In case you’re wondering, yes, I do still have ADHD. Recent examples: I knocked the laptop off the table top. It didn’t break, but the plug for the adapter did.
I needed to order a new adapter. When it came, it was the wrong size. I blame the ad..I need to order the right size, and send in the wrong one for a refund. More hassle.
I am editing draft seven of the new ADHD book, intermittently. Each time I restart, I need to relearn the tricks for making word to work right. More about that later
Strategies: listen to the little voice. If it’s important, read it carefully instead of skimming. If you will need to remember it, write it down.
I am a psychiatric physician.
I learned I have ADHD at age 64, and then wrote two ADHD books for adults, focusing on strategies for making your life better. I just published my first novel, Alma Means Soul.
Your Life Can Be Better; strategies for adults with ADD/ADHD
available at amazon.com, or smashwords.com (for e books)
Living Daily With Adult ADD or ADHD: 365 Tips O the Day ( e-book).
This is one tip at a time, one page at a time, at your own pace. It's meant to last a year.
As a child, I was a bully. Then there was a transformation.
Now I am committed to helping people instead abusing them.
The Bully was published in January, 2016.
It's in print or e book, on Amazon.
Hi Doug, Oh my goodness that last cartoon made me laugh out loud! Thank you so much for this post.
I have to write down anything I need to remember. I used to be so overwhelmed by all the little scrap papers around with “important” things , but after your book I have developed a system.
If it’s a would like to know and may need it someday I keep a thin notebook/journal next to my computer and write the date, website and the info I want to remember. If it’s really important, it goes on today’s page in my Covey planner. (I am a paper girl, can you tell?) I usually can recall the week or month I found something and can look back in my notes page for each day to find what I need. I have even gone back to last year looking for a phone number. “I know it’s here somewhere..” is my rambling as I search the pages. Then, yeah!!!!
On a side note – You wrote about having a calendar (or several) to orient you. I have always had a calendar in the kitchen, in the bathroom (my grandma did this too), and my planner.
Two days ago my husband took our calendar and had it in his office. I almost found myself dizzy trying to remember what day it was and what I was suppose to be doing. Very interesting to me. I NEEDED that dumb calendar on the frig to keep my day rolling.
I’m so glad to have read your experience, it made me feel not so crazy.
Thanks Doug. Praying for you as you work through your book.
dee
we’re not crazy, we’re just very special people, who need different tools, like calanders, to be able to function.
thank you fro commenting
best wishes
doug
Dee,
I’m also a paper girl! I do have to keep an online/digital version as well for various reasons and practicality for my life. But otherwise I love paper. I just joined the adult ADHD group ADDA. We will see if it is worth it! But one thing they have is a 4 week class on how to optimize a planner. They list a few suggested brands, including Planner Pad. I tried this one and so far it is ok. We will see.
And I too need multiple calendars! I am totally for having whatever you need, without apologizing for it, in order to move through our lives day to day.
Take care,
Cindy
Love your stuff. It really helps. Life is hard, and then it gets harder, sometimes. People like you soften my heart, and allow for a bit more self-forgiveness.
I can sympathize with knocking the laptop off the table. I’ve always been clumsy. I swear that is why my mother put me through three years of ballet when I was a kid… an attempt to give me some grace.
Also can sympathize with having to keep relearning stuff. What works for me (for when I can remember to do it) is make notes to myself. They can be notes that state the obvious and/or be useless to someone else. But for me they work because I write (or type) the notes as if I was talking only to myself, and six months from now.
Thanks for keeping us updated on things.
I finally joined ADDA. Seems ok. Looking back, I can’t believe how slow I’ve been in learning about my ADD since the time I was diagnosed over 10 years ago! Feels like I’m still just learning everything about it.
Good luck with the book and am looking forward to when it is published and available!
Thanks,
Cindy
Cindy
did you get distracted before you finished your comment?
i know clumsy well. in this case, it was also because the laptop was in a not good place and i ignored it. Arghhh!
thank you for commenting
best wishes
doug
cindy
distracted? for some inconceivable reason only part of your good comment showed up when i first opened it. Gremlins? i am tech challenged.
thanks again
doug
It seems my tech Gremlins, which/whom? you seem to know well, have multiplied like rabbits, or lice? or grains of sand in my, I mean on the beach! If they were once mine, you may keep them, as I am sure the ones I have now are very up to date on how to foil my most recent tech attempts, so I won’t miss them at all! Actually, I got quite cozy yesterday with mine, while moving from one google security article to the next, taking notes, with pen and paper, pen and a handy envelope, and pencil on the back of the list I was laboring over for today, which I have largely managed to ignore, though my insurance card is valid until tomorrow, my printer is still in storage, my vehicle tags are due on my license plates in 15 days, I have an appointment over an hour away, and I need gas. Those are today’s highlights. May Something, or Someone bless all our plans, and manage to help us find our way. That reminds me, Better get GPS on the task, since I can’t remember how to get where I am going, though I have been going there frequently, for 5 years or so.
mags
i know what you mean! sometimes i wonder if the gremlins have the ability to be in more than one place at the same time? or maybe there really are legions and legions of them. they certainly stay busy.
thank you for commenting
doug
Mags,
I know what you mean. I currently have two premium annual subscriptions for cloud storage. Initially I was using Google Drive. But then signed up for Microsoft’s OneDrive since they included either way with the plan I needed. So, I thought I would slowly get things loaded to the OneDrive and finally get rid of the Google Drive subscription.
