Summary: What's it like to live with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder? In this post, we explore some of the strengths and some of the challenges of life with this particular brain type.
ADHD (Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder--also known simply as ADD for Attention Deficit Disorder) can be difficult to live with. If you or someone you love has it, life can sometimes seem "unfair."
Life with a challenged brain is simply known to those living with the challenge(s) as "life." If it weren't for certain social expectations, such as punctuality, goal-setting and achievement, organization and career advancement, ADD people would probably live life without any sense of being "different." However, if you live with ADHD, you know that such expectations have a tendency to pressure you (and your fellow ADD sufferers) sometimes almost unreasonably.
Here are some quotes by people who've learned to manage their Attention Deficit Disorders:
* "Losing my keys and going crazy trying to find them used to be a daily occurrence." - Tara McGillicudy of My ADD / ADHD Blog
* "Some of us ADHD adults (like myself) self-medicate with information. I love learning about new things and ideas: Quite stimulating and a great way to boost dopamine, the neurotransmitter that does many things, but helps us focus and is the reward chemical among other things. ADDers have lower levels of dopamine, so we do positive and negative things to help increase it." - Pete Quily of Adult ADD Strengths
* "Lately, my ADD wife (who is now all too familiar with some of the impact her ADD is having in her social relationships), is beginning to share her feelings of overwhelm and low self-esteem with me. Things like 'I just have SO many things to work on and I can't be working on these things all the time!' and 'I can't believe anybody even likes me, because I am so bad in conversations.'" - Reader of Melissa Orlov and Dr. Ned Hallowell's ADHD and Marriage
It's apparent from these comments by ADD-affected people--some of whom are professional experts in managing ADD brain challenges--that those with ADHD diagnoses are all too painfully aware of their social differences. But as Pete Quily and some others note, these differences can also be strengths. Here is a snippet taken from his "151 Positive Characteristics of People with Attention Deficit Disorder":
Adaptive - Can see the big picture - Comfortable with change and chaos - Constantly evolving - Creates connections easily - Detail-oriented - Energetic - Good in emergency situations - Great storyteller - Likes learning new things - Lots of interests - Multitasks well - Outgoing - Passionate - Playful - Spontaneous - Takes initiative - Tenacious - Willing to help others
Does this describe you or your ADD loved one? Self-awareness means recognizing your limitations as well as your strengths. When you can see the two areas together, you have a clearer, more realistic picture of yourself as a whole. And, like reading a map, you can move forward from there.
In the next post, we'll look at the differences between the three different ADD-specific diagnoses. 'Til then, you may enjoy reading my article on How to Meditate with ADD.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Showing posts with label articles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label articles. Show all posts
Jul 17, 2010
May 26, 2010
Expert Pages: Way Beyond Talk
Summary: Today's post serves as an update on some other websites where you can find relevant communications info. written by me, coach Kealah Parkinson.
You may have noticed a couple of 'missing' posts over the last two weeks. If so, give yourself credit for observation! (And dock me two points while you're at it.)
My attention, admittedly, has been pulled in different directions as I transition into more article generation online: first as at expert at SelfGrowth.com and secondly as a special education expert in the Chicago area for Examiner.com. I also recently partnered with a site called Chiczophrenic, where I'll soon begin sharing communications information that's based on gender speak.
Some of the articles on the other two sites may be very similar in nature--right down to sharing the same headlines. But as time goes by, you can look for more Chicago- and Indianapolis-centric posts at Examiner.com, and for more lengthy, detailed articles on SelfGrowth.
One thing you'll continue to get here at the Beyond Talk blog that can't be replicated anywhere else is a direct line to your communications questions and concerns: You ask; I answer here. It's that simple. Oh, and you can always find vocabulary words here every Monday, something else you won't get from me at any of my expert pages. I hope you enjoy growing together as much as I do.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
You may have noticed a couple of 'missing' posts over the last two weeks. If so, give yourself credit for observation! (And dock me two points while you're at it.)
My attention, admittedly, has been pulled in different directions as I transition into more article generation online: first as at expert at SelfGrowth.com and secondly as a special education expert in the Chicago area for Examiner.com. I also recently partnered with a site called Chiczophrenic, where I'll soon begin sharing communications information that's based on gender speak.
