), you’re suddenly a genius!

Like · · Share · 2 June 2011 at 08:52

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

After reading everything on this page, who couldn’t love us? Seriously…

Like · · Share · 2 June 2011 at 08:59

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Back from my self-imposed electronic media break (ahhhhh), now I need to catch up! This page is on fire!

Like · · Share · 8 June 2011 at 05:57

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Hard week. I had a bunch of transitions at once. Kids out of school, husband gone for a week, almost-daily swimming lessons started (anyone else have a hard time committing to ANYTHING that happens almost-daily?). At first, I thought I’d never make it. I just realized, not only am I still alive…I’m kicking this week’s A$$! Looks like the pre-dread got the best of me again! Till next time, pre-dread…

Like · · Share · 10 June 2011 at 08:27

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

How many of you have tried meditating to calm your brain? I love it! I once went to a ten-day meditation event. I thought I would enjoy the peace. We meditated for 11 hours a day. By day 3, I was clinically insane, and planning my middle-of-the-night escape. By day 4, I was disturbing the peace demanding the keys to my car, so let’s just start with two minutes a day!

Like · · Share · 13 June 2011 at 09:16

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Meditation is good for our brains, because it involves visualizing, counting, and breathing…it keeps us too busy to be able to think about anything else. Start with two minutes…you’ll be shocked at how easy it is, and how you feel after. TRY IT! Come on! Ohhh…I’m seeing a meditation challenge in the near future…

Like · · Share · 14 June 2011 at 18:55

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

RIIIING! RIIIING! *jumps from being startled…curses phone and whoever is calling* How many of us have a “phone phobia”? Sometimes it’s all I have not to throw it across the room when it rings. My husband reminded me the other day of how I once threw my phone right out the car window after getting too many calls in a short amount of time. WHAT DO THESE PEOPLE WANT FROM US?!?!

Like · · Share · 15 June 2011 at 09:30

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I’ve noticed a lot of people commenting on how this page feels like “home” and I totally agree. I’m watching us grow and evolve and it’s amazing. All of these “quirks” that we were so ashamed of and kept hidden about ourselves, are now coming to light, and we’re finally at the point where we can start to laugh at ourselves, and let go of some of the shame. I think it’s beautiful.

Like · · Share · 15 June 2011 at 09:33

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

‎”On this page we are not a bunch of squiggly lines trying desperately to straighten ourselves out so that we don’t bump into or offend the triangles, circles, and squares all around us. In this room we are squiggly siblings in our own comfortable tangles of giggles and insecurity, a creative huddle of mischief makers, creative problem solvers, and…absent-minded superheroes.”

~ Kaydie Paschall, Fellow Superhero

Like · · Share · 17 June 2011 at 06:38

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Went into a superhero super funk. Dangit.

Like · · Share · 20 June 2011 at 10:04

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I’ve figured out that sunshine depresses me and rain makes me cheerful. WHAT IS UP WITH THAT?!?!?!?

Like · · Share · 21 June 2011 at 11:18

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

My super-funk knocked me into the dead place. It sucks down here. I’ll just lay in a corner and bide my time gathering strength. The less I fight it, the quicker I’ll be strong enough to climb out. Stinky dead place…I loathe you.

Like · · 23 June 2011 at 09:59

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Well hellooo. I just climbed out of the dead place. Nice to see everyone!!!

Like · · Share · 29 June 2011 at 08:53

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Out of 517 of us, surely there are loads of us in a funk right now…make sure you meet back here when you climb out!!!!

Like · · Share · 29 June 2011 at 16:33

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I must have suffered from premature evacuation (why does that sound dirty?) from my funk last week!!! I slipped back in a tad, but now I’m really back. Let’s have some fun!!!!!

Like · · Share · 7 July 2011 at 08:51

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero asked: I love to cook, but can’t stand to bake. My theory is that baking requires following strict rules,…

Like · · Share · 7 July 2011 at 09:09

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Forgetting makes me crazy! Especially when I forget that I should NEVER listen to my husband…he’s NEVER right! At least we get some good chuckles out of it.

Like · · Share · 9 July 2011 at 17:05

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I’m not a big fan of passive-aggressiveness. I like to meet things head on…no bullsh*tting here, and I like that about me so *sticks tongue out* pbbbbbbbbbbbbb!

Like · · Share · 9 July 2011 at 17:08

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Husband: They’re having a pagoda behind us.

Me: What do you mean they’re having a “pagoda” behind us?

Husband: Pagoda means “garage sale” in Spanish.

Me: It does? That’s weird. Who told you that?

Husband: That’s what it says on their garage sale sign.

Me: Holy crap, Dave. Are you kidding me? That’s the name of their street!

Like · · Share · 9 July 2011 at 17:13

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

When I start taking my vitamins every day, I stop washing my face every night. When I start washing my face every night, I stop exercising every day. Why can’t I ever get my sh*t straight all at once?!

Like · · Share · 10 July 2011 at 19:05

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

‎…take today for example. I looked online to see how to fix a washer, took it apart, and fixed it, yet an hour later, I can’t find my husband’s birthday cards that I hid in a “safe” place two days ago!

Like · · Share · 11 July 2011 at 16:56

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I once read that 85% of those with AD(H)D occasionally suffer from bouts of “rage”. I can relate. How about you guys???

Like · · Share · 13 July 2011 at 09:49

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

How many feel less weird after joining this group? If SO many of us are SO similar, we can’t be that damn weird!

Like · · Share · 13 July 2011 at 15:57

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I just found my phone in the fridge. I wish I could blame it on the kids.

Like · · Share · 14 July 2011 at 15:38

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I’m telling you guys…I’m not just blowing smoke up your wazoos, meditation is VERY beneficial for us!

Like · · Share · 15 July 2011 at 11:41

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Why is it that I can buy a gift or card a week in advance, but it never gets mailed until a week after the event? WHY? WHY? WHY?

Like · · Share · 16 July 2011 at 08:06

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I now know why I don’t like malls and shopping in general. I had to call my husband to rescue my daughter and I because I couldn’t find the car. I told my husband on the phone, “either I’m a dumb ass or the car was stolen”…turns out it was the first one. AND THE ADVENTURES CONTINUE…

Like · · Share · 16 July 2011 at 13:00

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

We love our friends and family, but unless they have AD(H)D, there is no way in H-E-Double-Hockey-Sticks that they’ll ever have any clue of what we go through. Sometimes they think they’re helping us with their advice and tips, when they’re actually making things worse. They “attack” so we withdraw.

Like · · Share · 17 July 2011 at 18:03

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious.

~Albert Einstein

Like · · Share · 17 July 2011 at 18:31

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

If you met someone just like you, you would REALLY like them, wouldn’t you? Let’s chew on that for a bit…

Like · · Share · 18 July 2011 at 08:24

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

My email procrastination just came back to bite me in the butt. 1440 unread email messages. *sits on hands to keep from throwing laptop through the window*

Like · · Share · 18 July 2011 at 14:29

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Back in town…WOW! You guys blew this page up…I LOVE IT! Now, does anyone have any ideas and how I can rifle through all of the posts? The “notifications” links are not ADD-friendly when there are a ton of posts to read!!! I wish they would delete as I clicked on them!!! Get on that, Facebook!

Like · · Share · 25 July 2011 at 09:30

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I’m still overwhelmed (and procrastinating because of it) by the amount of notifications from when I was out of town. I feel like I need to respond to each and every one of you, but I just keep getting mixed up on the notification links. I’m just going to go down the page instead, so if I don’t respond when a response is needed, don’t take offense…I’m ADD.

Like · · Share · 27 July 2011 at 12:23

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

‎”If I had my life to live over again, I’d try to make more mistakes next time. I would relax. I’d be sillier than I have been on this trip. I would climb more mountains, swim more rivers and watch more sunsets. I would have more actual troubles and less imaginary ones. Oh, I’ve had my moments, and if I had to do it over again, I’d have more of them. In fact, I’d try to have nothing else, just moments, one after another… I would pick more daisies.” – Nadine Stair (at age 89)

Like · · Share · 27 July 2011 at 20:25

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Hi everyone!!! I’m in Portland having some “back-to-nature” time with a favorite friend. Soooo therapeutic for the brain. Maybe we can all try to “unplug” this weekend?! It really does a body good. Well, the wine tasting hasn’t hurt either…I’ll be home on Monday, can’t wait to read what I’ve missed! Cheers!

Like · · Share · 5 August 2011 at 11:28

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Back from my trip…that means school is just around the corner. I want to cry with relief (no offense to my rugrats, but they’re nuts). Am I the only one that has felt like I was paralyzed or stagnating this summer? This page and my writing has really suffered due to my inability to focus on other things when the kids are home…seriously looking forward to being Stacey and not just Mom again. WHERE DID I GO?

Like · · Share · 8 August 2011 at 19:59

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I love my sweet husband, but when will he ever figure out that he CAN NOT TOUCH MY PILES?! He doesn’t believe me that I know every stinking thing in those piles. “A file cabinet? Are you nuts? I can’t find sh*t in file cabinets!”

Like · · Share · 10 August 2011 at 17:28

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

‎”Not all who wander are lost.”

~J. R. R. Tolkien

Like · · Share · 15 August 2011 at 17:30

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I don’t mind grocery shopping, but I can barely stand putting the groceries away when I get home. It takes me longer to do that than to do the driving to the store, the shopping itself, and the drive home! F-O-C-U-S STACEY! *remembers that the groceries are still only half put away and rushes to the kitchen*

Like · · Share · 16 August 2011 at 09:45

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I was thinking (watch out!) that not only does my mind crave stimulation, but my taste buds do too. Hot, sour, vinegars, garlic, black pepper, jalapeno, carbonation…those are my favorites. Sweets, I can leave behind, but don’t take away my jalapeno pizza dipped in red wine vinegar!

Like · · Share · 16 August 2011 at 11:45

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

How did I get to sitting in front of the computer to answer posts with a towel on my head? Seriously…let me at least get a little presentable, and try to focus long enough to make it to the bathroom to hang it up (where I will later find it on the bedroom floor or bed, causing a damp area that will annoy the crap out of me until it dries).

Like · · Share · 18 August 2011 at 10:19

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I was on my home from a road trip a couple of weeks ago…I had to pee SOOO bad. I was thankful to finally see a sign for a rest stop a 1/2 mile away. You can imagine my surprise/disgust/amusement/full bladder when I realized that somewhere in that 1/2 of a mile, I forgot to take the exit.