Nope. Things are disappearing and Microsoft support has no clue why. They are still waiting for me to respond to their latest message. But now I’m just exhausted by the whole thing and have decided to go back to Google Drive. I’ve never had issues with it. Just frustrating because I’ve spent the last year transferring things to the One Drive. And I have social anxiety at times which means the back and forth communicating with their support staff can become to mentally exhausting for me.
Well, probably more than you wanted to know!
Take care,
Cindy
I totally get the exhustion! and here I am finally figuring out I can respond, so long since you commented! I always appreciate seeing your comments, and hearing of your experiences! Thanks
Well, just in case, here is all the text of my original comment. And let me know if it still doesn’t make sense! Sometimes I only partially express what is going on in my head, making it confusing for others.
Here is that comment…
I can sympathize with knocking the laptop off the table. I’ve always been clumsy. I swear that is why my mother put me through three years of ballet when I was a kid… an attempt to give me some grace.
Also can sympathize with having to keep relearning stuff. What works for me (for when I can remember to do it) is make notes to myself. They can be notes that state the obvious and/or be useless to someone else. But for me they work because I write (or type) the notes as if I was talking only to myself, and six months from now.
Thanks for keeping us updated on things.
I finally joined ADDA. Seems ok. Looking back, I can’t believe how slow I’ve been in learning about my ADD since the time I was diagnosed over 10 years ago! Feels like I’m still just learning everything about it.
Good luck with the book and am looking forward to when it is published and available!
Thanks,
Cindy
I did the same thing Cindy!!! As a little girl, I used to trip on our living room carpet and fall, all the time. So my mom put me in ballet for YEARS. I got good at ballet, but still had the nickname “grace”.
Hi Doug,
I keep finding great strategies that really help, then I keep practicing that rule that goes something like: Once I find something that really works I stop doing it.
I need to add in some rule about going back and reviewing strategies that work.
All the best, Scott
scott
i know, i know. maybe keep a list of strategies and review it occasionally? you may have inspired me to do that. as always, thank you for commenting.
best wishes
doug
ADDadultstrategies 
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Hi Doug, Oh my goodness that last cartoon made me laugh out loud! Thank you so much for this post.
I have to write down anything I need to remember. I used to be so overwhelmed by all the little scrap papers around with “important” things , but after your book I have developed a system.
If it’s a would like to know and may need it someday I keep a thin notebook/journal next to my computer and write the date, website and the info I want to remember. If it’s really important, it goes on today’s page in my Covey planner. (I am a paper girl, can you tell?) I usually can recall the week or month I found something and can look back in my notes page for each day to find what I need. I have even gone back to last year looking for a phone number. “I know it’s here somewhere..” is my rambling as I search the pages. Then, yeah!!!!
On a side note – You wrote about having a calendar (or several) to orient you. I have always had a calendar in the kitchen, in the bathroom (my grandma did this too), and my planner.
Two days ago my husband took our calendar and had it in his office. I almost found myself dizzy trying to remember what day it was and what I was suppose to be doing. Very interesting to me. I NEEDED that dumb calendar on the frig to keep my day rolling.
I’m so glad to have read your experience, it made me feel not so crazy.
Thanks Doug. Praying for you as you work through your book.
Dee
LikeLiked by 2 people
dee
we’re not crazy, we’re just very special people, who need different tools, like calanders, to be able to function.
thank you fro commenting
best wishes
doug
LikeLike
Dee,
I’m also a paper girl! I do have to keep an online/digital version as well for various reasons and practicality for my life. But otherwise I love paper. I just joined the adult ADHD group ADDA. We will see if it is worth it! But one thing they have is a 4 week class on how to optimize a planner. They list a few suggested brands, including Planner Pad. I tried this one and so far it is ok. We will see.
And I too need multiple calendars! I am totally for having whatever you need, without apologizing for it, in order to move through our lives day to day.
Take care,
Cindy
LikeLike
Love your stuff. It really helps. Life is hard, and then it gets harder, sometimes. People like you soften my heart, and allow for a bit more self-forgiveness.
Thanks for keeping on keeping on.
Maggie Lais
LikeLiked by 1 person
mags
yes self forgiviness is hard and important. glad you find the posts useful and thank you for commenting
best wishes
doug
LikeLiked by 1 person
I can sympathize with knocking the laptop off the table. I’ve always been clumsy. I swear that is why my mother put me through three years of ballet when I was a kid… an attempt to give me some grace.
