Ever have an off day? I sure do.
Ever have an off day? I sure do. Yesterday was definitely one for me. I skipped my morning routine for some reason and never moved out of ADD fog. I got on the internet. I checked out facebook and twitter accounts. I moved from my in box add requests, to requester’s pages, to links they mentioned. Then without having learned much clicked on add friend.
Then I went to my email and did pretty much the same mindless stuff. I did send one to my VA (virtual assistant) about a promising potential partner. And, literally got a wake up call. She had me on the phone in less than 10 minutes, was so excited, and told me to call her right away! I’ve been exploring partnerships that could bring something special to you all. At that moment, I became very clear the fog I was in.
As I write this post, I realize a couple of things that went wrong. No beating up here. I’ve just done a bit more research about what works and doesn’t. My morning routine is set to be automatic. That’s what doing the mindless, in the same order does (put the girls out, take meds, brush teeth, put food and water out for the girls etc.) And, it allows for the meds to take effect. The exercise in the routine, both mindful and physical is part of my treatment plan. It boosts my ability to focus, among other things. It’s a commitment I’ve made to myself to maximize my day.
So, here’s the kicker. Other than my Tai Chi Classes and of course my spontaneous bursts of dance, all my movement work has been outside. And, I’ve been spoiled. We’ve had nearly 6 weeks extra of 50 degree or better mornings. And, when the temps dropped to more typical 30’s and low 40’s at the beginning of this week I stopped going with my girls for a hike in the forest. I also stopped doing any energy work as I would there in the trees or on my deck by the koi pond. The mornings have been too cold. Being the “delicate flower” that I am going from comfy warm to brrrrrr well, it just doesn’t suit this princess.
This is my learning to ensure I continue with my energy boosting, blood flowing activities I need to accommodate for changes in the weather. It’s also important to create options for other predictable changes. And, most important the options I give myself need to be options I’m willing to choose. This movement is really important. Get’s the blood pumping to the brain. And, the centering work (the tai chi) brings me to the mindset of clarity in purpose and focus.
This morning, I completed my routine. Before getting out of bed I did my 60-second wake up. It put a smile on my face and made getting out of bed easy. Next, I did all the mindless stuff. Then I did my Tai Chi in the living room ending with a standing meditation. The key to really kicking off the morning is in not having to choose while I’m in that ADD fog. That means create a habit, with options for predictable changes. It’s just like laying out your clothes before you go to bed. Having a place you always leave your keys. I create a new habit one, maybe two at a time. And, sometimes, I go back in the fog, and do a bit more research.
Your ADHD Princess Self and Shopping
Let it Begin with finding the Right Sales Person
This time of year, does the increased interaction with people stir you up? Do you dread shopping because the shoppers and salespeople are all in such a hurry? A few weeks ago, I was shopping for a cell phone. Not the easiest thing to shop for. And, I saw such a contrast in sales reps that got me thinking. I’d like to share this with you.
First, here’s the Sorry Excuse for a Sales Rep, sales rep:
With nothing more than a glance shot over the computer screen in front of him, this clown answered my inquiries with 1 or 2 word sentences. It seemed to me he wasn’t going to make much effort at all. So, I walked out. I’m sure you’ve got plenty of your own versions of “The Sorry Excuse”. Get a sales person like this? Leave. Immediately! There is absolutely no reason to tolerate behavior like that. And, there’s no reason to stay and let you anxiety level jump trying to get what you want.
Across the street were two different reps. Rep one:
I walked in and was “greeted” by a woman who spoke to me without bothering to look up. This didn’t seem much more promising. And, this particular service was, I learned, the only provider that picked up a signal out in the country where I live. Ah, I realized I’d forgotten my reading glasses. So, I went to the local Walgreen’s and picked up a new pair. The action here, leave and come back to a different sales person.
Third times a charm right? It was in this case.
Adrian was the person to greet me. I walked in and was greeted with a smile, eye contact and a, “How can I help you?” The service plans are complicated. I know it’s not just me. When I didn’t catch something he said, and asked him to say it again slowly, he did exactly that. He didn’t blink, he said, absolutely or you bet. And, he repeated word for word exactly what he’d just said. Next, he handed me a brochure with general information. And, as he explained the plan that seemed to fit what I needed, he circled the key points as he talked about them. Again, repeating, word for word, statements he’d made that I asked him to repeat! I didn’t need to explain to him that I have (ADHD related) short term memory problems. I didn’t need to explain that visuals really helped me understand. He listened well and when I said I wanted to think about the purchase, he gave me the information I needed and happily sent me on my way.
Here is what I’m taking away from this shopping event.
* It’s possible to have a pleasant experience shopping.
* If I don’t like the experience I’m having I can end it.
* I can come back later and get someone else.
* I am perfectly clear about the kind of experience I want
* If I don’t understand, I can ask for the information I need
* If I don’t get the information I need, I can determine how likely it is to get it from the person I’m working with and try again or end the conversation and try again with someone else.
If these thoughts resonate with you, keep them in mind while you’re out and about this busy (sometimes crazy) time of year. Go a step further, write them down and keep them with you. Start to get rattled take a peak and get a refresher. Add your own.
As you go through this holiday season, respect what you need and honor it. There is no reason to accept anything less than courteous, clear and respectful sales people. No, they don’t grow on trees. And, they’re a blessing. Take good care, keep your balance, and do take your time. And know that part of taking your time includes shopping for the right sales person.
Two Keys to Simplify ADHD Treatment
Getting the right treatment, even seeking treatment for AD/HD can be a tremendous challenge. You’ve spent most of your life feeling out of place, not knowing why. You feel normal, yet you continuously hit your head against an invisible wall. How can you possibly feel confident enough to comfortably communicate with medical professionals?
Following are two very simple keys. They can help ease the process as you negotiate the healthiest treatment path for your ADHD.
The first and I believe the most important is moral support. Someone who believes in you, and cares about your well being is a tremendous confidence booster. It can be a friend or family member or some other advocate, possibly member(s) of a support group. My sister, diagnosed a year earlier and that much ahead of me in the process was a god send for me. Increased confidence makes talking with treatment providers much easier.
The second of these keys eases communication with your doctor. Doctors are much more responsive to documentation than they are to a patient’s verbal report. Don’t take this personal. It has nothing to do with trusting you, the patient. Doctors are, by profession, scientists. And, in science, written documentation is much more reliable than personal narrative. Documentation of the effects of treatment is usually well received by doctors. And, it can help you get to your best treatment much more quickly. It can also go a long way toward creating a good doctor patient partnership. That can’t hurt.
Support your emotional side. And, also support the logical or “scientific” side of treatment for your doctor. There is nothing better to improve the way your doctor works with you. Trust me.
Not sure how or what to document? Get a copy of the tool I’ve shared with hundreds of therapy and coaching clients. Include your first name and email address in the sign-up box on www.adhdventures.com, and we’ll send you a copy of the tool and instructions on how to use it.
