Daily Tip: Remember TANSTAAFL

Besides the emotion of jealousy, one horrible emotion that often plagues those of us with A.D.H.D or A.D.D. is anger.  Anger from unmet expectations is one of the worst reasons.  How to deal with great expectations that do not come true?
One way is to really get real.
If you want to be frustrated and angry then lie to yourself.
If you want to go with the flow and be happy, find out what is true first.
How does one do that?  Of course, experience helps.  So does asking others, and finding out the answer by doing a little research.
The most important thing is not to be a sucker.
Remember TANSTAAFL, and you will be OK!
Peace,
Amy Zents

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release

Daily Tip: Frangrance can bring relief from stress, evoke happy memories

When I was a little girl my mum, who hails from Hamburg, Germany would always wear 4711 cologne.  She would come in from the winter cold, in our apartment in downtown Toronto, her cheeks like ice and she would plant a kiss on my cheek and my childish nose would inhale the fragrance from her that would evoke joy to my heart.  Yesterday, I was in Kmart, of all places, and I discovered a bottle of 4711 cologne on the end of the clearance aisle.  I purchased a large bottle on sale for only $17.  After I got home, I opened the bottle and inhaled the old familiar scent.  It smelled astringent, yet evocative.  The  scent of my mum came through my nose and to my soul.  I felt a wave of nostaglia, and dabbed my forehead and throat with the potion.  It was cool, and calming, like my mother's hugs when I was downhearted.  Perhaps there is a scent that you can remember.  Try it and see if you feel happier..

Have a wonderful day,

Amy Zents

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: Pets can be wonderful mood "equalizers" and "elevators"

While bringing my two dogs, Cole and Pixie home from Victoria, B.C. last summer, a taxi driver told me an interesting story.  His son had been doing poorly in school and he seemed forever to be getting into trouble and scrapes with the law, then his dad bought him a dog.
Things changed after that.  The boy felt more calm, focused, happy and relaxed because of his new canine friend.  His grades went up and he was happy.  Also, his dad was happier too.
Isn't it surprising how finding someone or something like a pet to care for can bring out the best in all of us? 


Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release

Daily Tip: Soft guitar music may help you fall asleep

It is often hard for someone who is high-strung to relax and fall asleep.  Just like the saying, "A Tired Dog is a Happy Dog," the same often holds true for those of us with ADHD.  If you are tired you can find it easier to fall asleep, but too often when it comes time to sleep, we may not find ourselves relaxed enough to sleep due to confusion, intensity of thought or some other reason.
Sometimes some soft guitar music may be in order.
There are lots of free sources on the internet.
Here is one such free YouTube link of a playlist of classical guitar music that often can put me to straight to sleep.  No offense.
Pleasant dreams,
Amy Zents

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release

Daily Tip: Get outside for awhile then come home and watch "The young in heart"

Today I went to the local State Park with the dogs.
We strolled outside under cloudy skies, and a few raindrops spat upon us.
But, I listened to two Podshows on Old Time Radio.  One was "The Young in Heart," a storyplay made up of the characters whom I found out did not star in the old movie, Don Ameche, Ida Lupino, and May Robson.  Here is a film version of "The Young in Heart," available for free download.
It made me laugh and cry.  It was a delightful story.   It makes me want to read the book it was based on, The Gay Banditti.  I could not find it online, but I did find a fave, Huckleberry Finn.
I also listened to the life and times of Joan of Arc.
Then I came home and had some lunch.  The dogs loved their 2 hour walk, and I did too.
Of course, as I listened to my iPod touch, I was amused during my hale and hearty exercise, and was not bored.
Boredom often is intolerated by those of us with A.D.D. or A.D.H.D.
Stay amused, and amusing!
Have a lovely weekend,
Amy Zents

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: Sometimes we all need to prime the pump

It is always a chore to do important things that we tend to procrastinate on.  One idea that I appreciate is to PRIME THE PUMP.  It may mean doing laundry in advance of a vacation, setting the table before cooking, making your lunch the night ahead, vacuuming the carpets before the weekend, or clearing off the dining room before some intensive study or financial organization.
A little priming of the pump contributes to the overall success of a mission.
Try it today.
Peace,
Amy Z

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: Scheduling Your Day is the way!

By keeping track of my daily actions through a planned schedule made in advance of the day's activities I have found it much easier to get things done.
Today is a busy one.  Have to get ready to file our taxes and teach.
Hope you are able to PLAN YOUR WORK, and WORK YOUR PLAN for success!
Keep it simple, keep your activities within a short limit, so you can keep it moving, and keep grooving.
There is much work to be done!
Peace,

Amy Zents

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: Put time on your side

I am always amazed how the clock keeps ticking and time keeps marching on.
If time were a non-issue, that would be wonderful.
Unfortunately,  poets and philosophers write that time is scarce and more precious than silver, gold or diamonds.  A queen was willing to give her wealth for more time, and though money may be earned, and spent and earned again time cannot be bought back no matter, no how.
So, this makes it vital we follow a planned schedule of activities to make the most of our time, so we can truly enjoy our lives.
Do you have a plan or daily diary to get tasks done today?
Try it, and see if you arn't more happy working to do things you truly want and love to do.
Do not be a slave to time.  Put time on your side.
Sincerely,
Amy Zents
Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: Getting to know Yourself is the first thing to helping yourself with A.D.H.D or A.D.D.

