Finding the Treasure in Your Trial
Article Text: My name is Lois and I am an adult living with ADD (Attention Deficit Disorder). For 14 years I wrestled to overcome this beast. Two years ago I gave up.
My ADD was acquired from a brain injury I sustained in a car accident. My condition caused my five year old daughter to become ADD (A Devoted Daughter). At her tender, young age, Cassy presented a higher level of problem solving skills than I. She often stepped into the role of parent/supervisor. As I progressed with my rehabilitation from my childlike ability, I resembled that “I-know-what-I’m-doing” teenage attitude. As any smart parent would do, Cassy extended enough rope for me to hang myself, and then rescued me just before I choked.
Those of us, who live with ADD or ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) find it nearly impossible to focus on one thought or task for any length of time, unless we are passionate about it. Then we become hyper-focused and lose all perspective of time, working non-stop for excessive time frames. We struggle to start a project, not because we are the procrastinators that we have been labeled, but because we have so many ideas that we can’t decide which one to do first. We get distracted and walk off in the middle of doing something without finishing, because we get bored easily, not because we are lazy.
ADD and ADHD are not child specific. Today, many adults are discovering that the chaos of their lives since childhood is attributed to this condition. Without behavioral therapy, ADD complicates lives and curses success. Medications may improve focus and attention deficits, but they are not a cure-all.
Still today, Cassy, who is now 21, assumes the supervisory role when we are working together, even with simple tasks like doing the dishes. Typically, we start with Cassy instructing me, “I will help you wash dishes. But, only if you promise to stay in the kitchen the entire time and help until we finish.” I promise and then ask, “Do you mind if I quickly throw a load of laundry in the washing machine?” When I return to the kitchen, Cassy is finishing up, and it strikes me that this is the perfect time to clean out the refrigerator.
Since the sink has filled up again, I suggest that I mix together a batch of cookies, while she continues washing dishes. We both know she’ll bake with me, too. Even when I set a timer, I might not hang around long enough to hear it ring. Cassy understands why helping me takes three times longer than it should. It makes sense that she occasionally tells me, “Mom, why don’t I do the dishes and you go do something else.”
A.D.D. – Beast or Blessing? A Devoted Daughter is a treasured blessing. Attention Deficit Disorder is not the beast I once believed. Researchers report that 80% of those in prison have been diagnosed with some variation of ADD/ADHD. But, so have 80% of successful entrepreneurs. I have graduated to a new level of understanding my behaviors and am tapping into the ADD advantage. And just in the nick of time. Cassy will graduate from college next year and leave me to be on my own.
To learn ten benefits of ADD go to: www.addmanagement.com
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Lois McElravy, Lessons from Lois, works with individuals and organizations who want to learn how to use the power of humor and the magic of laughter to handle the demands and pressures of work and home, adjust to constant change, deal with difficult people, cope with the unpredictable swift pace of life, product positive outcomes and have more fun.
Learning to laugh and “hangin’ on with humor” rescued Lois from the distress and despair surrounding her daily life, and initiated her recovery from a brain injury. Lois’ keynotes and trainings entertain, inspire and stimulate audiences to examine their own response to challenge and adversity. Hilarious personal stories, “Lessons from Lois” impart life-changing insights and equip participants with humor strategies and practical solutions to overcome the seriousness of their life challenges and feel happy.
Her universal message renews hope and motivates others to consistently do small things so they can achieve amazing results one day at a time.
©2012 Lois McElravy, Lessons from Lois – Permission to reprint or repost this article is granted by including the above byline and Lois’ contact information. http://www.lessonsfromlois.com