Like · · Share · 10 August 2011 at 19:00

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

One last family road trip to go. Leaving today to show the kids the Alamo. If it seems like all of the summer vacations have been in the last month of summer, you are correct. That’s a direct result of my inability to pre-plan at the beginning of summer like most (non-add) people do. *(August 1st – “HOLY CRAP! We need to take some summer vacations!”)*

Like · · Share · 11 August 2011 at 09:14

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I often think to myself “Yeah, you’re doing a good job, but you can do better.” I wish I could just hit pause after the “you’re doing a good job” part and enjoy the taste of THAT for a bit.

Like · · Share · 27 August 2011 at 13:08

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

For a girl that has a love of humanity, I sure have a low tolerance for people.

Like · · Share · 27 August 2011 at 11:49

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

ADD + PMS = Trouble with a capital four-letter word. Now where did I put that damn “Scream-Free Parenting” book?

Like · · Share · 25 August 2011 at 19:33

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

To keep my anxiety level down I don’t use overhead lights in the house, just table lamps. It makes a world of difference! Make sure the light bulb color you choose is the yellow tone, as that is also calming compared to the white/blue. Oh…and of course, please buy cfls. Save the earth!

Like · · Share · 25 August 2011 at 07:58

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Tell us what you perceive to be your worst, most embarrassing trait, and I GUARANTEE you, most of us are the same way, which leads me to believe that maybe they aren’t such terrible traits after all. Maybe we just don’t understand them like we could.

Like · · Share · 24 August 2011 at 17:08

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Which ADD issues are affecting you most right this moment? As much as I love a good free-for-all, I really do need that structure I hate so much.

Like · · Share · 16 August 2011 at 11:47

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

ADHD = Attention Dialed to Higher Dimensions. ♥

Thanks to Robert Higgins!

Like · · Share · 16 August 2011 at 12:15

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

A quote from my book, “Here’s to Not Catching Our Hair on Fire”, coming January 2012 (shameless plug), “I’ve finally come to the conclusion that what I want to do “when I grow up”, will be a constantly evolving idea, and I simply have to evolve with it. That way, when it’s all said and done, I will have done everything I’ve ever wanted to do, instead of wasting time and energy focusing on finding that one elusive thing that will never appear.”

Like · · Share · 18 August 2011 at 10:09

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I’ve been asked more than once, if I had it to do all over and it was an option, would I choose a “normal” brain to live my life. My response is always…”Are you kidding me? I see more, feel more, taste more, smell more, think more, hear more, know more…what an amazing, colorful, layered world I live in that “normal” brains will never see. That’s like asking a meat-eater if he would want to give up his steak for a lifetime of Spam!” A weird analogy for a vegetarian, but hey, I’m weird.

Like · · Share · 18 August 2011 at 12:19

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Dave didn’t see me when he walked into the garage, so I started making ridiculous animal noises on the other side of the car, never dreaming that he would start panicking. He began yelling HEY…HEY! in a deep voice (trying to scare the creature, I assume) and then started screaming “Help, Staaaaace” as he pounded on the door to the house, which unfortunately for him, was locked. I nearly wet my pants…AD(H)D mischief at its finest.

Like · · Share · 18 August 2011 at 19:41

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I’ve decided to stop using exclamations so much when I write. They’re in almost every sentence. Why am I yelling all the time? Someone tell me to pipe down!

Like · · Share · 18 August 2011 at 19:43

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Tax-free weekend starts tomorrow. I’d rather pay the 8.25% to not deal with all of the extra people shopping. WHY DIDN’T I PLAN AHEAD???

Like · · Share · 19 August 2011 at 15:38

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Non-Linearity of Thought – The reason we get the weird look followed by “I’m not following you”.

Like · · Share · 19 August 2011 at 18:46

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I have an @sshole virus on my computer (due to not keeping my anti-everythings up to date), and I have spent 7 hours trying to fix the issue (hyperfocus) to no avail. I won’t give up, though. I was just sitting here thinking, I bet the jacko that created this virus has AD(H)D (stimulation).

Like · · Share · 22 August 2011 at 08:55

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

True Story – My husband and I were driving down a pretty busy street the other day. I was yapping about something and happened to look over to see a freaking chicken in someone’s front yard. No kidding. I lost all thought at that moment. Consequently the book byline has been changed to “A Tale of Living with Giftedness and Attention Deficit – Oh Look! A Chicken!”, as that’s exactly what came out of my mouth.

Like · · Share · 22 August 2011 at 09:18

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

What is your passion right now? Don’t use family, kids or friends. I’m talking about something that you do for YOU. A hobby, an interest…whatever puts you straight into flow…the best place for our wacky brains.

Like · · Share · 24 August 2011 at 10:00

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

‎”I love my dust. It shows I had something better to do.” ~ Anonymous

Like · · Share · 29 August 2011 at 17:23

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

At the kids’ school there are hopscotch courts permanently painted on the sidewalks that all of the kids trodden over daily. Today I noticed as they passed over the courts, a lot of kids never even looked down. Some looked down, but then glanced back up, continuing to walk. SOME, however looked down, and without missing a beat, hopped and jumped through the court, always keeping pace to those that were simply walking. I bet we were those hopscotchers.

Like · · Share · 29 August 2011 at 17:25

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

This place has officially transitioned from a mere FB page, to a group of super-smart, intuitive, loving, hilarious friends. My dream is coming true…

Like · · Share · 30 August 2011 at 09:02

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

‎”Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another, ‘What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” ~ C.S. Lewis

Like · · Share · 30 August 2011 at 10:05

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

AD(H)D is having a knot in the back of your hair and cutting it out with scissors instead of working it out with a comb. Yes, I just did that.

Like · · Share · 31 August 2011 at 09:16

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Need an excuse to procrastinate? The book site is up, you can check it out and let me know what you think. http://www.staceyturis.com

Like · · Share · 31 August 2011 at 11:04

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Well, I’ve gotten myself in a pickle where I have 83 notifications to read, and am too overwhelmed to do so. I’m going to have to start fresh, so if there is something you posted that I didn’t respond to, it means I didn’t see it due to my mad procrastination skills so feel free to say “YO STACEY – I SAID…” – sometimes you just have to knock some sense into me.

Like · · Share · 1 September 2011 at 08:03

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

How many of you would like to do a 21 day exercise challenge?!? I loved that idea – which superhero shared? For 21 days we walk for 20 minutes a day. I’ll design a little award badge to post on our pages for those that complete it. STARTS TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6th. I’ll be reminding you, of course…when my husband reminds me to remind you. XO

Like · · Share · 1 September 2011 at 08:13

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I just tried to turn on a lamp switch with my left hand backwards, and I couldn’t figure out which the hell way to turn it.

Like · · Share · 1 September 2011 at 15:35

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

‎…and just put on an oven mitt to start doing the dishes.

Like · · Share · 1 September 2011 at 15:42

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

The “discussions” and “notes” links on the left don’t do a whole lot to remind me that they are there. They may as well be in a filing cabinet.

Like · · Share · 1 September 2011 at 20:16

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Sensory issues + underwear = bad mood. I’m going to the Dr. today and thought I should actually wear underwear. Why? I have no idea…just seemed appropriate, even though I’m just getting my back cracked. These things are pissing me off. Does the ER team REALLY care if you have underwear on if you get into an accident?!? I’m thinking if it ever happens they’re just going to have to see my ass!

Like · · Share · 2 September 2011 at 08:02

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

It must be hard living with ADHD and OCD. The ADHD is like, “Oh, look, a cat!” and then the OCD is like, “CLEAN IT.” – Thanks Michelle!

Like · · Share · 3 September 2011 at 06:53

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Am I the only person that has a hard time reading the words you have to type in to confirm you are human? It all looks like scribble to me.

Like · · Share · 3 September 2011 at 07:33

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Those of us searching for perfectionism in ourselves are completely missing the point of life.

Like · · Share · 5 September 2011 at 18:27

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

DAY 1 of the 21-day fitness challenge!!! Move your body for 20 minutes by walking, dancing, running, skipping, scooting…it doesn’t matter, just shake that @ss! For those that meet the challenge, there will be a cool badge to add to your FB page. Are you still reading this? GO!!!!!

Like · · Share · 6 September 2011 at 09:22

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I planned on taking my medicine. I walked over to take my medicine. I unscrewed the cap to take my medicine. I was distracted while taking my medicine and have no idea if I actually ended up taking my medicine.

Like · · Share · 6 September 2011 at 09:34

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I have to laugh at myself because when I get thiiiiis close to finishing a project…maybe one or two things left to do, I go into a holding pattern. Paralyzed. I don’t want to finish it. Maybe I don’t want it to end (BUT I’M DYING FOR IT TO END). Maybe, I’m…JUST FINISH THE DAMN PROJECT STACEY!

Like · · Share · 6 September 2011 at 09:37

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I FINISHED THE PROJECT!!!!! *booty dance commences*

Like · · Share · 6 September 2011 at 14:02

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

”You must carry a chaos inside you to give birth to a dancing star.” ~Nietzsche

Like · · Share · 7 September 2011 at 10:15

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

…the minute I feel the pressure of having to make money at something, it takes away all of the fun. I just consider this my job. Teaching people about themselves, and sharing the message of self-acceptance…it’s a beautiful job. No money, but it makes me happy.

Like · · Share · 9 September 2011 at 06:02

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Day 4 of the 21-day fitness challenge. How are you staying motivated??? I walked the rugrats to school, worked in the herb gardens and did a bit of yoga before bed. I love not feeling like a piece of crap at the end of the day.

Like · · Share · 9 September 2011 at 07:48

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

My fingers always want to type “superherp” instead of superhero…I’m tempted to change the name for lazy purposes, but it may be a turn off.

Like · · Share · 9 September 2011 at 07:53

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Which are you? I’m guessing visual-spatial.

Like · · Share · 9 September 2011 at 09:21

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Love this! “Angry people want you to see how powerful they are…loving people want you to see how powerful You are.” – Chief Red Eagle

Like · · Share · 9 September 2011 at 12:33

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

This head fog is a pain in the butt. I love how all of a sudden I can look down at myself and realize that I haven’t groomed my toenails and fingernails OR plucked my eyebrows for a month. Where have I been? Why didn’t I notice the little toe hairs growing?!? It’s a miracle my teeth get brushed sometimes.

Like · · Share · 12 September 2011 at 10:26

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Am I the only one that can walk into a public restroom and then have no idea whether to go right or left when I walk back out? Does anyone else get instantly nervous when you have to find the front door of a business/restaurant, etc. that you’ve never visited before?

Like · · Share · 12 September 2011 at 11:14

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Day 7 of the 21-day fitness challenge! Are you guys still hanging in there??? KEEP IT UP! You only have to move for 20 minutes a day to stay in the challenge. If you missed a day, tack the time on to another one! YOU CAN DO IT!

