It's my experience that even the things I love can feel tedious at times. There are definitely weeks when I don't feel like writing my substack, but I mostly make myself do it anyway. And what I find when I make myself do it is exactly where you end up in your musings. I'm writing for others, but also for myself. Writing invites me to pause, notice and share. I like who I am when I do those things, so I'll keep slogging away even with a small audience and even on the weeks when I just want to read.
I have more questions than answers about my own life choices and how ADHD contributes to my successes and failures. Looking back, I see ADHD patterns that were frustrating and ones that life-giving. One pattern was to set a goal without considering my ADHD rhythms for achieving it. The basics were there (ability, talent, opportunity, desire), but I couldn't tap into my ADHD "superpower" of hyper-focus until I let go of rules that work for others, but not for myself. (ex: Making a daily journal entry at 6:00 a.m. putting a nutritious meal on the table 6 days a week 6 p.m.). I learned that I could push myself through it...for awhile. But for the joy of writing and cooking, I need to release myself from what always seems to work for others and move my soul-searching writings and meals made with love and gratitude into a timeframe that allows for spontaneity and hyper-focus.
All that to say: Have you looked at your desires/frustrations through the lens of ADHD? You might find a different approach or rhythm.
Bottom line: You are a creative and complex servant of God. Thank you for sharing your gifts with others.
Brenda, you are always so generous with your comments and support. Thank you for sharing your own experience! I’m only beginning to learn how ADHD colors my view of the world. I’m eager to befriend it rather than strive against it.
It's my experience that even the things I love can feel tedious at times. There are definitely weeks when I don't feel like writing my substack, but I mostly make myself do it anyway. And what I find when I make myself do it is exactly where you end up in your musings. I'm writing for others, but also for myself. Writing invites me to pause, notice and share. I like who I am when I do those things, so I'll keep slogging away even with a small audience and even on the weeks when I just want to read.
“I like who I am when I do these things.” This is a really helpful perspective. Thank you, Shannon.
I have more questions than answers about my own life choices and how ADHD contributes to my successes and failures. Looking back, I see ADHD patterns that were frustrating and ones that life-giving. One pattern was to set a goal without considering my ADHD rhythms for achieving it. The basics were there (ability, talent, opportunity, desire), but I couldn't tap into my ADHD "superpower" of hyper-focus until I let go of rules that work for others, but not for myself. (ex: Making a daily journal entry at 6:00 a.m. putting a nutritious meal on the table 6 days a week 6 p.m.). I learned that I could push myself through it...for awhile. But for the joy of writing and cooking, I need to release myself from what always seems to work for others and move my soul-searching writings and meals made with love and gratitude into a timeframe that allows for spontaneity and hyper-focus.
All that to say: Have you looked at your desires/frustrations through the lens of ADHD? You might find a different approach or rhythm.
Bottom line: You are a creative and complex servant of God. Thank you for sharing your gifts with others.
Brenda, you are always so generous with your comments and support. Thank you for sharing your own experience! I’m only beginning to learn how ADHD colors my view of the world. I’m eager to befriend it rather than strive against it.