Only this evening realised it's ADHD awareness week! I would love to give Delivered from Distraction to everyone around me... :)
What a beautiful, busy day! Mind you, I overslept, big time, only getting up just before 10am. And was chasing my tail all day long.
Only took my 18mg Concerta at about 2pm, because I kept forgetting to take it.
Which reminds me that I've been meaning to discuss complements.
Have been finding 1x18mg Concerta Controlled release does the trick, in conjunction with one cup of strong coffee early-ish in the day, plus 2 x 1000 mg Fish Oil capsules (rich in Omega-3 EPA & DHA, vit. E), taken morning and evening, plus 2-3 x Calcium Magnesium Citrate (Solgar), i.e. 2-3 x 100 mg Magnesium citrate/2-3 x 200 mg Calcium citrate (taken in the evening and before bedtime).
(Not very happy to find the CMC has been shipped across the Atlantic, and the fish oil capsules are "sourced in southern oceans" and contain soy-based vit. E)
What emotional pangs did I notice today?
Not many. Chatted to the lovely couple at the local health-food shop and found them very reassuring and kind indeed. I've been a good customer, but they do go out of their way to find good stuff for folks.
What feelings about differences did I notice?
I notice many things others overlook. But I'm not perfect.
What went well today?
By the skin of my teeth, shipped off two major pieces of work before heading out and away from my desk/computer for the rest of the week.
Walked into town and back (with two heavy shopping bags).
Enjoyed the sun and the glorious views across Oban Bay.
Enjoyed the look of the sky around sunset and throughout dusk. So pretty.
Discovered the identity of a flock of birds whose underwings flash whitely many an evening above one of the houses on the horizon: simple pigeons. But what a gorgeous sight they make when they fly in harmony, much like starlings.
Money situation somewhat more relaxed.
Sent off a stern reminder to a tardy client with a poor reputation – paid through the nose for a recorded letter they will have to sign for. Not a peep out of them since I sent an e-mail reminder, followed by a letter, followed by another e-mail. Hope this will stir them up, and a warning to follow-up by taking legal steps against them. We'll see. Hate to do this, though!
Found a note on facebook by someone in the Glasgow group who finally gathered courage to go back to their GP – and found a new person listening with great sympathy and interest. So pleased!
How can I make it happen more regularly?
Stop and smell the roses by the wayside.
What strengths have I focused on today?
Focusing. Hyperfocus to the point where I've not had any fluids in between meals.
At what point did I feel most authentically myself?
Working, getting stuff done. Walking. Chatting with folk. Sharing smiles with strangers. Walking with purpose and energetically.
What did not go so well?
Overslept.
I've not touched my accounts.
Still haven't called the plumber.
Haven't told my landlord about the broken (and replaced) de-humidifier.
Showing posts with label Delivered from Distraction. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Delivered from Distraction. Show all posts
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
Tuesday, October 2, 2012
Day Forty
Saw my GP this morning and introduced him to "Delivered from Distraction".
I doubt he knows just how awful it is to live with ADD/ADHD. And I'm not sure Concerta is helping in the way I was hoping.
Some things ARE better than before: I sleep better. I do seem to get more done in a day. I seem to be able to stick a bit better to tasks I've set myself.
The GP suggested I continue on 2x18mg/d of Concerta until I see the specialist at the end of the month. Seems a long way to go on something I'm not sure is making the crucial difference I was hoping for.
I want to explore the correlation of nutrition and ADD/ADHD.
Lots of information on the web, too much, really! How does one choose?
-- This one seems as good a place to start as any: http://borntoexplore.org/nutrition.htm
And then there are some that also attracted my attention:
-- http://www.attentiondeficit-add-adhd.com/adhd-nutrition.htm
-- http://www.all-natural.com/add.html#success (focuses on child ADD/ADHD, but has some useful pointers on nutrition and other therapies).
I also want to ask for a referral to some form of behavioural therapy, but could use some input now rather than in a month's time!
What emotional pangs did I notice today?