Like · · Share · 12 September 2011 at 11:27

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

A little note to all of the superheroes, with love…

Dear Wacky Ones – you are incredibly gifted, intuitive, highly-intelligent, and “normal” people won’t always understand the world you live in. That’s OK. Only you know what choices are right for you. Always follow your gut and your heart. It is impossible for you to fail – you have no choice but to accomplish great things in your life. Be proud of the amazing being you are. Blazing trails is a lonely job, and it’s not up to you to “wait” for others to catch up. Understand that everything you see negative about you is actually a positive, and the very things that will allow you to accomplish those great things you are obviously destined for. Let you be you without the guilt and shame. You’ve always known you were special…trust that feeling. Laugh at yourself while teaching others. Go get em’ tiger, keep on truckin’, and finally, may the Force be with you. I think you’re covered.

Like · · Share · 12 September 2011 at 19:20

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Do you suffer from insta-pissed-itis? I’ve been known once or twice or a thousand times to lose my cool. I call it getting insta-pissed, and when it happens, it’s not pretty. Bouts of rage are common in 85% of people with AD(H)D…

Like · · Share · 13 September 2011 at 08:14

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

You know that AD(H)D intuition I refer to? LISTEN TO IT! It’s a HUGE trick we can pull our of our superhero bag of goodies! I have a million stories where I’ve used my superhero intuition to save myself from unsavory situations. AD(H)D intuition is a real thing, and you can learn to develop it through meditation. So…

Like · · Share · 14 September 2011 at 08:45

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I tried to make myself feel better tonight by binging on peanut butter sandwiches and smoked Gouda. It worked.

Like · · Share · 14 September 2011 at 19:04

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Why does it offend my husband that I use a chair as my closet? It’s not like he ever sits in the chair!

Like · · Share · 15 September 2011 at 06:55

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

My book is almost here! “A belly-laugh inducing romp through a life so convoluted and chaotic you know it has to be true, Stacey Turis’s debut gives a voice to the genius yet tormented souls suffering from giftedness, ADHD, or a combination of both (a condition known as twice-exceptional) who are too afraid to speak.” http://www.staceyturis.com

Like · · Share · 15 September 2011 at 14:17

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Just wondering if my propensity towards “letting the pans soak” is an AD(H)D thing…

Like · · Share · 15 September 2011 at 18:52

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Hi. My name is Stacey and I have trouble keeping friends.

I’m in my own little world, but it’s OK. They know me here.

Like · · Share · 16 September 2011 at 08:43

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

‎”Anyone can become angry — that is easy. But to be angry with the right person, to the right degree, at the right time, for the right purpose, and in the right way — this is not easy.” ~ Aristotle

Like · · Share · 16 September 2011 at 08:45

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

‎…speaking of closets and our inability to use them, I thought that by making my closet bigger, I would actually want to hang my clothes up. I did what any AD(H)Der would do. I took a hammer to the wall between my closet and a small spare room to make a gigantic closet. I got the racks hung in the new closet, but never replaced the carpet I tore up, and the missing wall looks the Incredible Hulk busted through it just seconds ago.

Like · · Share · 16 September 2011 at 12:14

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

HOLY CRAP!!!! I forgot about the 21-day fitness challenge!!!!! ARE YOU KIDDING ME? Anyone still doing it? Anyone know what the hell day we’re on? Whose idea was it for ME to be the reminder? Go shake those booties! I’m going to try to shake my a$$ hard enough that those apparent cobwebs fall out of my ears. That’s why my daughter calls me the “forgetter”. I’m a piece of work, I tell ya. Who does that? ALL OF US!!!! WOOOOO HOOOOOOO!

Like · · Share · 16 September 2011 at 13:42

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I really hate it when they paint new lines on the road that follow a different path from the old lines on the road. Even though the new lines are brighter, my brain says “FOLLOW THEM BOTH!!” I am constantly getting confused at intersections trying to figure out which lanes are going left, which goes straight, is that light for me? What the hell is a yellow arrow? They didn’t have those last week! Which lane is mine across the intersection??? – it’s like an immediate panic and freeze. ARGH!

Like · · Share · 19 September 2011 at 09:04

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

‎”I see myself as an intelligent, sensitive human, with a soul of a clown which forces me to blow it at the most important moments.” ~Jim Morrison

Like · · Share · 19 September 2011 at 09:17

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

People think that because I have ADHD, they need to give me EXTRA-ADVANCED notice of something that’s coming up. That’s not how I work at all! Call me the day of, and I’m more likely to do something, even step out of my comfort zone if I fancy it at that moment. Advanced notice just gives me time for the pre-commitment dread. I’ll have myself talked out of it before it ever rolls around.

Like · · Share · 19 September 2011 at 10:57

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

It was one of those days. I went to our city’s Environmental Awards today…and lost…but not before popping a flower shaped pat of butter in my mouth thinking it was a mint, and then exiting the awards ceremony early by walking into a closet instead of out the door.

Like · · Share · 20 September 2011 at 16:27

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Ughh. Too much going on. Became overwhelmed. Slipped into a superfunk. I’m going to roll around in the funk for a bit, but I’ll be out shortly.

Like · · Share · 22 September 2011 at 19:01

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

The city just asked me to be an Environmental Mentor for the Public Schools. That’s cool, and gives me yet another random thing to add to my resume…right under Big Foot Researcher.

Like · · Share · 23 September 2011 at 11:08

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

‎*magic hands* Something neeew will be revealed on Monday…not that you’ll remember by then. Hell, I may not even remember by then. *suddenly disappears* (but ends up in broom closet)

Like · · Share · 23 September 2011 at 12:13

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

DAY 21 of the fitness challenge!!! CONGRATULATIONS to all of you that succeeded! Please post this badge to your page, and brag your asses off…you deserve it! For those of you that had life get in the way, don’t beat yourself up…join us in the next one!

Like · · Share · 27 September 2011 at 08:35

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

So now I’m getting zero notifications from FB. Did anyone pay attention to the emails etc. that told us how to fix that? I knew I should have paid attention, I just didn’t feel like it right then.

Like · · Share · 27 September 2011 at 08:41

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I’m feeling a little bit frisky today…let’s talk about our psychic abilities!!! *waves freak flag back and forth*

Like · · Share · 27 September 2011 at 12:00

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Speaking of the wacky, how many of you get weird high-pitched sounds in your ear every so often?

Like · · Share · 27 September 2011 at 15:24

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

We’ve touched on the subject of our intuition and empathy. Some people are scared to even talk/think about this stuff because of their upbringing, religious or otherwise, but in my opinion, it’s simply one of our senses that has been put to the back burner as we’ve evolved…pretty much a sixth sense. If you put it in that category, it seems kind of ridiculous to think that it’s anything but how we were made. YOU MEAN THAT LADY CAN SMELL THINGS THROUGH HER NOSE? BURN HER AT THE STAKES!

Like · · Share · 28 September 2011 at 13:49

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

My daughter gave me a note yesterday with a little ditty that I think we all need to hear on occasion. “Don’t worry if your tasks are small and rewards are few, remember that the mighty oak was once a nut like you!” OK…I guess I’ll keep on keepin’ on, then. Wait. I think she just called me a nut.

Like · · Share · 28 September 2011 at 14:04

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I’m exhausted from just trying to keep my sh*t together today…and my husband washed my jeans, which means they feel tight, so that’s distracting/annoying…though secretly I’m grateful that someone’s doing the laundry around here! I feel like pig pen with a bunch of crap just swirling around my head. AUGHHHHHHHHHH! SAVE MEEEEE FROM MEEEEEEEEEE!

Like · · Share · 29 September 2011 at 09:44

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Dave: Have a good cry and get back on the saddle.

Me: I’m f*cking SICK of the saddle!

Like · · Share · 1 October 2011 at 12:35

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I guess I’m going through a little something right now. The book is getting close to coming out, I’m launching something on Monday…suddenly that familiar fear of failure is gurgling up, and it makes me feel less in control. I need to take back the upper hand. Is my fear of failure just a cleverly disguised “fear of the unknown”? And if it IS fear of the unknown, am I afraid because I’m not sure if I’ll be able to manage the “unknown”?

Like · · Share · 1 October 2011 at 13:12

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

“We are all a little weird and life’s a little weird, and when we find someone whose weirdness is compatible with ours, we join up with them and fall in mutual weirdness and call it love.” ~Dr. Seuss

Like · · Share · 3 October 2011 at 07:50

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Quick…best thing about today? Worst? My best was grounding myself by making lasagna and banana bread and finally coming down from space after that two-week download. Worst was coming down from space after that two-week download!

Like · · Share · 4 October 2011 at 15:40

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

It’s true…the people on here are amazing. Profound, articulate, genius, intuitive, sometimes sad, sometimes happy, a melting pot of what we collectively are. I couldn’t be more proud of what we have here.

Like · · Share · 4 October 2011 at 18:34

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

How many of you feel like you are here for a purpose, but can’t quite grasp what it is? It’s almost like it’s just out of reach…

Like · · Share · 4 October 2011 at 20:29

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

One of my favorite quotes of all time…“Here’s to the crazy ones, the misfits, the rebels, the troublemakers, the round pegs in the square holes…the ones who see things differently. They’re not fond of rules. You can quote them, disagree with them, glorify or vilify them, but the only thing you can’t do is ignore them because they change things. They push the human race forward, and while some may see them as the crazy ones, we see genius, because the ones who are crazy enough to think that they can change the world, are the ones who do.” ~Steve Jobs

Like · · Share · 6 October 2011 at 08:24

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Oh great…I just started soaking another pan. The last one was ridiculous even for my standards – 5 days of soaking in the sink before I ran it in the dishwasher (2 days) and then back to the sink soaking for 3 or 4 days. I finally put the pan and myself out of our misery by washing the damn thing.

Like · · Share · 6 October 2011 at 12:25

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Happy Friday! Finally! What crazy plans are you guys cooking up for this weekend? I’m thinking some serious alone time is in order. Am I the only wack-job that occasionally just needs to sit on the couch, looking out the window so my brain can just run loose and process things? I did it the other day for nearly two hours and I felt like a new girl afterwards!

Like · · Share · 7 October 2011 at 08:02

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

‎”Be yourself, everyone else is taken.” ~Oscar Wilde

Like · · Share · 10 October 2011 at 08:22

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Columbus was no hero. He was an arrogant, greedy, masochistic, villainous native-slave-trader and exporter. Today, I raise my middle finger to you, Christopher Columbus…you and your stupid ships.

