Oatmeal for Dinner

This could be the first post of many or the last one I ever make. It’s hard to say at this point, but the fact I started it means I tried…right?!

Most classes, planning, and training have said to start at the end and then build from there. It seems simple and can provide direction, but that only works if you KNOW where you are going.

I have no idea whether I will focus on coaching strategies, fitness, being a parent, cooking/baking, photography, or all of the above.

But It will focus on ADHD.

I have ADHD; being indecisive may or may not be a trait; I’m told it is, but almost everyone on the planet can be uncertain, which does not mean you have ADHD (the oversimplification of this has been rife on social lately, and my eyes are tired of rolling). Does this define me? Not really, but sort of; it does determine how I interact with things, and that doesn’t make having ADHD an excuse. It does mean that I need to know that I may have to develop a different plan of attack to complete objectives or overcome obstacles.

Having varied and multiple interests is a blessing and curse; it makes me want to master them all (perfectionist traits – engage). BUT does this mean I’m a master of what I do? Not always; sometimes, I try hard, get super disappointed in my result, give up, and then see that my result was outstanding a year or two later, and I’ll try again.

I don’t know if this is normal. I don’t know if that matters, but it’s my process. I do follow through on some stuff, and some I don’t. I have this NEED right now to explain that, to avoid sounding like a flake, but I can be a flake sometimes. I can follow through, put forth 1000%, and do outstanding; sometimes, I get things done and move on. I think we all do this, or maybe you don’t…but I sure do. Knowing myself has been the most significant asset lately, which takes much work (and listening).

Let’s face facts: listening is a skill that requires practice. A lot of people suck at it. I was one of them. Coaching taught me better skills at listening, a skill educators are now learning to teach students (at least I did in my classes).

However, with all my practice, my ADHD brain gets in my way a lot.

My brain and mind fight (internally), and most days, I feel like my brain and mind are at odds. My brain wants to interject without hearing all the information, or worse, going on the defense, while my mind says, “SHUT UP, you are going overboard and making this about yourself!” As I’ve gained insight, age, and knowledge, my mind is more vocal, assertive, and patient, but my brain never shuts up. Ever.

So, I might dump some of this here, clear up some space, and maybe allow others to enjoy the nonsense my brain kicks up. Sometimes, there is comedy, sometimes absurdity, and every so often, bits of useful information.