Felt fragile, tired, discouraged – there is SO MUCH I have to do, be aware of, stay on top of just to function like everyone else – it feels like too much!
What went well today?
• Had a decent night's sleep, only waking once, and remembering an interesting (political!) dream before waking at about 8:40am.
• Got to the Surgery just in time (still had to wait for about ten minutes, but I'd rather do that than holding everything up).
• Felt a bit distracted by the presence of a nurse on her first day in training to take medical notes. (I was perfectly fine with having her there; turns out we know each other from one of the local clubs... This is a small place!) Still, I did manage to remember four of the six things I wanted to discuss with the GP F
How can I make it happen more regularly?
• Want to try and get to bed before midnight, every night.
• Want to keep my diaries updated.
What strengths have I focused on today?
• Ability to get a lot done in a short time: I can be super-efficient.
I doubt he knows just how awful it is to live with ADD/ADHD. And I'm not sure Concerta is helping in the way I was hoping.
Some things ARE better than before: I sleep better. I do seem to get more done in a day. I seem to be able to stick a bit better to tasks I've set myself.
The GP suggested I continue on 2x18mg/d of Concerta until I see the specialist at the end of the month. Seems a long way to go on something I'm not sure is making the crucial difference I was hoping for.
I want to explore the correlation of nutrition and ADD/ADHD.
Lots of information on the web, too much, really! How does one choose?
-- This one seems as good a place to start as any: http://borntoexplore.org/nutrition.htm
And then there are some that also attracted my attention:
-- http://www.attentiondeficit-add-adhd.com/adhd-nutrition.htm
-- http://www.all-natural.com/add.html#success (focuses on child ADD/ADHD, but has some useful pointers on nutrition and other therapies).
I also want to ask for a referral to some form of behavioural therapy, but could use some input now rather than in a month's time!
What emotional pangs did I notice today?
Felt fragile, tired, discouraged – there is SO MUCH I have to do, be aware of, stay on top of just to function like everyone else – it feels like too much!
What went well today?
• Had a decent night's sleep, only waking once, and remembering an interesting (political!) dream before waking at about 8:40am.
• Got to the Surgery just in time (still had to wait for about ten minutes, but I'd rather do that than holding everything up).
• Felt a bit distracted by the presence of a nurse on her first day in training to take medical notes. (I was perfectly fine with having her there; turns out we know each other from one of the local clubs... This is a small place!) Still, I did manage to remember four of the six things I wanted to discuss with the GP F
How can I make it happen more regularly?
• Want to try and get to bed before midnight, every night.
• Want to keep my diaries updated.
What strengths have I focused on today?
• Ability to get a lot done in a short time: I can be super-efficient.
Sunday, September 30, 2012
Day Thirty-eight
Another virtually sleepless night – I don't know why.
Felt unable to eat all my breakfast, which consisted of some fruit juice, a bit of porridge with maple syrup, and half a cup of coffee. I was given the gorgeous fresh fruit to take with me, plus a banana , which I ate at Edinburgh Bus Station.
I'm totally exhausted after a stressful bus journey back to Oban. Initially really great, and very pleased to be on a bus whose driver was excellent, a much quieter young chap than the guy on Friday afternoon, focused and circumspect.
But not pleased with the bus company, who failed to inform their drivers of a significant road closure affecting their services from Glasgow to Oban/Fort William/Dundee... This led to disruptions and delays, confusion and hassle at the meeting point of routes in Tyndrum. I was the only passenger for Oban on that particular journey but my driver had to wait for delayed passengers from Glasgow who were going to Fort William, so I went off for some quick hot food at the Good Food Café, which I love.
When I got back, all the other passengers had just transferred to another Ft. William bus. One of them – possibly one of the drivers – must have grabbed my bag and put it on the other bus, because when the Oban bus came in and I transferred, my bag was nowhere to be found.
My driver phoned the Ft. William office immediately. He was soo apologetic – not least because he could also have transferred me onto an Oban bound bus that left almost as soon as we arrived in Tyndrum. Only I didn't realise that and no-one told me. Armed with information and phone numbers, I travelled on to Oban on an uneventful journey.
