Coming Out

I think I'm realizing that opening up about my ADD is going to be something pretty positive for me.  Without opening up about it, I neglect to face it.  In turn, this means that I do nothing to deal with it.  There are a wealth of resources out there that have amazed me just in the last few days.  I've subscribed to ADDitude magazine which will start coming soon.  With that, I've used their website to find several great online resources including support groups which have really helped me to feel that I'm not crazy, and I'm not alone.  It's very easy to get frustrated and feel as though no one else understands when someone gets angry at you for something as simple as not picking up the laundry on the floor that you keep saying you will.  I've also been able to find some great humor which has helped me laugh at myself when I've needed it in the last week.  Sometimes just being able to laugh at yourself really helps.  It's tough when my husband asks me why, once again, I've forgotten my keys after going back into the house for the 3rd time to get them, and all I can respond with is "I don't know."  He doesn't understand, and sometimes I don't either.  I also bought a few books in the last week that are designed to be easy reads for people with ADD.  The reviews were great and so far they seem to be good, so we'll see how this goes.  One step at a time....  I also added a new white board to our home office just for myself.  It's a 3-in-one board with a perpetual calendar, space for notes, and a cork board.  This helps me in work, so I'm going to bring that same process home.

And with that, I had the ADD mother's dream experience today.  My husband and I hosted our son's 6th birthday party today.  It was the first time one of the kids had a 'friend' party....8 boys all in the 1st and second grade expected to listen and behave while playing laser tag, bowling, and eating birthday cake....yeah right!!  Needless to say, after 2 hours of what felt like slow torture, I think we've sworn off 'friend' parties for awhile!  Now I know why we always had family parties when I was growing up!  I need a big drink!  BUT...we had fun, and my son enjoyed his party, so that's what matters most.  But yes, I think we might be going with family parties for a little while.....  Note: I say this NOW!