Some of the articles on the other two sites may be very similar in nature--right down to sharing the same headlines. But as time goes by, you can look for more Chicago- and Indianapolis-centric posts at Examiner.com, and for more lengthy, detailed articles on SelfGrowth.
One thing you'll continue to get here at the Beyond Talk blog that can't be replicated anywhere else is a direct line to your communications questions and concerns: You ask; I answer here. It's that simple. Oh, and you can always find vocabulary words here every Monday, something else you won't get from me at any of my expert pages. I hope you enjoy growing together as much as I do.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Apr 2, 2010
Weekly Wrap-Up
So, how has the writing exercise gone for you? In tonight's quick post, I want to touch base with you and see if you've been doing your homework. Well ... have you?
I'm really eager to find out if you've applied the exercise, and if so, how it worked for you. Personally, I have a little creative writing homework of my own to tend to (for my wonderful writer's group), and I may be giving the exercise another go, myself! In the meantime, here's how I converted the blog post on the exercise into an e-article (click the links).
Have a great weekend (especially if you celebrate Passover or Easter)!
P.S. - Here's that etymology lesson from last week, for those of you who haven't looked it up for yourselves by now:
Edentate comes from the Latin word edentare, to make toothless. It can be broken down as e (meaning to take away), dent (of or having to do with teeth) and are (the active verb form in that language). On that subject, watch out for all those bunny-shaped chocolates!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
I'm really eager to find out if you've applied the exercise, and if so, how it worked for you. Personally, I have a little creative writing homework of my own to tend to (for my wonderful writer's group), and I may be giving the exercise another go, myself! In the meantime, here's how I converted the blog post on the exercise into an e-article (click the links).
Have a great weekend (especially if you celebrate Passover or Easter)!
P.S. - Here's that etymology lesson from last week, for those of you who haven't looked it up for yourselves by now:
Edentate comes from the Latin word edentare, to make toothless. It can be broken down as e (meaning to take away), dent (of or having to do with teeth) and are (the active verb form in that language). On that subject, watch out for all those bunny-shaped chocolates!
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Mar 12, 2010
WEEKLY UPDATE: Communications Articles (& Other Resources)
Summary: Happy about posting my very first online article, I've gathered some others you're sure to find helpful. Can you help me test my poll in return?
Happy Friday! Together, we've made it almost to the weekend. Despite the bleak, Chicagoland weather that's forecast for the next few days, I'm extra happy: I'm so excited to have finally posted my very first article on the web! It's been a goal for some time now that I'm proud to have accomplished. (Don't worry: You'll still be the first to know about any new ones I put out there in the ether.)
With articles on the brain, I came across a whole cache of communications-related topics today—and just had to share them with you.
MindTools is a U.K.-based coaching corporation that, like me, offers one-to-one coaching in addition to various resources. They address a variety of categories (including some that we share: leadership skills, problem solving, decision making and career skills), in addition to communication skills. Click here to read their many articles on communicating.
And if you find this helpful, take a risk and communicate with me! I finally fixed the poll problem I was experiencing in the past (I hope) and am waiting with baited breath to hear from YOU about what emotions often get in your way when you want to speak clearly.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
Happy Friday! Together, we've made it almost to the weekend. Despite the bleak, Chicagoland weather that's forecast for the next few days, I'm extra happy: I'm so excited to have finally posted my very first article on the web! It's been a goal for some time now that I'm proud to have accomplished. (Don't worry: You'll still be the first to know about any new ones I put out there in the ether.)
With articles on the brain, I came across a whole cache of communications-related topics today—and just had to share them with you.
MindTools is a U.K.-based coaching corporation that, like me, offers one-to-one coaching in addition to various resources. They address a variety of categories (including some that we share: leadership skills, problem solving, decision making and career skills), in addition to communication skills. Click here to read their many articles on communicating.
And if you find this helpful, take a risk and communicate with me! I finally fixed the poll problem I was experiencing in the past (I hope) and am waiting with baited breath to hear from YOU about what emotions often get in your way when you want to speak clearly.
© KiKi Productions, Inc. 2010
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