The quieter drivers enabled me to read on in Delivered from Distraction, which I found riveting.
I even managed to be one of the first to arrive at the hall where Oban Gaelic choir had an extra practice.
But later in the afternoon, I was unimpressed by the bus office in Fort William, who informed me that my bag had not been found. And by the fact that the manager never bothered to call me back. I eventually managed to make contact with her at about 7pm, giving a few more details of my bag that, in Tyndrum, I hadn't thought of in the heat of the moment. She suggested I should call again after ten tomorrow morning, saying the bag might have gone on to Skye!
I live in hope of getting this bag back; totted up its value, including contents, which comes to about £500. Amazing. I'd be so stressed out if I had to re-print all my Gaelic lessons and yesterday's notes. Why oh why did I not leave them in my computer case? Because they were heavy.
Still fizzing with nerves and stress. But hoping to have a better night's sleep now I'm back in my own bed.
Got to the bus station early; could even have changed my itinerary to take a bus via Glasgow. In hindsight it might have saved me a lot of hassle.
Felt unable to eat all my breakfast, which consisted of some fruit juice, a bit of porridge with maple syrup, and half a cup of coffee. I was given the gorgeous fresh fruit to take with me, plus a banana , which I ate at Edinburgh Bus Station.
I'm totally exhausted after a stressful bus journey back to Oban. Initially really great, and very pleased to be on a bus whose driver was excellent, a much quieter young chap than the guy on Friday afternoon, focused and circumspect.
But not pleased with the bus company, who failed to inform their drivers of a significant road closure affecting their services from Glasgow to Oban/Fort William/Dundee... This led to disruptions and delays, confusion and hassle at the meeting point of routes in Tyndrum. I was the only passenger for Oban on that particular journey but my driver had to wait for delayed passengers from Glasgow who were going to Fort William, so I went off for some quick hot food at the Good Food Café, which I love.
When I got back, all the other passengers had just transferred to another Ft. William bus. One of them – possibly one of the drivers – must have grabbed my bag and put it on the other bus, because when the Oban bus came in and I transferred, my bag was nowhere to be found.
My driver phoned the Ft. William office immediately. He was soo apologetic – not least because he could also have transferred me onto an Oban bound bus that left almost as soon as we arrived in Tyndrum. Only I didn't realise that and no-one told me. Armed with information and phone numbers, I travelled on to Oban on an uneventful journey.
The quieter drivers enabled me to read on in Delivered from Distraction, which I found riveting.
I even managed to be one of the first to arrive at the hall where Oban Gaelic choir had an extra practice.
But later in the afternoon, I was unimpressed by the bus office in Fort William, who informed me that my bag had not been found. And by the fact that the manager never bothered to call me back. I eventually managed to make contact with her at about 7pm, giving a few more details of my bag that, in Tyndrum, I hadn't thought of in the heat of the moment. She suggested I should call again after ten tomorrow morning, saying the bag might have gone on to Skye!
I live in hope of getting this bag back; totted up its value, including contents, which comes to about £500. Amazing. I'd be so stressed out if I had to re-print all my Gaelic lessons and yesterday's notes. Why oh why did I not leave them in my computer case? Because they were heavy.
Still fizzing with nerves and stress. But hoping to have a better night's sleep now I'm back in my own bed.
What went well?
Glad I transferred colleagues' contact details onto my computer, which is with me, and even typed up a few e-mails to them which I'm planning to e-mail off tomorrow.Got to the bus station early; could even have changed my itinerary to take a bus via Glasgow. In hindsight it might have saved me a lot of hassle.
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Day Thirty-five
Second day on 3x18mg. Calming down now, but felt really quite jittery throughout the afternoon and couldn't get my heart-rate down in a short meditation session at the end of my weekly Tai chi class.
What emotional pangs did I notice today?
None, a good day – total contrast to yesterday! Seem to be finding the balance again.
One of the best moments must've been when I found my copy of Delivered from Distraction – I had stuffed it into my computer bag, which I took along a week ago to be able to fill in any "empty" time in between appointments. And of course there weren't, so the book (and the computer) remained in the bag. So much for being "Delivered from Distraction", eh?!
