AD-HD: The Rules


AD-HD: The Rules
My brain is like an old eight track tape player that constantly shifts from song to song. I enjoy the fact that as I type this essay that I am thinking about the trellis I am building, the calls I need to make at work, and how I can find time to see to gold-wing warbler at High Banks. I never could understand why everyone wouldn’t want the advance mental state we call AD-HD.

I like my brain, but it does drive others crazy. I am impulsive, can’t sit still, constantly talking (not as much as my brother), and I loose items. My office, my workbench, and my car are a mess. My school was broken into a few years ago and the police stated my office was ransacked. I had to explain no it always looks this way. AD-HD is more of a problem for others then those of us with this advance mental state.

I think that it is important to offer the “Rules of AD-HD” in case others who would like to evolve to a higher level of brain function:
The “Popeye Rule”
I have always lived by the “Popeye Rule.” The “Popeye Rule” simply states, “I am who I am.” Being from Ashtabula, I have modified the rule. “I am who I am” if you don’t like it I don’t care. Self-acceptance is essential to thrive with AD-HD. People either like you or they don’t. I have more friends then I can count by just being myself.
The “Stone Cutter Rule”
"When nothing seems to help, I go and look at a stone cutter hammering away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not that blow that did it, but all that had gone before." -Jacob August Riis
AD-HD teaches you to persevere. It might take multiple tries to complete a course or write a paper. When others give up and quit, the AD-HD brain keeps hammering at the stone. We persevere because it is what we do every day to work through the constant distractions.
The Time of Day Rule
My creative period is after 7:00 PM -2:00 AM. If I need to write a creative piece or create to complete a project this time of day works best. I am very driven the first hours of the day so that is when I work on linear logical items. Research is clear that when high level of concentration is needed that it can lead to physiological exhaustion. So taking breaks or taking a nap is helpful. It is important that you understand when you are good at completing certain tasks.
The “Zone Rule”
The AD-HD brain has the ability to “hyperfocus” where you become so engaged by what your doing that you loose track of everything else. This is the “beautiful mind” part. If I am woodworking it can be all encompassing. I forget to eat. I walk around mumbling, sketching, and I can do it for hours. Teachers know that sometimes they will say “hello” and I will walk by like I didn’t hear them. I am just completely focused on what I am doing. I usually remember to go back and respond. The “hyper-focus component is heightened by tasks that are interesting, stressful and involve the word deadline.
The Uncle Earl Rule
My Uncle Earl could spin a yarn. As he told a story one night around a campfire, he said the man in the story engaged his mouth before he put his brain in gear. The AD-HD brain spins so fast it is important to rehearse those words by putting our brain in gear before we engage our mouth.
The Apollo 13 Rule
"Failure is not an option" Gene Krantz, lead flight director for Mission Control, announced to the ground crew in Houston as Apollo 13 approached the critical earth-to-moon decision loop. Mr. Krantz understood the only option is success. AD-HD is not an excuse. You have a setback. You just refocus, re-plan, and go forward.
Sail-Boat Rule
Shouting at the wind doesn’t change its direction. You cannot choose the conditions in which you work or how people will treat you. You just need to adjust your sails and use the wind to your advantage.

Now you know the rules of AD-HD. I hope this helps everyone who wishes to reach the next level of mental function. I truly hope it helps you assist young kids in learning to use their AD-HD to their advantage. Acceptance is essential to helping AD-HD kids like me be the best that they can be. One accepting fourth grade teacher changed my life. Be that person in a child's life.
I am who I am.

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