Like · · Share · 10 October 2011 at 10:04

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I never know the date. Not only do I not know the date, if someone came up to me and asked me to guess, in my answer I could be anywhere from five days before or after the actual date. Time? What time?

Like · · Share · 10 October 2011 at 12:09

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

We don’t want to scare our plain-brained friends with what goes on in our heads! Not that there’s anything wrong with having a plain ol’ brain of course…I mean, I wouldn’t want one, but that’s just me.

Like · · Share · 11 October 2011 at 07:47

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I know I’m always bugging you guys about exercise, but it’s SO important for our gerbil-wheel brains! It’s hard when we don’t have a deadline pushing us to do something, and I’ve figured out if I get my yoga (or whatever you fancy for exercise) in when I’m waiting for something else (i.e., kid in the tub, tea heating in the microwave, commercials on tv), I can just slam it out without all of that pre-exercise or whatever, anxiety. It’s better than waiting around for something, and you might even get some abs poking out.

Like · · Share · 11 October 2011 at 10:50

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

An email I got from a friend today…the subject was “Oh look! A chicken!” The body was “No, seriously. In the parking lot at Staples. Weird.”

Like · · Share · 11 October 2011 at 16:29

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I ‘m reading an ADHD book, and something in there really struck me. It said when we find something that grabs our interest, we become so passionate, learning everything about it, we become instant experts! What is something you’ve become an “instant expert” on?!?

Like · · Share · 13 October 2011 at 11:48

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

How many of you can hear music in your head within white noise? For example, when I’m running a bath, I’ll unconsciously hear and listen to a piece of music for a while before I realize 1. that I’m listening to it & 2. there is no music playing.

Like · · Share · 15 October 2011 at 13:18

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I’m a huge fan of aromatherapy. I even have a line of aromatherapeutic dog sprays, that I haven’t done anything with. The sprays are amazing, the labels are fabulous, the bottles are chic, and…

Like · · Share · 15 October 2011 at 14:18

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

It’s not a privilege to know others. Know yourself. That’s a privilege.

Like · · Share · 15 October 2011 at 17:54

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

How many of you have issues with affection? When my husband tries to hold my hand, I immediately get itchy armpits from the stress…and he smells fine, I promise.

Like · · Share · 17 October 2011 at 08:34

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I leave for an AD(H)D conference in Seattle on Thursday and I haven’t even reserved my rental car yet. Of course, why would I when I have an entire day left to do it? And laundry…and pack…and figure out when the heck my flights are (who did I book that through?) and…

Like · · Share · 18 October 2011 at 19:07

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

We’re all stars. We just need the sky to shine in…

Like · · Share · 19 October 2011 at 08:44

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

If my husband was a REAL assistant, I would have had HIM make all of these horrible plane and car reservations, and then print them out for me for my little travel folder, and then get directions to everywhere I’ll be going (Space Needle?) and then print them out in chronological order, so there is NO THINKING involved for me…that’s how I like it. But wait, I’m a control freak that never lets anyone take the reigns. Ok. OK…I’ll give him props for making my decaf every morning.

Like · · Share · 19 October 2011 at 09:56

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Last post from me until Monday…maybe. Probably. Anyway, who besides me gets totally offended by having to celebrate holidays? I love Halloween, but the others just piss me off because I feel like I’m being forced. AND, I think New Year’s Eve is the biggest crock ever…I finally stopped going to the parties, because it was always such a let down compared to my high expectations.

Like · · Share · 20 October 2011 at 15:09

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

In two weeks I leave for a 4-day Big Foot expedition. I love that stuff! It seems since I’ve had kids, I’ve stopped going on my own adventures, and I can tell it affects me…I’m an explorer, adventurer, investigator by heart! What is something you want to do that you never make time for???

Like · · Share · 21 October 2011 at 10:21

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

‎”Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” ~Ralph Waldo Emerson

Like · · Share · 21 October 2011 at 11:49

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

As ADHDers, we are lacking in Dopamine. That’s why we have a hard time getting motivated. Without Dopamine, the feeling of “wanting to” is diminished and often non-existent. This week, we’re going to be talking about ways to boost your dopamine levels. First order of business…GET OFF YOUR BUTTS! Exercise is the BEST way to boost your levels. Not only does it boost your levels, it causes your brain to sprout NEW receptors which means even more dopamine. Before you know it, you’ll be a walking ball of motivated sunshine!

Like · · Share · 25 October 2011 at 09:52

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Dear Normals: Please stop taking my behavior so personally. This may come as a surprise, but it’s not always about you. Warm Regards.

Like · · Share · 25 October 2011 at 13:10

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I’ve successfully bathed my sweater belt in the toilet for the 3rd time in 2 weeks. This can’t go on.

Like · · Share · 27 October 2011 at 09:20

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

‎”Do not apologize…bend the world to you.” TotallyADDs, Rick Green at the Seattle conference last weekend. Spread the message!

Like · · Share · 28 October 2011 at 07:53

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I’ve not yet unpacked from the Seattle trip and now packing for a 4-day Big Foot expedition, complete with my snake-bite kit which horridly includes a scalpel and “instructions”…have I ever told you that I never read the “instructions”?

Like · · Share · 1 November 2011 at 12:38

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Your to-do list is overwhelming and now you can barely look at it without suffering from chest pains…just do ONE thing on your list. That’s it. Commit to ONE thing. There is a release of chemicals when you accomplish something which leads to your wanting to accomplish more. Who knows…maybe you’ll get to two things on your list today, but for now, commit to just one!

Like · · Share · 2 November 2011 at 08:01

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Hiii everyone!!!! WOW. I had the most amazing trip and marked something off my bucket list! As I was searching for Big Foot in the middle of the night in the middle of a forest with a group of bad-ass females using Military-grade technology at the highest focus and sensory awareness I’ve ever experienced in my life…I couldn’t help but get pissed off at the military’s ignorant rules regarding AD(H)D soldiers!!!! My focus and concentration was so intense (medicine-free), I could have burned a hole through a tree with only my gaze. That’s how superheroes roll.

Like · · Share · 8 November 2011 at 08:33

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I’m already starting to get overwhelmed by the impending doom…I mean holidays. What are some good coping skills you’ve uncovered to deal with the most stress-filled time of the year? Ropes, knives and guns don’t count!

Like · · Share · 9 November 2011 at 08:27

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

“Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It’s about learning how to dance in the rain.” ~Vivian Green

Like · · Share · 9 November 2011 at 10:00

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

The kids have a school skating party tonight…my pre-event social anxiety should kick in in about 4 hours. It should stop after I get there, but then I’ll do the weirdest thing…whenever I’m out of my house and at a social event (especially with lots of noise), I’ll spend every second wishing I was just back home and not dealing with the over-stimulation. WHY CAN’T I JUST HAVE FUN?

Like · · Share · 10 November 2011 at 09:55

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

OY VEY! I still haven’t unpacked from last weekend, and those evil piles that were already started, forced me to add more things to them. I tried to resist, but they kept calling my name when I needed to put something away. “Staaaaaaaceeeeeyyyy, you don’t have to put that wet towel away….just throw it on top of me…I’m a pile…that’s my point…Staaaaaaceeey”. FINE PILE! YOU WANT SOME OF THIS??? *throws wet towel, a star wars figurine, a hairband, some beads, a few large cracker crumbs (big enough to pick up again), an empty cup, and a Monster High doll on top of the pile and stomps away, cursing*

Like · · Share · 13 November 2011 at 12:28

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I got the formatted interior of the book, “Here’s to Not Catching Our Hair on Fire” back last week, so they are just waiting for my approval…problem is that I’ve read the book 14,000 times for editing purposes and I can’t make myself look at it. I’ve got to, but I can’t, but I’ve got to, but I can’t, but I must keep on keepin’ on, because it’s weighing me down and funking me out. I’m paralyzed, but I must push through. RAWWWWWWWRRRRRRRRRRRRR. That was my Incredible Hulk yell…just another way to procrastinate. OK…I’m going to go read, so I can feel happy-go-lucky when I’m finished instead of pissed off at the world. RAWWWWWWWWWRRRRRRRRRR!

Like · · Share · 14 November 2011 at 08:54

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

‎3 days on lockdown trying to get the book finalized…checking in with you shiny chickens…now back to work! See you in a few!!!! A few what? I have no idea…could be minutes hours or days…can’t. hold. this. focus. much. longer.

Like · · Share · 17 November 2011 at 08:47

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

WHAT THE HELL! I should not be driving. How can one girl miss so many turns in one day???? *oh shoooooot…was that Kirkpatrick street? Damn. Oh No! Did I just miss I-90? Damn. Have I already passed College street? Shiiiiit.*

Like · · Share · 17 November 2011 at 16:41

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Holy moly. Well, last week sucked @ss…I am NOT gonna lie. BUT, I managed to launch some big issues right off my shoulders, and am now looking forward to being my usual-crazy instead of crazy-crazy. The great thing is when you get into crazy-crazy mode, usual-crazy doesn’t seem that crazy at all!

Like · · Share · 20 November 2011 at 13:26

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I love the sound of thunder…it somehow validates the turmoil I constantly feel inside.

Like · · Share · 21 November 2011 at 17:20

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I’m going to have a good attitude about the holidays, I’m going to have a good attitude about the holidays, I’m going to have a good attitude about the holidays, I’m going to have a good attitude about the holidays, I’m going to have a good attitude about the holidays, I’m going to have a good attitude about the holidays, I’m going to have a good attitude about the holidays, I’m going to have a good attitude about the holidays…

Like · · Share · 22 November 2011 at 09:45

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I’m a glass half-full kind of girl, which is good since my brain works kind of wonky, otherwise I’d put Debbie Downer to shame.

Like · · Share · 22 November 2011 at 16:20

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

The holiday sheep mentality and over-consumerism kills me right now.

Like · · Share · 25 November 2011 at 11:58

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

We all know cigarettes are addictive, but did you know that cigarettes are even MORE addictive to a person with ADHD, due to being a stimulant? Sucks and SUCKS!

Like · · Share · 26 November 2011 at 13:59

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

SUPER HOLIDAY FUNK-A-RAMA. I can’t take this sh*t. Wake me when it’s all over.

Like · · Share · 27 November 2011 at 17:32

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

After a week plus off of my darn meds, I just took them and waiting for them to kick in so I can get things accomplished today. Accomplishments are the only cure for my funk, and I’m wondering how much my week of floating in space attributed to it. ONWARD AND UPWARD…Let’s kick some Monday butt. Who’s in?!?!?!? *begins a highly-offensive shiny chicken dance*

Like · · Share · 28 November 2011 at 07:42

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Trying to exercise my way through this funk. I just did Yoga Bootcamp. I’m now thiiiiiiis close to puking.

