AD/HD: Staying Grounded…In Tough Times
The state of the economy has taken up quite a bit space in my head, lately. This seems reasonable, when, aside from Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt, it is the hottest topic in the news, right? Specifically, I have been thinking about the connection between fear and the economy. Then I started pondering the relationship between fear, the economy and AD/HD. Whew…
Clearly, the economy is in rough shape, as we slide deeper into a recession. While I was an economics major in college, there are resources far more credible than me to give an in depth commentary on the current state of the economy. Suffice it to say, as a result of the recession, many people are suffering because of the loss of jobs, homes and investments.
What is curious to me, though, is that the perspective on how acute the downturn is in reality is not necessarily dependent on the effect it has had on people directly. Being an adult with ADD, I know how easy it is feel like the "sky is falling" without looking up to see if this is true! I can start ruminating with the best of them, if I allow myself to go down that road. So, I decided to look up. Here is what I discovered to be true for me.
In order to stay on the road that I've chosen, and stay out of the "state of misery," which is just east of the Mississippi River, by the way, I have used some of the following strategies.
- While I am a certified news junkie, I limit the amount of time I listen to the radio, even NPR! I read the newspaper about once a week. I never watch the news on TV.
- While I talk to my friends and family about their situations, I try not to engage in lengthy conversations about the effects of the economy on people far removed from my world.
- While I can't get laid off (I own my own business), I know that I am not immune from the effects of the recession. So, I learn and implement the best ways to run and market my business for the long run; this where I have control.
- When I feel fearful, I figure out what it is about. Then if there is something I can do to address the issue, I do that. If it is something over which I have no control, I remind myself that I can only do the best I can…
- I can't predict the future, but I can enjoy what I have right now.
So, I'm off to have some fun. I know that I'll get the feeling that the sky is falling, again. That is ok. I think I know what to do for myself.
What do you do to help yourself?
