Stepping back is a highly useful technique for anyone, not just those of us with ADD or ADHD
I suddenly stepped back this morning, and I was surprised – appalled is maybe too strong a word – surprised to realize what I have been doing.
I have been in a negative mode, tense and worried about things that might happen, trying to stay in control of everything, feeling pressured and that ADD sense of “hurry, hurry” which makes no sense at all right now. Ugh!
The next question of course is how to change this. Becoming aware of it is certainly a big step in the right direction.
Step back – this is related to mindfulness. Just pause, step back, and take note of how you’re feeling, what you’re thinking, what you’re doing and what is going on.
more on this next time.
doug time magagement tips clik here
consider the lillies of the field
ADDadultstrategies 
I sometimes have to stop myself when I’m rushing and say something like: “You don’t have to rush. It’s going to be okay. Just slow down. It’ll all get done.” Usually that helps.
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homey
exactly. sometimes when I am rushing I can notice it, ie become aware that I am rushing, and then ask myself -why?
a lot of the time there is no good reason. also, a lot of the strategies help to avoid getting into situations where I actually do need to rush.
as always, thank you for commenting
doug
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I have an important phone call with a group of leaders in my field, and I have been particularly frustrated at the wrong turn discussions in this group have taken during a time when I was unavailable. I’ve been rushing around since I got in this morning, my stomach in knots, looking for notes that I have undoubtedly lost. Stopped to read your post, and realized I’m in the same negative, forward-worrying mod you described. I’m now going to step back and take a moment to center myself and remind myself that instead of being angry and frustrated, I will put my energy into making it work and asserting myself in the discussion. Thanks.
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deb – yes, i do know what thats like. glad you could shift gears. more coming on this topic. thanks for commenting
doug
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I’m a bona fide ADD and NOT a worrier. Could you also be OCD?
Sheila
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sheila- good call! absolutely! usually the ocd seems to help a little bit with the ADD but on this trip they seemed to be making each other worse.
if we have ADD we do seem to have enough bad experiences to cause a little worry, but
i am not usually a worrier but this was an episode, will post more on it, maybe add in your comment if you dont object.
thanks for commenting
doug
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When we are still, we allow life to take care of us…
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