Like · · Share · 29 November 2011 at 09:01

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

‎”Sucking at something is the first step toward being sorta good at something.”

~Jake the dog, Adventure Time

Like · · Share · 30 November 2011 at 07:56

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Good timber does not grow with ease; the stronger the wind, the stronger the trees. ~Douglas Malloch

Like · · Share · 2 December 2011 at 06:13

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I agree wholeheartedly that my reactions to the holidays are completely ridiculous. I also know that if I don’t take cover and work through them my own way, the funk will not go away on January 1st, and I refuse to be angst-ridden for any new beginnings, so fetal position in the corner through December, it is!

Like · · Share · 12 December 2011 at 08:26

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Sometimes I wonder if I feel like this around the holidays because I’m overwhelmed, or because everyone keeps telling me it’s the season to be happy, which makes me want to do the opposite. You never know. I’m that weird.

Like · · Share · 12 December 2011 at 08:43

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

How many of us are having a hard time with the “afternoon slump” where we get really tired? At around 1pm, there is a natural lull in our circadian rhythm that signals the body to release melatonin, which makes us drowsy. We can prevent that dip by exposing our bodies to 10 minutes of sunlight at noon. Sun not shining where you live? Get outside anyway…our bodies will still be able to absorb the vitamin D necessary!

Like · · Share · 14 December 2011 at 08:50

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I sent my daughter to her room. She tried to debate it, until I finally said enough and started counting. She then asked, “Well, what did I do?”, and I’ll be darned if I could remember.

Like · · Share · 20 December 2011 at 09:47

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

That Elf on a Shelf is not very ADD-Friendly. Besides that, for 25 bucks, the Elf should remember to move himself.

Like · · Share · 22 December 2011 at 09:25

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

I’m a perfectionist born and raised. That being said, just because I’m a perfectionist doesn’t mean that everything I do is perfect. Not at all. Not even close. Not even sometimes…

Like · · Share · 22 December 2011 at 13:55

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Happy Holidays Super Heroes!!! May your tights not get tighter… XO

Like · · Share · 25 December 2011 at 09:59

In honor of the holidays being next to over, and me being in such a great mood because of it, I’m going to share what I think must be the weirdest quirk I have, that I’ve never shared with ANYONE…(drum roll)…whenever I’m in a store, and I mean ANY store, I always think the employees think I’m stealing. Always. Can someone analyze that one for me? Please? It can’t be healthy.

Like · · Share · 26 December 2011 at 15:40

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

Happy New Year to the lot of you, and please don’t drink and drive…little Timmy in the car ahead of you has big plans for his life, and only HE should be allowed to screw those up. XO

Like · · Share · 31 December 2011 at 14:36

1 comment | tags: adhd, giftedness, Stacey Turis, add, gifted, depression, anxiety, introvert, focus, dopamine, happiness, serotonin, superhero, attention deficit disorder, Adult, non-linear thinking, Here's to Not Catching our Hair on Fire, Exercise, Book, Author, Mood swings, visual-spatial, Friendship, Relationships, Careers for ADHD, dabrowsky, sensitivities, over-excitabilities, gifts, perfectionism, Facebook, procrastination | posted in ADD/ADHD, Non-Linear Thinking, Colors and Moods, Gifted, Visual-Spatial, Mood Swings, Intuition, depression, Relationships, Empathy, Stacey Turis, Careers, Behavior, Sleep, Over-excitabilities, Sensitivities, Dopamine, Gifts, Anxiety, Sensory Processing Disorder, Holiday Stress, Perfectionism, ADHD Quirks, Entrepreneurs, Creativity, Procrastination, Stress, PMS, Facebook

June 20, 2012

My Book is Free Today!

By adhdsuperhero

I’ve found that a lot of people think it’s cool when they get things for free. Hey look, I’m not trying to make a million bucks – I’m trying to make a difference. SO, in the interest of saving the world, please enjoy a free Kindle copy of my book, Here’s to Not Catching Our Hair on Fire: An Absent-Minded Tale of Life with Giftedness and Attention Deficit – Oh Look! A Chicken! ~ST

If you don’t have a Kindle, you can download a free app for your phone, tablet or PC here.

This offer for a bazillion dollars off the retail price is good today and tomorrow (whatever the date is) only!

Did you know that if you forget to pay a speeding ticket you WILL get arrested—in front of your kids, the neighbors—the dog—and anyone else who happens to be there? True story. And the thing is, Stacey Turis has a million of them, and she imparts these and other nuggets of wisdom to offer others suffering from ADHD some hope in knowing that they are not alone.

A belly-laugh inducing romp through a life so convoluted and chaotic you know it has to be true, Stacey Turis’s debut gives a voice to the genius yet tormented souls suffering from giftedness, ADHD, or a combination of both (a condition known as twice-exceptional) who are too afraid to speak.

Chronicling her life journey from a state of self-loathing to one of self-acceptance, the stories flow timelessly, always incorporating the resulting lessons and reflections gleaned from each adventure. Including both the tragic, stomach churning details of a horrifically abusive time in her childhood to comic adventures such as deciding to dye her hair plum the day before an important presentation to a bank only to have it turn out purple, her life has never suffered from a dull moment. Though she often thought Karma was the reason she found herself in so many “pickles,” a friend explained to her that when you put yourself out in the world more than anyone else, it’s really just a matter of statistics. Lucky for Turis and the rest of us, putting herself out there all these years allows us all to look at life through her pair of less-struggle-more-sass glasses.

With over three hundred million people suffering from ADHD worldwide and experiencing many of the same debilitating symptoms, Turis’ goal is to share her experiences so that others afflicted can rid themselves of the shame of hiding their behavior. A rip-roaring and bracingly honest look at a twice-exceptional life, Here’s to Not Catching Our Hair on Fire: An Absent-Minded Tale of Life with Giftedness and Attention Deficit—Oh Look! A Chicken! turns the rational on its head in a rollicking depiction of a life that seems to be constantly going off the rails.

3 comments | tags: add, adhd, Adult, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, Author, Book, depression, dopamine, gifted, giftedness, gifts, happiness, Here's to Not Catching our Hair on Fire, introvert, Mood swings, non-linear thinking, over-excitabilities, perfectionism, procrastination, sensitivities, serotonin, Stacey Turis, superhero | posted in ADD/ADHD, Non-Linear Thinking, Gifted, Visual-Spatial, Mood Swings, Intuition, depression, Friendships, Relationships, Empathy, Here's to Not Catching our Hair on Fire, Behavior, Sleep, Over-excitabilities, Sensitivities, Gifts, Anxiety, Sensory Processing Disorder, Perfectionism, ADHD Quirks, Entrepreneurs, Creativity, Procrastination, Paralysis, Anger, Stress, PMS, Yoga, Happiness, Book

April 9, 2012

Happiness Schmappiness

By adhdsuperhero

Why is the Art of Being Happy sometimes so elusive? Don’t give me the ol’ “Being happy is an inside job” because I know that, I preach that…and on the inside I AM happy. It’s the things going on around me in the world that yank me violently from that place of bliss. Unfortunately, it’s my job to deal with those things in the healthiest way possible, and sometimes that’s tough. Necessary, but tough.

I read an amazing book last year called, The Geography of Bliss: One Grump’s Search for the Happiest Places in the World, by Eric Weiner. A ridiculous and cliché statement, but I found a lot of happy in that book.

“Using the ancient philosophers and the much more recent “science of happiness” as my guide, I travel the world in search of the happiest places and what we can learn from them. As I make my way from Iceland (one of the world’s happiest countries) to Bhutan (where the king has made Gross National Happiness a national priority) to Moldova (not a happy place), I calls upon the collective wisdom of “the self-help industrial complex” to help him navigate the path to contentment.

I travel to Switzerland, where I discovers the hidden virtues of boredom; to the tiny-and extremely wealthy-Persian Gulf nation of Qatar, where the relationship between money and happiness is laid bare; to India, where Westerners seek their bliss at the feet of gurus; to Thailand, where not thinking is a way of life; to a small town outside London where happiness experts attempt to “change the psychological climate.” I am no dispassionate observer. In his quest for the world’s happiest places, he eats rotten Icelandic shark, smokes Moroccan hashish and intervenes to save (almost) an insect in distress.”

I’m going to have to bust that book out again. I need a new perspective, and that’s OK…we all need a good tune-up every now and then. My big-girl panties are around here somewhere, I just need to slap them on my butt, slap a smile on my face and KEEP ON KEEPIN’ ON. ~ST

A New Way to Find Happiness

Written by Anna Selner

For over a decade, a very serious group of researchers in psychology in the United States have been tackling a new question. Tired of dwelling on problems that conventional psychology explored for over a century and a half, that of trying to understand how to treat mental illness, they asked themselves, “Why not try to understand why people are happy?”

Thence positive psychology was born. Whilst it is commendable to relieve people of their psychological suffering, the fact of increasing life satisfaction is a promising area not only to increase happiness, but also to treat disease. But do not confuse “positive psychology” with “positive thinking”, the scope of the former being much larger and complex.

For example, positive psychology shows how we often rely on shortcuts to increase our well-being (pleasure, entertainment and excesses in various areas of our lives). This vision of happiness leads to too many people, even if they have great wealth, finding themselves spiritually empty and hungry.

Instead, positive psychologists say we ought to rely on our strengths and personal qualities to find happiness and delight, as positive emotions that deviate from authentic and moral attitudes inevitably lead to emptiness and depression.

Are you naturally happy? Do you have strategies of your own that offer positive psychology? Here’s a little test from the book Authentic Happiness, by Martin Seligman, one of the founders of this new science.

Happiness Forever?

Do we have real control over our sense of happiness? Can we grow this feeling and keep it over the years? Like the great thinkers of mankind, from Confucius to Aristotle, through to St. Thomas Aquinas, positive psychology has identified fundamental virtues which, when experienced frequently, feed and maintain happiness. These fundamental qualities, six in number, are: wisdom and knowledge, courage, love of humanity, justice, temperance, and spirituality.

Here are 24 forces that research in positive psychology has identified help you stay happy!

1. Creativity

2. Curiosity

3. Open-mindedness and critical thinking

4. The pleasure of learning

5. Discernment

6. Authenticity and honesty

7. Valor

8. Perseverance

9. Optimism and enthusiasm

10. Love

11. Emotional Intelligence

12. Righteousness

13. Loyalty

14. Leadership

15. Compassion and forgiveness

16. Humility

17. Patience

18. Self-control

19. Enjoying beauty and excellence

20. Gratitude and appreciation

21. Hope

22. Humor

23. Faith and spirituality

24. Kindness

There are also other factors recognized by positive psychology. These are attitudes and ways of seeing the world that provide our daily well-being, if we take the time to appropriate them, that is.

