Sometimes I make faces
I am the ultimate poster child for ADHD. All throughout elementary school the notes sent home from teachers would say things like, “Paul is entertaining to be around, but easily distracted” or “he daydreams when he should be studying with the other kids.”
It is embarrassing for a writer to admit flaw’s that may affect his or her trade, but I believe honesty is still the best policy. ADHD is usually comorbid, and that means in most cases, it lives with another learning disability or disorder such as anxiety, depression, dyslexia and many others. Even as an adult, I still have to stop and think every time I write a 2, 5, S, or Z to make sure they are facing the right direction.
The worst part of living with this condition is the lack of focus. It doesn’t happen on purpose, but life demands my attention at the least opportune moments. In order to successfully finish college, and stay productive at work, I have had to develop some rigid habits to safeguard myself from looking like an idiot more often than other people.
Committing todays verse to memory has allowed me to slow down when I feel like my mind is racing and say over and over, “this one thing I do, this one thing I do, this one thing I do…” Surprisingly, my focus returns and my productivity goes up.
If you do not struggle with ADHD you may think this sounds silly, but I venture to say everyone could benefit from memorizing Philippians 3:13-14, “…but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press toward the mark of the prize…”
If you want to learn more about what a person with ADHD goes through on a daily basis you can read my blog Hell Is Real.
Excellent writing, Paul! My household contains several people who have this “gift.” My lack of this gift makes it difficult for me to understand how these dear people think. But they’re worth the effort. 🙂
Thank you for your input. I have a bias, but I think ADHD folks are some of the most creative people on the planet. My poor wife has to deal with all the complications on a daily basis.