Friends of Quinn

Ever have those conversations that didn’t quite go as you intended? Was it like every other sentence out of your mouth that you wanted to shove right back in? As a part of this special, inclusive club called, ADHD, it is not uncommon. We tend to spill the beans and blurt out exactly what is on our mind. Leaving us, in some situations, the HERO and in others, feeling like a two-inch version of who we really are.

In our home we have a white board my wife and I use often to share notes to each other as well as a chore list/grocery list/anything else you want list. And on this board, out of the blue, I left a note for my wife saying, “Take 5 seconds, take a deep breath, and smile.” Now, my hopes were obviously that when she did this activity she would think of her stunningly attractive husband and how lucky she is. But the other reason behind the note was to simply suggest she SLOW DOWN!

ADHD brains are hyperactive. They are always going, always thinking, and are never on autopilot. So, it is increasingly difficult for us to slow down in our western, left-brained, fast-paced world. However, culturally speaking, eastern communities have a propensity toward meditation and doing nothing. The ability to do NOTHING and actually feel the duration of time slow down is common in these cultures. And guess what!? Its attributed to the right brain! The same side ADHD’ers possess LOTS of strengths.

The point being: take the time to teach yourself how to slow down, because it is actually one of your strengths. Take five seconds, take a deep breath, and smile. After you do that, continue on with what it is you had to say. You most likely will not be blurting out ridiculous stuff that will make you feel embarrassed and/or get you fired!