Forgiveness

To forgive is to understand and situate the wrongdoing or pain of a situation in its proper context. Forgiveness is often difficult because it goes beyond the fact. It helps us accept blame and move on. It liberates and restores relationships, another great way to keep oneself happy.

Staying Optimistic

An optimistic person is one who is willing to believe in a favorable outcome when a situation does not suggest a sure result. Optimism helps attain a lot of happiness. It also helps us to be grateful for what we have, and it lets us entertain hope for the future.

Through positive psychology, we can reserve many good surprises for ourselves for years and years to come. It lets us develop a positive perspective towards happiness with total abandon.

References

Leave a comment | tags: add, adhd, Adult, attention deficit disorder, Book, depression, dopamine, Erice Weiner, Geography of bliss, happiness, Here's to Not Catching our Hair on Fire, Mood swings, serotonin, Stacey Turis | posted in ADD/ADHD, Behavior, depression, Dopamine, Happiness, Here's to Not Catching our Hair on Fire, Mood Swings

March 1, 2012

PMS + AD(H)D = Run for your life.

By adhdsuperhero

A perfectly reasonable explanation for our STRAIGHT CRAZINESS below! I’ll admit, I’m at the point in my life where I’m nothing less than bonkers when I PMS. I literally change personalities, and it scares my family. I’m SO miserable that I want to leave my body or be put to sleep for the week. Unfortunately, my husband won’t let me try any of the above (mostly because if something happened he would be stuck cooking dinner for the rest of his life, and he’d rather lay down and die), so I’m testing out some natural remedies.

I’ve started a natural progesterone cream at night, which has blessed me with insomnia, so as of today, I’m switching to the mornings. I’ll keep you posted on the outcome, but until then read below to gather some coping skills. Guys, you can apply this to any ladies in your life…see, we really don’t hate you!!! ~ST

ADHD: What Happens When PMS Strikes

PMS and ADHD can be a hormonal nightmare waiting to happen. Here’s why and how to cope with this alphabet of woes…

By Chris Iliades, MD

Reviewed by Lindsey Marcellin, MD, MP

Does that time of the month make dealing with ADHD even more difficult? It’s not in your head. The hormonal fluctuations that women with adult ADHD experience during premenstrual syndrome (PMS) seem to affect some of the same chemicals in the brain affected by ADHD. That can be a tricky combination to cope with.

“It is hard enough for girls and women to cope with ADHD symptoms, but when you add in hormonal ups and downs, it can be much worse,” says Jane Massengill, LCSW, a certified master ADHD coach in Danville, Calif. “These changes affect ADHD not only during monthly periods, but also during puberty, pregnancy, and menopause.”

The hormone estrogen affects receptors in the brain that release the naturally occurring chemicals serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine. When estrogen levels drop during the weeks before a menstrual period or during the years before menopause, so does the level of these brain chemicals. Because symptoms of ADHD are affected by many of these same brain chemicals, it stands to reason that women with ADHD are more sensitive to estrogen.

Symptoms of PMS, Low Estrogen, and ADHD

During the first two weeks of a menstrual cycle, estrogen levels are high and women with ADHD may be in better control of their ADHD symptoms. As estrogen levels drop toward the end of the cycle, symptoms of low estrogen may start to make usual ADHD symptoms worse.

“I notice that my normal brain fog and forgetfulness seem to get worse during that time, and I become more sensitive to any kind of stress,” says Corinne Sheh, a 29-year-old mother in Randolph, Mass., at home with her first baby.

Here are some typical symptoms that occur when low estrogen meets ADHD:

Depression
Mood swings
Sleep problems
Irritability
Anxiety
Confusion
Fatigue

Some women may notice an increase in these symptoms in the years before menopause, when estrogen levels gradually drop by 60 percent. On the other hand, hormone changes that occur during pregnancy, when estrogen levels are higher, seem to protect against ADHD symptoms and women may feel better. “I did notice less ADHD symptoms during pregnancy, and that seems to be continuing during breastfeeding,” Sheh says.

Coping With Symptoms of ADHD and PMS

If you have ADHD and severe PMS, there are things you can do to cope better with both conditions. “Check in with your doctor,” Massengill advises. “PMS can make ADHD harder to manage, especially if you are on medications for ADHD. Your doctor will also want to rule out other problems, such as a thyroid imbalance or depression ”

Here are strategies you can use to better cope with symptoms of PMS and ADHD:

Keep a log or journal. Writing down when your ADHD and PMS symptoms appear and when they are at their worst can help you and your doctor set up a treatment plan.
Be honest with your partner. Explaining your hormonal changes can make it easier for your partner to be supportive.
Talk to your therapist. Mental health providers familiar with ADHD can help you set up management strategies.
Learn stress reduction techniques. Deep breathing, meditation, and mind-body exercises like tai chi or yoga can be very helpful.
Take it easy on yourself. Once you understand that PMS and ADHD are going to gang up on you at certain times, you can factor in some personal timeouts and ask for help when you know you are going to need it.

“It’s also very important to take good care of yourself physically during these times,” Massengill says. “That means eating well, getting enough sleep, and avoiding caffeine and alcohol. Two of the best ways to cope with ADHD and PMS symptoms are exercise and meditation.”

ADHD and PMS can be a tough combination to deal with, but knowing why and what to expect is half the battle. Talk to your medical team and loved ones about your symptoms, ask for help and support, and take good care of yourself. You can find ways to cope, and you don’t have to do it alone.

SOURCE: http://www.everydayhealth.com/add-adhd/what-happens-when-pms-strikes.aspx

4 comments | tags: add, adhd, Adult, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, depression, Estrogen, Exercise, Mood swings, PMS, sensitivities, Women | posted in PMS, Stress

February 23, 2012

Absent-Minded Tales from Facebook – What does it FEEL like to have AD(H)D?

By adhdsuperhero

Every so often, I’ll post a question on my Facebook page to capture the real thoughts of real people with AD(H)D. These are their thoughts.

What does it FEEL like to have AD(H)D?

Crystal Powe It feels like someone has turned on the tv, the remote is lost and someone has stepped on the channel button and the channel keeps changing constantly with out stopping!

8 February at 08:11 · Unlike · 8

Ruth Marquez Like I’m on a treadmill, running and running and going no where fast.

8 February at 08:16 · Unlike · 2

Keith Anderson I was diagnosed when I was 25 years old, when I was studying for a theology degree at university. I am now 31 and wrote this last year:

Individuals with ADHD essentially have problems with self motivation and self regulation. This is predominately due to problems with distractibility, prioritisation, organisation and procrastination. Adults with ADHD are often perceived by other to be chaotic and disorganised. They need high stimulation to be less distractive and function effectively.

Adults with ADHD will procrastinate, have difficulty making decisions, difficulty initiating tasks, difficulty completing tasks, seek constant activity, be impatient, easily bored, easily irritated, impulsive and can lose their temper easily. Although everyone displays these whether they have ADHD or not, for people with ADHD the condition is chronic. It is not unusual to deal with the above traits several times a day.

Between the vortex of ideas, the spaghetti junction of clutter/chatter, the voice of your sub-conscious and basic instinct. Life can be difficult and often confusing.

Sometimes the personality of someone with ADHD is harmless and they are fun to be around. Sometimes the personality is big and powerful, a dangerous idiot who doesn’t know his own strength and who takes risks. When they snap there anger can virtually have no limits. That person is me. I often want everything. Wherever I look there is something that I want, even if I don’t need it. For me, to want everything is to never be at peace, even when all I want is peace.

My ADHD mind chooses what I find attractive and distracting. It makes most of my mistakes. It is responsible (in part) for making me do stupid things and making me say stupid things. It often makes me look foolish. It is my instinct, my sub-conscious. It can often fill me with rage due to frustration. It is often everything I don’t want to be. One would think that I would hate it, but I can’t. I have to live with it and learn from it. ADHD and I are one. It is part of genetic make-up, the fabric of who I am and what I will be. I never asked for this, but this is the hand I have been dealt. Without it there would be a lack of emotion, no chance to start a fresh everyday. I pity it. I pity it because it hasn’t strangled the life out of me. One cannot hate what it pities!

It is often a life of paradox. I am often short tempered, idiotic, short minded, judgemental, egocentric, easily tempted and paranoid. Sometimes I need to reflect and see that life is so much more. I see things differently from others. I am often unpredictable, an enigma. ADHD should be caged within its host. Often ADHD has caged us. We need to wrestle with our inner being. Our inner being, instincts, soul, impulsiveness, sub-conscious (call it what you will) is our only enemy. It should be fought with reason over reflects. It loses most of its power over us when you understand it. To defeat it we must look for the beauty. Remember it can only look where you look and it can only see what you see.

8 February at 08:17 · Unlike · 16

Pam Goodlin A world wind of up and down days. Days that start off seeing, thinking or knowing what you want to do. A list that goes A,B,C, and D. Instead my list goes C to A to B. Than to the letter M whick was not on the list. Make a left turn at the letter K another turn to the letter T. Some how you found the letter Z on a list you have not thought of for days or months. At this point the letter D has now been put on a list that the letter Z was one. Which mean in days or months to come the letter D will get done. In the mean time it start all over again.

8 February at 08:20 · Unlike · 10

Gillian Black Mackenzie These are soooo helpful – I’m a Mom with 6 year old twin boys with ADHD and I am always trying to get them to explain to me what they are feeling. Would love to hear from some kids/tweens/teens!!

8 February at 08:24 · Unlike · 3

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero WOW!!!!!!! These are amazing…Keith Anderson, that’s so good!

8 February at 08:25 · Like

Val Gruen like a ferrarri with bicycle breaks….

8 February at 08:27 · Like · 2

Lala Loopylou FinchWasmills Keith anderson sounds just like my son he is all what he descibed!! My son says he is abit like a coconut while other people are strawberries!! Tough 2 crack sums it up nicely xx

8 February at 08:27 · Unlike · 2

Chandra Rambo

I feel like I always have 10 or more windows/tabs open in my computer brain, and I can’t control which one is in front – they ALT-TAB at random. My browser locks up if they switch while I am talking to someone. In my head it makes a “zzzzhht” sound like a bug in a bug-zapper light.

Every so often I get a fatal error and a BSOD. Re-imaging my hard drive by going to bed/lounging on the couch doing NOTHING productive for a day to a week usually works, but then I have to catch up on all the tasks and e-mails I missed while I was down.

