Warning – Intimate Material, Viewer Discretion Advised
We with ADD ADHD tend to say, and do, inappropriate things. This material may be inappropriate, but it’s such a good illustration of the effect of attitude that I have to share it.
Attitude
The new age theory is that we create our own reality. Here is an example.
Since I closed my practice I don’t take showers as often. I don’t think frequent showers are good for our skin, especially in this dry climate. And I understand that the French don’t bathe daily. But my main reason was my ADD ADHD obsession with time. I dreaded and resented the loss of the time it took to shower. The time loss is what I focused on.
But my wife was not entirely happy with my new approach. So I’ve resumed the daily shower. But I changed my focus. The warm water feels really good on my skin. I focus on that. So now, instead of resentment and dread, I enjoy the showers and look forward to them.
It’s about attitude. And that is one of the things we have some control over.
doug
PS I hope this hasn’t offended anyone. We’re all adults, after all.
Bonus Link:
Jenna’s tips on coping with stress
- With ADD ADHD it’s hard to get started some days.
ADDadultstrategies 
Pingback: Bad Attitude with ADHD — ADHD Tip O the Day 744 | ADDadultstrategies
I know what you mean Doug – I resent the time lost with baths, cleaning, ironing, sleeping and so on. It has been alleviated a little by discovering talking books on Kindle so that at least I can listen to a book while I do most of these things and feel like something has been achieved.
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ken – exactly! that’s part of why I’m always multitasking. like if I’m a passenger in the car, i’m usually exercising my grip or working on memorizing something – then the travel time doesn’t seem like such a waste. plus, its just hard for me to be passive.
and when i’m driving i’m usually listening ot educational CDs.
thanks for the comments..
doug
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I guess it’s a good thing I live by myself. My cat’s never seem unhappy with me…
Unless I forget to put out fresh water and lasagna on a .. I mean food … on a regular basis.
I also feel that sometimes, no matter how strong the conviction or attitude, it just “doesn’t happen”. Despite my best efforts, changes in attitudes, or amount of work I do to stay focused on the positive, I’m learning some things just aren’t meant to happen in life for me. Like I’ve given up all hope of ever having a satisfying, intimate relationship with another human being. Except for myself, of course. But then, I’ve always wanted to like myself in the healthiest way possible. Now I know me better than anyone else (though I’d like to change and share that), and I like what I’ve come to know.
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george – yes. no strategy or anything else works all the time, we cant bat 1000. staying postive is a challenge but well worth the effort. sounds like you have made a good adjustment for yourself, and who knows what will happen?
thanks for commenting
doug
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Hi Doug,
I especially like the point about how the perspective we come from can change our whole experience. I think we should all play with that one on a regular basis, especially with things that upset us. Maybe find a playful way to turn a negative experience into something funny or enjoyable, or poignant. It can be life changing!
As for showers I’m way worse than you, and it is mainly from things my wife found on line and shared with me, not realizing I might take them and run with them… I’ll let you and your readers imagine the worst, or play with the perspectives on this one! 😉
All the best,
Scott
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scott – yes, i find the power of attitude amazing. its just not so easy to use it, but wonderful when i can.
i’m going to pass on imagining about the showers tho.
thank you for commenting
doug
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I think most people skip showers once in a while, they just won’t admit it. I dislike them too and have trouble keeping up when I’m on vacation. Ob a day to day basis, I just force myself to do it because I have a physical job. What I adore, though, is taking a shower with as little light as possible. Shuts one of your senses away and it’s very relaxing after a busy day. Found out totally by accident. 🙂
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ram- isnt that a good example of attitude? you see the shower as a chance to zone out and relax, not a chore or a time stealer. great
thank you for the comment
doug
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I actually always shower every other day and wash in between unless it’s hot or I have done messy things such as exercising. The clue is to wash the bits and pits and face in between.
I know that wasn’t the point.
It’s better for my skin this way.
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busy – i too think its better for the skin. so if you focus on that thought, does that help you be comfortable with the way you do it? ie attitude
thank you for commenting
doug
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I wouldn’t do it if I were uncomfortable with it!
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busy – and your attitude is part of why your’e comfortable?
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I suppose. And the fact that my eczema isn’t as bad in winter.
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Hi Doug. I feel the same way about shower time, but don’t skip showers. However, to save time I now hang a hand towel on the shower rod, permanently, as a reminder to FOCUS while I’m taking a shower (in hopes of keeping my shower time down to 5 min or so). Otherwise, my mind wanders in the shower and when I finally get out I learn that 15 min has passed!
I think that much of a person’s success in life has to do with his or her attitude. And a person’s success in battling the effects of ADD ADHD can be enhanced by the person’s attitude. I can beat this – I just have to keep at it! Jeff
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jeff – that’s a great point. i used to resist getting into the shower, now i resist getting out. can drift away.
and the point about attitude is so good – my life is ruined by ADD ADHD vs I’m learning how to cope.
thanks for the comment
doug
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