What went well today?
Managed a wee internet access crisis quite well and got a lot done in the time I was "incomunicada".
How can I make it happen more regularly?
Oh, I don't want this to happen more regularly – at all!
What strengths have I focused on today?
Focus is the operative word here. Getting lots done in a short time – when conditions are right!
At what point did I feel most authentically myself?
Much of the time, actually.
What emotional pangs did I notice today?
None, a good day – total contrast to yesterday! Seem to be finding the balance again.
One of the best moments must've been when I found my copy of Delivered from Distraction – I had stuffed it into my computer bag, which I took along a week ago to be able to fill in any "empty" time in between appointments. And of course there weren't, so the book (and the computer) remained in the bag. So much for being "Delivered from Distraction", eh?!
What went well today?
Managed a wee internet access crisis quite well and got a lot done in the time I was "incomunicada".
How can I make it happen more regularly?
Oh, I don't want this to happen more regularly – at all!
What strengths have I focused on today?
Focus is the operative word here. Getting lots done in a short time – when conditions are right!
At what point did I feel most authentically myself?
Much of the time, actually.
Saturday, September 22, 2012
Day Thirty
Forgot that I had been meaning to change my regime of medication to 1 x 18mg in the morning, 1 x 18mg a couple of hours later. And find that that may well be too complicated for me. Yet another reminder to be put into the diary? I don't think so. So I think I'll keep going as am for now. I do hesitate to up the dose – I'm concerned it'll make me even jitterier than I already am if I have too strong a coffee, or if I have more than one cup a day – I do love my java!
Earlier today, I was talking about being an ADDult and wanted to show this friend the book Delivered from Distraction, which I have found fascinating and had started reading en route to Glasgow last weekend. But it's gone awol – can't find it anywhere and haven't got a clue where it's got to. Oh, maybe I left it at the hairdresser's on Thursday? But I wasn't carrying a bag that day. Drat and b____r!
What went well today?
Managed to get the house and guest room ready and sort of clean in time.
Was at the station to meet my friend in time.
Enjoyed the company, did lots of walking, met an interesting person (very chatty, but entertaining); enjoyed the great weather and being out-of-doors; took her to the Kerrera restaurant at the Marina; chatted into the night.
How can I make it happen more regularly?
Can't – does not depend on me alone. But am already looking forward to one of my oldest Swiss friend's visit next month!
What strengths have I focused on today?
Being organised and able to get loads done when the time is right (and the pressure high).
At what point did I feel most authentically myself?
A lot of the time, actually.
Earlier today, I was talking about being an ADDult and wanted to show this friend the book Delivered from Distraction, which I have found fascinating and had started reading en route to Glasgow last weekend. But it's gone awol – can't find it anywhere and haven't got a clue where it's got to. Oh, maybe I left it at the hairdresser's on Thursday? But I wasn't carrying a bag that day. Drat and b____r!
What went well today?
Managed to get the house and guest room ready and sort of clean in time.
Was at the station to meet my friend in time.
Enjoyed the company, did lots of walking, met an interesting person (very chatty, but entertaining); enjoyed the great weather and being out-of-doors; took her to the Kerrera restaurant at the Marina; chatted into the night.
How can I make it happen more regularly?
Can't – does not depend on me alone. But am already looking forward to one of my oldest Swiss friend's visit next month!
What strengths have I focused on today?
Being organised and able to get loads done when the time is right (and the pressure high).
At what point did I feel most authentically myself?
A lot of the time, actually.
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Day Ten plus Fourteen
Another good day after a very short night. Woke very early, knowing I had to check bank balance before going into Glasgow. Bank site was down (maintenance at what is usually a slow time) so I did some catch-up work in Gaelic. Ended up going back to bed for half an hour and managed to nod off, waking just at the right time from a thrilling dream in which I "thought" myself out of drowning in a raging river and ended up flying clear of power lines, facing the clouds and being able to see in microscopic detail the tiniest droplets of water in the mist. Hugely satisfying, both visually and emotionally. But I did want to pull out of the journey down to Glasgow.