8 February at 08:29 · Unlike · 6

Sarah Garner

It’s like being on a Roller-coaster it can take you up high then down low if there’s a middle ground i haven’t experienced it yet i can say it can break down! but once it’s well oiled again it’s back on the same old Roller coaster fast brain slow brain what happened to stopping at the speed limit ? if you drive a car too fast you wind up in trouble if you drive it too slow it’s still as dangerous my brain works the same way unfortunately i lost the controls but hey i’m no robot anyway lol

8 February at 08:29 · Unlike · 3

Naomi McGrane

AD(H)D is like driving in a snowstorm. The snow is coming at you from all directions. It’s hard to see. The wind is blowing you from side to side. Dodging tree branches in the road. You are doing all you can to keep the car on the road. Your mind is racing “please don’t let me break down” & “please don’t let me get stuck” All you can hear is the howl of the wind. It makes it hard to move forward with all the snow in the road, but you just have to keep trudging along. If you stop, you will get stuck. Around every corner, you hope to see the plow truck to know that you have help. It feels like you are battling this wild storm all alone.

8 February at 08:30 · Unlike · 5

Naomi McGrane I have lived many winters in Maine & the Nor’Easters are what I relate this too.

8 February at 08:31 · Unlike · 1

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero ‎Naomi McGrane, it was so descriptive, it made me stressed out…lol!

8 February at 08:35 · Like · 4

Naomi McGrane I had described my life with that analogy when I was in high school, but I had no idea that it was ADHD until my son was just diagnosed last year. I just thought that was how life was, now I know & can start to help myself & him at the same time.

8 February at 08:37 · Like · 1

Daryl Andrews

‎”Are You Paying Attention to What I’m Saying?

No. I’m paying attention to everything everyone in this restaurant is saying. The five tables around ours? Following their conversations. The person sitting alone? I’ve summed up why. I hear every clink of plates, process why they clinked, tell the mood of the waitress by how it clinked. I’m empathetic to the young couple and their misbehaving child. Aware of the angry looking couple that just got seated, all while thinking about the nagging fourteen issues I have at work while I process the words coming from your mouth.

“Why Can’t You Act Like Everyone Else?”

Why would I want to?

“You Gotta do it the Right Way, And by Right Way I Mean the Socially Accepted Way.”

I’d rather be dead. I’m no pencil pusher. Im not satisfied reading about Lewis and Clarks exploits in the newspaper. I gotta be in that canoe. See what no one else has seen. Go where no one else has gone. Your safe little frontier town, your little colony, they make me itchy.

I Resent being told to squeeze into your itty bitty box. I try not to, but it’s in my blood. Maybe you’re comfortable in the Known. I consider shackles, bondage.

“Why do You Always Gotta do Things the Hard Way?

Why do you always gotta do Things the Boring Way? Is it fear? Is it socially acceptable to walk around dead except for the breathing part?

For whatever reason I’ve got a legacy to create, a story to tell. That desires shoves itself up from the depths of my soul. A place even I can’t control. So quit making me feel stupid cause you’re “satisfied.”

I’m not.

“Quit Daydreaming.”

You telling me to jump off a tall bridge?

“Why Can’t You Act ‘Normal?’”

Look, I can either spend the next thirty years beating myself up cause I’m different and see the world differently, I can destroy myself better than you could ever hope to by listening to my own self talk, or I can own the fact I was created this way for a purpose, refuse to let you and others like you limit my contribution to society, to my colleagues, to my family, wife and children, or you can get out of the way while I set the world on fire.

But really… You don’t get a say. This big bad world’s my playground and my ability makes me King of That Particular Hill. You’ll get your turn to pretend… after I’m done discovering.

Daryl Andrews
Adhdfordummies.wordpress.com

8 February at 08:38 · Unlike · 11

Tracy Anderson Steichmann That list you ‘normal’ people run through in your head on Sunday night while going to bed — imagine that all the time.

8 February at 08:42 · Unlike · 5

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero WOW-FREAKING-ZA, Daryl Andrews! You all are so talented. I have goosebumps! Daryl, your post reminds me of a cool little ditty. http://staceyturis.com/2011/05/21/the-butterfly-of-freedom/

The Butterfly of Freedom

staceyturis.com

“Why do you fly outside the box?” “I fly outside the box because I can.” “…See more

8 February at 08:44 · Like ·

Princess Rosie Forbes Awudu Bonkers!!! Thats how it feels lol

8 February at 08:47 · Unlike · 1

Heather Toms Crompton it feels like you’re at the mall, last minute Christmas shopping on Christmas Eve every minute of the day….

8 February at 08:53 · Like · 2

Jennifer Napoli Daryl’s comments say it all!

8 February at 08:55 · Like

Sarah Garner wow Daryl just about sums it up !!

8 February at 09:01 · Like

Laura V. Veras

agree with all of the above…and sometimes, when i stop feeling sorry for myself, i just feel FREE. free to think (or not) the way i want, to jump around my mind/outer space as i wish, to notice the beautiful (or sad) details of life that no one else seems to notice, to enjoy silence, to enjoy chaos, to create things that were unimaginable, to get lost in the wonders of a complex puzzle, to get lost in the wonders of a simple sunset, FREE to go from one end of the spectrum to another without having to follow the “rules of thinking”, free to be at peace with myself.

8 February at 09:02 · Unlike · 3

Steve Costello

Having ADD is frustrating and invigorating at the same time. I’m a 16 year old in a 40 year old’s body… on a good day. I shirk responsibility. I procrastinate like it is an Olympic sport and I am the reigning champion. I over-promise (with good intentions) and under-deliver. I am capable of absolutely anything, yet I accomplish very little.I have upset countless people and destroyed a few friendships and relationships with my ADD. I have stressed familial ties to the breaking point over stupid shit like not sending birthday cards… when I knew I was supposed to have sent them well over a week before the birthday. I’ve made grand anniversary plans, only to have to cobble something up at the very last minute because I waited until the day before to start implementing said plan. I could quite literally have any career I want… yet I am middle performer at a job I don’t particularly like.

But I am a 16 year old in a 40 year old’s body. I look at other people my age and think, “I’m… supposed to be like that? Yikes.” People regularly guess that I am 10 years younger than my real age. I don’t feel 40 when I wake up. I don’t feel 40 after a 20 mile bike ride. I don’t feel 40 after chopping wood all day. I don’t feel 40 when I wake up in the morning (of course… that could be because I’m not thinking of all the things a person my age SHOULD be thinking about).

It’s a mixed bag. There is so much about me that I want to change. But I know that changing those things would inevitably change the parts about me that I like… and that apparently others like, as well. Which is frustrating. I want to be ‘normal’ in respect to people’s expectations of me accomplishing the things they expect me to do… but I don’t want to change the things that make me who I am to begin with.

8 February at 09:03 · Unlike · 10

Steve Costello I’m an underachieving overachiever. That’s just… depressing.

8 February at 09:03 · Like · 3

Karri Deferio Ryan ‎Steve Costello…i LOVE what you wrote!

8 February at 09:07 · Like · 1

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

‎Steve Costello – Are we really underachievers when we aren’t overachievers in things that OTHER people find important? I mean, geez…who came up with that whole bday cards are the law thing. BTW, I’m sitting her staring at three now…one from August, October and December that I haven’t sent out. Those everyday normal things are not going to bring out our magic. That’s like asking an olympic diver to practice his skills by doing somersaults in a baby pool! WHAT BRINGS OUT YOUR MAGIC? If you don’t know…you need to start looking because time-is-a-wasting buddy, and you have something to offer that is IMPORTANT! You know that, and I know you know that. XO

8 February at 09:15 · Like · 2

Steve Costello

Thanks, Karri. That’s an abbreviated synopsis of the whole bag of mess. I actually really connect with what Keith Anderson said a few posts up in his paper.

It’s a curse and a blessing. Most people just don’t get it. They think that what I do is oxymoronic. For instance… I obsess over intricate details in the work I do, whether that is the web development and design I do professionally, the woodworking I do as a hobby, or the flying that (I would like to do more often) as a passion. But stuff that does not capture my mind? Fuggedabouddit. Paying bills? HAH! If it weren’t for automatic bill pay (and now, my beloved and incredibly patient wife…) I’d be in debtor’s prison.

I only wish that I had been diagnosed when I was in grade school, and not when I was 37. At least then I would have had a better chance at establishing good habits to work with this ADD, as opposed to trying to break decades of bad habits and fighting against the ADD.

8 February at 09:15 · Unlike · 7

Jeannette Pacier

Maybe I’m just older, but at 30 I decided I didn’t have to live up to everybody’s expectations or tolerate the questions that start ‘Why can’t you….?”. If it hadn’t started happening by then, the likelihood of it ever happening would only get slimmer, so I took off on my own tack. Maybe not the best, but I stayed home to raise our kids–and the youngest, a girl, was very different from other people’s kids. What an eye opener. I got to see ‘me’ from inside and outside. Maybe people’s experiences with ADHD are genetically/socially transimitted differently, but she and I describe it this way; our brains just skitter away on quick moving feet and we spend so much energy snagging it back that we forget what we were thinking of (until we take that sudden left turn at K–Thanks Pam!) I was recently told by a dear friend that she believes that without the ADHD I would not be nearly the designer I am–all using skills developed while hiding from ‘normal’ people while raising the kids.

8 February at 09:15 · Unlike · 5

Daryl Andrews

Steve: you are dead on accurate. Over promise… Over promise… Over promise. Then feel like a failure when you can’t help because you’re overwhelmed. I think that’s all of us. And that’s where we shut down and cycle into depression.

Guys and gals: we’ve become enslaved by being told we are taboo. Many of us that responded have twenty years experience with people’s fingers in our face. We are looking at this wrong, buying into the crap lies that we aren’t beautiful just like we are. That’s self talk, and we gotta own it.

We must… Because its time we changed the perception of the ADHDer. Rather than something to fear it must start in education, that ADHD-like thinking is the quickest path to getting out of this economic mess. The fastest way to innovation. But we are so beat down mentally we allow ourselves to be labeled disabled. We are so tired we don’t have the strength to fight. But imagine: what if education didn’t make us taboo, but acknowledged we are the path to job creation. That rather than contain us, we become the example, the way to break out of the box.

We are the explorers. We blaze trails. But if we are honest, we spend most of our time apologizing for who we are. Stop that crap. You’re a world changer.

Daryl Andrews
Adhdfordummies.wordpress.com

8 February at 09:18 · Unlike · 9

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero Does anyone else feel like standing up and doing some serious Kung-Fu Kicks? No? Just me?

