FUN – If you’ve ever been around someone with ADHD you’ve probably noticed that we love to have fun. Since people with ADHD are always trying to fill their “fun bank account” this has a tendency to get us into trouble. We like to play first and work later. On the positive side we are not a-sit-around-and-do-nothing kind of people; always searching for that next big adventure!
FLEXIBILITY- When most people struggle with change a person with ADHD thrives! Having a brain that is hyperactive, ever changing, and creative makes a person with ADHD a possibility thinker. To switch gears just seems natural since our brain already goes in 1000s of different directions every day. If flexibility is the name of the game then people with ADHD are in a winning position! Stay STRETCHY!
SENSE OF HUMOR – I think I love this the one most. Most people with ADHD have a great sense of humor. They just see things that most people miss and have a knack for sharing it in such a why that it leaves you in tears from laughing so hard. It’s been said that laughter is contagious. All of you with ADHD, infect the word with humor!
CREATIVITY – Having a vivid imagination can be a great blessing, though it can get you in trouble sometimes. Blurting out ideas that come to mind, day dreaming, and doodling in class are just a few of the ways that creativity likes to show up at the wrong time. But find a good outlet for your creativity and it will be one of your biggest joys!
This week’s Thought 4 The Day will focus on my top 5 favorite ADHD qualities.
HIGH ENERGY – We live in a fast paced, never-stop society; having a little extra ADHD Energy is a boost when you’re trying to keep up with the traffic of life. A double shot espresso has nothing on the Energy boost ADHD can give you!
To try, fail and then give up leads to defeat. To try, fail and endure leads to victory!
“Like wings on an eagle, ENDURANCE enables the human spirit to soar higher, farther, and faster as it encounters the turbulent winds of life.” Larry Medcalfe
Endurance is fueled by answering one question. What am I fighting for?
In 1980, the USA hockey team did the unthinkable, they defeated the Soviet Union in the Olympics. Coach Herb Brooks told his team that defeating the Russians would not be easy; He said, “Be prepared to grow through pain.” They endured the pain and the payoff was a gold medal. To reach any goal we must be prepared to grow through pain!
As you try and accomplish the goals set before you each day there will always be struggles trying to derail you from staying the course. Choose to ENDURE and the challenges that confront you will become opportunities to grow and become a better you. Never quit!
I found a great quote from Mary Anne Radmacher, to cap off this weeks thought 4 the day and the theme of trying.
“Courage doesn’t always roar. Sometimes courage is the quiet voice at the end of the day saying, “I will try again tomorrow.”
The other day I took my family out to our favorite Mexican restaurant (El Rodeo Rocks!). My 5 year old noticed something on my plate that she had never eaten before. She asked, “Daddy, do you think I’ll like that?” I told her that we wouldn’t know until she gave it a try. She picked it up and took the smallest bite known to man, smiled, and then said, “Yum”. People with ADHD often have a tendency to bite off more than they can chew. Remember to take small steps as you try new things. Meantime, at the same meal, my 3 year old who had never tried a lemon before, went the other direction. Instead of a small bite she went in for the kill! Let’s just say, NOT GOOD!
There was a woman who wanted to try and overcome her fear of heights, so she invited 300 of her closest friends to the tallest bridge in town. Attached to a bungee cord for three hours she stood on the edge of the bridge staring down her fear. Her friends cheered her on the entire three hours until she finally leaped off the bridge.
Often the one thing standing between us and overcoming our fear is pride. We don’t want to ask for help. We feel like we need to do it all alone, but it’s amazing how encouragement can fuel our passion to be better and reach higher. When they finally pulled the woman up from her jump, she was overheard saying, “Can I do that again?!”
What prevents us from trying? Try these on for size: fear of failure, what others might think, laziness, lack of focus, distractions, procrastination, and that shiny thing in the corner of the room. Once we identify what’s holding us up we may need to add one more ingredient to the mix, a cheerleader! Find someone who you would consider to be your fan. Share with them your goal, seek their encouragement and then…go for the gold!!