Also can sympathize with having to keep relearning stuff. What works for me (for when I can remember to do it) is make notes to myself. They can be notes that state the obvious and/or be useless to someone else. But for me they work because I write (or type) the notes as if I was talking only to myself, and six months from now.
Thanks for keeping us updated on things.
I finally joined ADDA. Seems ok. Looking back, I can’t believe how slow I’ve been in learning about my ADD since the time I was diagnosed over 10 years ago! Feels like I’m still just learning everything about it.
Good luck with the book and am looking forward to when it is published and available!
Thanks,
Cindy
LikeLiked by 1 person
Cindy
did you get distracted before you finished your comment?
i know clumsy well. in this case, it was also because the laptop was in a not good place and i ignored it. Arghhh!
thank you for commenting
best wishes
doug
LikeLiked by 1 person
cindy
distracted? for some inconceivable reason only part of your good comment showed up when i first opened it. Gremlins? i am tech challenged.
thanks again
doug
LikeLiked by 1 person
So, my entire comment is finally visible? Just confirming… yes, the tech gremlins are always hard at work!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It seems my tech Gremlins, which/whom? you seem to know well, have multiplied like rabbits, or lice? or grains of sand in my, I mean on the beach! If they were once mine, you may keep them, as I am sure the ones I have now are very up to date on how to foil my most recent tech attempts, so I won’t miss them at all! Actually, I got quite cozy yesterday with mine, while moving from one google security article to the next, taking notes, with pen and paper, pen and a handy envelope, and pencil on the back of the list I was laboring over for today, which I have largely managed to ignore, though my insurance card is valid until tomorrow, my printer is still in storage, my vehicle tags are due on my license plates in 15 days, I have an appointment over an hour away, and I need gas. Those are today’s highlights. May Something, or Someone bless all our plans, and manage to help us find our way. That reminds me, Better get GPS on the task, since I can’t remember how to get where I am going, though I have been going there frequently, for 5 years or so.
LikeLiked by 2 people
mags
i know what you mean! sometimes i wonder if the gremlins have the ability to be in more than one place at the same time? or maybe there really are legions and legions of them. they certainly stay busy.
thank you for commenting
doug
LikeLiked by 2 people
I am convinced the gremlins are able to be in multiple places at once because they’ve mastered how to use quantum physics to their benefit. lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
Mags,
I know what you mean. I currently have two premium annual subscriptions for cloud storage. Initially I was using Google Drive. But then signed up for Microsoft’s OneDrive since they included either way with the plan I needed. So, I thought I would slowly get things loaded to the OneDrive and finally get rid of the Google Drive subscription.
Nope. Things are disappearing and Microsoft support has no clue why. They are still waiting for me to respond to their latest message. But now I’m just exhausted by the whole thing and have decided to go back to Google Drive. I’ve never had issues with it. Just frustrating because I’ve spent the last year transferring things to the One Drive. And I have social anxiety at times which means the back and forth communicating with their support staff can become to mentally exhausting for me.
Well, probably more than you wanted to know!
Take care,
Cindy
LikeLiked by 1 person
I totally get the exhustion! and here I am finally figuring out I can respond, so long since you commented! I always appreciate seeing your comments, and hearing of your experiences! Thanks
LikeLiked by 1 person
Well, just in case, here is all the text of my original comment. And let me know if it still doesn’t make sense! Sometimes I only partially express what is going on in my head, making it confusing for others.
Here is that comment…
I can sympathize with knocking the laptop off the table. I’ve always been clumsy. I swear that is why my mother put me through three years of ballet when I was a kid… an attempt to give me some grace.
Also can sympathize with having to keep relearning stuff. What works for me (for when I can remember to do it) is make notes to myself. They can be notes that state the obvious and/or be useless to someone else. But for me they work because I write (or type) the notes as if I was talking only to myself, and six months from now.
Thanks for keeping us updated on things.
I finally joined ADDA. Seems ok. Looking back, I can’t believe how slow I’ve been in learning about my ADD since the time I was diagnosed over 10 years ago! Feels like I’m still just learning everything about it.
Good luck with the book and am looking forward to when it is published and available!
Thanks,
Cindy
LikeLiked by 1 person
cindy
i think i finally got it right this time. thanks for the support.
best wishes
doug
LikeLiked by 2 people
I did the same thing Cindy!!! As a little girl, I used to trip on our living room carpet and fall, all the time. So my mom put me in ballet for YEARS. I got good at ballet, but still had the nickname “grace”.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Hi Doug,
I keep finding great strategies that really help, then I keep practicing that rule that goes something like: Once I find something that really works I stop doing it.
I need to add in some rule about going back and reviewing strategies that work.
All the best, Scott
LikeLiked by 3 people
scott
i know, i know. maybe keep a list of strategies and review it occasionally? you may have inspired me to do that. as always, thank you for commenting.
best wishes
doug
LikeLiked by 1 person