8 February at 09:21 · Like · 7

Steve Costello

‎ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero: When I say that I am an underachieving overachiever, I mean that I could, quite literally, have done anything I wanted to do. I have the brains to do it. Like most other ADD folks, I’ve been called brilliant and highly intelligent (that sounds like boasting, but I really am just repeating other people’s analyses). I have the ability to change the world in some respect, make a large impact on people’s lives. I’ve had chances to be wildly successful on the path I was on.

Much of that, however, I’ve squandered. I’m too old now to seek my passion (flying) professionally. So instead of someone paying me to do something I love, now I have to figure out a way to finance it myself.

This all sounds so self-centered, but I know I can’t be alone with these feelings. I know we all like to extol the virtues of having the wide open possibilities of having ADD, and I do truly appreciate many facets of it. But at the same time, it has truly been a curse in many respects.

Like I mentioned before… caught early enough, I think a person can be encouraged to work WITH the gift. I never knew enough until just recently, and have been fighting it… and still do… for decades. Those habits are hard to break.

Speaking of… I really need to get back to work. But… more than likely, I’ll just end up surfing the web a bit more… Thank God Pinterest is blocked here….

8 February at 09:24 · Unlike · 5

Graham Mc Carthy It feels lonely sometimes depressing having good and bad days and hiding in a corner shutting yourself out to others and pushing people away that love you

8 February at 09:24 · Unlike · 4

Steve Costello

Oh, and before anyone thinks that I get overly depressed about this… are you kidding? My mind won’t stay on it that long. Oh, I will get into a serious funk when I’ve let someone like my wife down with something that I could have easily done better. But for the most part, it all rolls down my back, and I’m pretty much a happy guy all the time. One of the blessings of ADD, I suppose… my brain never stops long enough to truly get depressed over itself.

8 February at 09:27 · Unlike · 5

ADHD – Tales of an Absent-Minded Superhero

‎Steve Costello – I get it 100%. And I feel ALL of the feelings you feel, as I bet most of us do. It is hard to know what we’re capable of and not achieve it, it’s painful even – a quote from my book “I believe the world can be a better place; I truly do. But until everyone is allowed to be, and most importantly, celebrated for being the people they were destined to be, the doors leading to some of our most important riches and discoveries will remain tightly locked, and gifts that should have and definitely would
have been presented to the world, and widely celebrated by all, will remain behind those locked doors in a dusty box, hidden by shadows, untouched and unopened, as if they never even existed. Meanwhile, the soul, aware of its own magic, will move through life from birth to death, with every fiber of its being silently screaming that all is not as it should be. It’s heartbreaking,
and I simply can’t stand the thought of what humanity has already lost to those dusty boxes. ” OK – go work!

8 February at 09:31 · Like · 3

Ben Patton Fucking awesome!

8 February at 09:33 · Unlike · 1

Graham Mc Carthy you just have to take it day by day thats what i do

8 February at 09:33 · Unlike · 2

Henno Fourie Im so hdhd i cant evan read all your postes.il just do the simple thing…..what is it again abought pants.!and photos!?

8 February at 09:34 · Unlike · 1

Henno Fourie ‎:-) im glad im not alone in the world..i just hope i have a way out of stress and tenss so i can sleap or happy dreams…….

8 February at 09:41 · Unlike · 1

Ida Solomon Durand

To me ADD is like living in a totally different culture than everyone around me. And about unpaid traFfic situations…I was arrested and held in customs for 6 hours coming back from my honeymoon. Everyone was frantically thinking something terrible had happened to us in Jamaica bc My inlaws (ex)were picking us up at the airport and we were nowhere to be found, friends called the resort they told them we had checked out and they had taken us to the airport. I was transported to the county jail and placed in a holding cell with 7 thugs that had just held up “long john silver” EX in laws had to bail me out of jail all because of an unpaid 75 dollar speeding ticket. And that is just one day of my life….I’m an interior designer in georgia, mother of two children but I’m the one that’s always in some type of comical trouble.

8 February at 10:02 · Unlike · 3

Miguel Angel Anaya

Been a ADDer is awesome is not been alone. is not having time to worry about things that destroy normal people..is been occupy with my few thousand thoughts per minute.and my 24/7 static sound in my head wich after all this years has become music to my ears. Been an ADDer is never been bore with only one thing..or one project..the Sky is the limit inside my head been an ADDer is awesome especially drug free…Thank you Lord for my ADD.

8 February at 10:16 · Unlike · 2

Linda Enright Out of control…all over the place…doing one thing one second and then something else another…not related. Having children who don’t understand MOM and that’s the hardest. It’s getting harder now with husband retired ’cause he can’t understand why I can’t focus in ONE thing at at time. Or maybe it’s also like having three cats, four dogs in the house at once!

8 February at 12:52 · Unlike · 3

Steve Burnard

I think it’s an important distinction to remember, think, and say that you HAVE ADD/ADHD, not that you ARE ADD/ADHD.

Why? Because you have it, it does not have you!

Also, random. So random. Do the best you’re able, enjoy it for what it is, laugh at it when it’s a pain in the butt, and to heck the haters.

Don’t ever let others that don’t understand it try to put you into a box labeled ‘idiot’, ‘lazy’, or ‘irresponsible’. I have an entire childhood (and some adult life) filled with remarks like that. Pity them, because they can’t understand it; don’t suffer their intolerance by believing them, because it just gives them the power they shouldn’t have over you.

And never dwell on it. Life’s too short for that. And besides, if you’re like most of us with ADD/ADHD, you won’t be able to for long, anyway.

tl;dr ADD/ADHD feels like however you want to look at it. And that can be very empowering. Mwahaha. j/k

8 February at 14:16 · Unlike · 2

Ronda Smithson It feels like life is jumbled on a daily basis, hard to control.. sometimes like a big failure and climbing always uphill.

8 February at 15:40 · Unlike · 2

Ronda Smithson Sometimes like a thousand people are screaming at you all at once and you can’t find a focus on any of them

8 February at 15:43 · Unlike · 3

Sarah Clark

I dont have ADD, but my now ex fiance does. @ Keith, loved your description and so very true of my ex too. As an outsider looking in…its very very difficult to understand. I have found there is no reasoning behind certain thoughts – to my non add brain, illogical. Its kind of like chalk and cheese…but it takes all kinds to make the world go around and I have been blessed in many ways to have had this person in my life, but the irrationality got too much

8 February at 15:54 · Unlike · 2

Leila Fraser Without my adhd medication, I feel like Carol Anne in ‘Poltergeist,’ the scene where she is sitting in front of the tv and staring at the static. It can also feel like falling down a well. I used to look at people and not be able to talk because I didn’t know what to say, my mind was racing so much in other directions.

8 February at 16:04 · Unlike · 1

Brenda Carney

I feel like someone else is pushing buttons on the remote control of my life. I will get stuck in pause for a while, then fast forward, then the volume goes haywire- all the wrong things are loud, and the person I am trying to pay attention to is on mute. Then the channels will change suddenly without any warning. Or everyone else in the room is watching one show, and I am on a different channel. And then I will meet someone else with ADHD and it is like an instant click because we are on the same channel!! For a while.

8 February at 20:47 · Unlike · 2

Brenda Carney Oh, and some times it is totally different from all that… And I am so focused that nobody and nothing can get between me and the project or idea I am immersed in.

8 February at 20:48 · Unlike · 1

Jenny Clark omg i think iv got adhd lol just like my son and husband i knew something wasnt right wif me lol x

9 February at 16:42 · Like

Casey Cates I feel as if I’m in a vortex. Being pushed, pulled, spun around, and sucked under all at the same time.

9 February at 16:45 · Like

Jami Hicks It’s like having a cloudy day in your head. I get so frustrated when I am saying something to someone and I can’t remember the main or last word…like someone turned off the on switch in my brain. I can think of great ideas and things I really would like to do, but no motivation.

9 February at 16:50 · Like

Steph Purdy It’s like riding on a roller coaster, regardless of whether or not you want to get off. And the people who are standing off to the side watching are saying, “um…no thanks…”

9 February at 17:03 · Like

Dillon Grant Richey Having ADD is like trying to catch a taxi, only the taxis are your thoughts; most of them zoom past you unnoticed. When you do manage to catch one, it’s one with a crazy driver who gets you somewhere faster than you expected, but you don’t always arrive at the destination you requested.

9 February at 17:11 · Like · 1

Jeannine Stanley Like your sitting on the tv remote and the channels are all going by and you’re trying to watch every channel at the same time!

9 February at 19:31 · Like · 1

Ava Parker The taxi analogy is great! I am so helped by this group as just reading that others have similar feelings & experiences helps so much.

10 February at 05:53 · Like

Caryn Shepler Like trying to ice skate with Roller blades and a bikini . . . arms & legs all akimbo, praying that you don’t break anything important in the process all while trying to not look like a totally deranged lunatic.

10 February at 11:00 · Like

Dawn La Mee

I HAD THEE ADHD PRETTY MUCH UNDER CONTROL UNTIL I HAD AN ACCIDENT WITH HEAD INJURIES & NOW SUFFER PERMANENT MIGRAINES & THEE ADHD IS BACK FULL BLOWN. SHORT TERM MEMORY IS A JOKE. ALOT OF PEOPLE THINK I’M DUMB, BUT UNDERESTIMATING MEE CAN BE THEIR WORST NIGHTMARE ;P THEY THOUGHT THEY’D GET RID OF MEE BY PUTTING MEE IN CHARGE OF THE KIDS, HAHA, WE HAD THE BEST UNIT OF THE YEAR FOR YEARS IN THE STATE. THEN WHAT? THEY MAKE MEE STATE LEADER 8) MY KIDS & GRANDKIDS ARE ALSO ADD/ADHD AS WELL AS MANY NIECES, NEPHEWS, & SIBLINGS. I SEE NORMAL CHILDREN BY WORKING WITH OTHER PEOPLE’S KIDS.

Julie Adams It feels like waiting for the rest of the world to slow down and catch up, all at the same time…

9 February at 16:57 · Unlike · 6

Amy Moore Brown My “meditation” comic describes it for me.

10 February at 08:36 · Unlike · 1

Life Coaching Empowers What a great for a blog post, I am interested to see the results you get!

10 February at 12:51 · Unlike · 1

Anne Lawson Denner I feel like its barrelling down a hill at break neck speed knowing you are going to run yourself right into the ground, and there is nothing you can do to stop it.

12 comments | tags: Absent-Minded Tales from Facebook, add, adhd, Adult, anxiety, attention deficit disorder, depression, focus, gifts, non-linear thinking | posted in Absent-Minded Tales from Facebook, ADD/ADHD, ADHD Quirks, Gifts

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