What emotional pangs did I notice today?
Travelling into Glasgow I started reading Hallowell/Ratey, Delivered from Distraction (see link on right). I felt inspired and recognised, but I also felt sadness that I was nearly 60 before I began to understand what's been going on. Still, to quote Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra, celebrated American Major League Baseball catcher, outfielder, and manager, "It ain't ovah till it's ovah"!
What went well today?
My very first meeting with Glasgow group of Scottish Adult ADHD Support *). Very productive, stimulating, helpful. What a very nice bunch of people – nine of us there.
I jumped over several inner hurdles to not back out at the last minute.
Also, did a spot of judicious non-shopping, checked out computer situation (something I'd had on the back burner for at least six months), and visited the Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art.
*) NOTE:
Until further notice, the Glasgow group of Scottish Adult ADHD Support meet every third Sunday of the month, 2 to 4:30pm, at Costa Coffee, basement lounge, 205 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow (not to be confused with the CC branch at Waterstone's in Sauchiehall Street).
What strengths have I focused on today?
I can actually focus on others a bit better than I used to.
I can actually keep a promise and be reliable.
At what point did I feel most authentically myself?
Love meeting new people, especially people I know to share some of my concerns, who are willing to share and open up.
Looking at vibrant new art, re-acquainting myself with works by older artists who were at the cutting edge a few decades ago.
Riding a comfortable new bus in a spectacular setting.
Composing and polishing a poem.
May I share it with you? It's just a first draft but I may never get round to polishing it any further, so here goes:
-->
What emotional pangs did I notice today?
Travelling into Glasgow I started reading Hallowell/Ratey, Delivered from Distraction (see link on right). I felt inspired and recognised, but I also felt sadness that I was nearly 60 before I began to understand what's been going on. Still, to quote Lawrence Peter "Yogi" Berra, celebrated American Major League Baseball catcher, outfielder, and manager, "It ain't ovah till it's ovah"!
What went well today?
My very first meeting with Glasgow group of Scottish Adult ADHD Support *). Very productive, stimulating, helpful. What a very nice bunch of people – nine of us there.
I jumped over several inner hurdles to not back out at the last minute.
Also, did a spot of judicious non-shopping, checked out computer situation (something I'd had on the back burner for at least six months), and visited the Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art.
*) NOTE:
Until further notice, the Glasgow group of Scottish Adult ADHD Support meet every third Sunday of the month, 2 to 4:30pm, at Costa Coffee, basement lounge, 205 Sauchiehall Street, Glasgow (not to be confused with the CC branch at Waterstone's in Sauchiehall Street).
What strengths have I focused on today?
I can actually focus on others a bit better than I used to.
I can actually keep a promise and be reliable.
At what point did I feel most authentically myself?
Love meeting new people, especially people I know to share some of my concerns, who are willing to share and open up.
Looking at vibrant new art, re-acquainting myself with works by older artists who were at the cutting edge a few decades ago.
Riding a comfortable new bus in a spectacular setting.
Composing and polishing a poem.
May I share it with you? It's just a first draft but I may never get round to polishing it any further, so here goes:
-->
Leaving Glasgow, Going Home
The setting sun slants rays of light
brightens clouds green hills trees sheep
a hobby-horse's orange saddle glows
incongruous on motorway verge
mist rises from the road as speeding
cars pull rain off the black tarmac
up the road we
ride into the driving rain
between gold cauliflower clouds
a slash of blue
all else is blurry grey
above a mercury shimmer –
Loch Lomond
red glow in the dusk bids us wait:
Rest and Be Thankful landslip
cars rush past us
down steeply sloping road
down steeply sloping road
one solitary cloud as light as cottonwool
floats in a darkening sky
rises out of slate and lead
past Taynuilt the view opens
wide beyond wide sea loch
where does the water end
the air begin beneath this sky
where a pale lemon light still lingers?
© MPJ, 16Sep2012
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