You are wonderfully, and marvelously made.
You are complex with 10,000 plus attributes you probably DO NOT even acknowledge.
This being said, the question begs, "So what?"
Well, you should get to know what your preferences are and get to know your likes, skills, wisdom, abilities, talents and dreams better.
The old NATURE versus NURTURE debate is not settled, however, there is a big agreement, that external environment doesn't play into even half of what intrinsic NATURE can help you with.
Find out your NATURE and do not feel such a strong impulse to conform.
If you have A.D.H.D or attention-deficit chances are you are an incredibly interesting person with many diverse and eclectic passions.
Keeping a daily blog or diary, taking pictures, creating and performing may be some ways you can watch yourself shine.
Getting to know yourself is a cumulative PROJECT.
So, don't sell yourself short.
Thank your Ma and Pa for life, and value who you are and indeed, you will agree in time that:
You are wonderfully, and marvelously made.
Sincerely,
Amy Zents

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: Be original or give credit to the author.

There is no way a person can give credit to everyone who has inspired him or her, and sometimes it is hard to avoid making it seem like you are copying someone, especially if you are inspired by that person.  The best thing we can all do is to strive to be as original as we can.  If something strikes a familiar chord with us, or the information has been given to us freely, it is no shame if we relate that to others, neverthless, it is best either to give credit to the author, or else keep quiet.  The best thing of course, is to listen to your inner muse and march to the beat of your own drummer, however, keep your own drummer in check if he or she works against your best interests.
Originally yours,
Amy Zents

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: Keep smiling

It is springtime, and it officially began yesterday at around 12.21.
I decided not to post anymore #CelebrityADHDSunday because I don't want to dwell on negativity.
I hope you are having a busy, fun weekend.

I am working again today on the radio.  Had a nice visit with some of our on-air radio guests today including musicians Peter and Paul Wendinger, and Bruce Bradley.
Happy Spring,
Amy Zents

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release, including my song about ADD called the "A.D.D. Blues."
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: Every little bit helps

Yesterday I did 20 things I wanted to do.
20 new things done on 3/19/10

Walk dogs
Breakfast
Make Vegetable salad
Go to store buy water, vegetables and fruits
Play guitar
Play piano
Do dishes
Go to gym (strength)
Clip toenails
Clip finger nails
Study French
Math
blog
Study Italian
walk dogs
songwriting practice
market band on website
study teaching info for Principles of Learning 7-12
work info-1040
pay chamber dues and pick up big cat (stuffed animal from window display)

Today I made another list of 20 things I want to do.
Last night I read in Vogue about a fabulously rich man, who claims to have A.D.D.
He flies his own helicopter with the aid of a co-pilot and commutes from rural New York to downtown NYC on weekdays.
A short-attention span does not an imbecile make.
I am working today at the radio station.  I am signing on at 6am.
Well, I will write more later today.  Gotta run.
Amy Zents.

Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release
http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/mollysonnyboy2

Daily Tip: Do "new things" every day

So you want to learn Italian and French like me?
Or maybe there is another skill you would like to master?
Make it a practice to spend at least 15 minutes a day with your interest and you will find, that you will indeed make incremental progress, and over the span of a year you will have greatly improved your new skill.
You and I are impatient, we want instant gratification.  At least, that seems to be a trait of many suffering with ADHD, or Attention-deficit.
Slow and steady wins the race, so even though you have many, many interests, you can make time for these in baby steps, consistently done over a period of time.
Like saving $1 a day, you will eventually amass a fortune.
Take it one day at a time and enjoy success.
Have a great day!
Musically and liguistically yours,
Amy Zents
Make sure to enjoy a sample of original music from my band Molly and Sonny Boy's newest CD release

Daily Tip: Use the kinder weather to get outside more

A lovely day today.  Saturday will officially be the first day of spring.
I took the dogs out for a little walk and taught music.
I have to get my husband up and at 'em shortly for work.
I hope to get more active this spring.
I cannot stand the cold weather.  Today seemed almost like a summer day.
The sun was shining and it was mild out.
I will try and do more exercise to drop some of the fat and put on more muscle this spring.
I get so tired all the time when I am out of condition.
Spring is time to spring up and move!
Have a good day, and Think Spring!
Amy Zents

Daily Tip: Time for everything in YOUR time

So a lot of us with A.D.H.D or A.D.D. dawdle.
What a funny word, dawdle.
Why do we dawdle?
Is it because we are slow on the uptake, or is it something else?
I think it has to do with a lack of clear focus.
When there is an emergency, we do NOT dawdle.
We are on it, right away!
So, we dawdle most of the time and it is infuriating how time slips away.
How to overcome the dawdling?
Live a more gratifying life, perhaps?
Plan our days better?
Whatever it takes, you need to get lots of things done, right?
Well, you may need to do everything in YOUR own sweet time, so you must make allowances for it.
Yet, do not sweat it.
You are perfect.
You are complete.
Just make sure you complete all you need to get done, in your time.
Amy Zents

Daily Tip: Clean the kitchen daily

HDP is huge dish pile-up, and it's happened again.
So, before anything else everyday I will promise myself to clean my kitchen,
Here I go.

Daily Tip: Avoid Losing stuff, If Possible

Last night I checked to find my new Nexus One phone.  My phone battery had run down and I could not call it to find it...so what does that have to do with me?
I sometimes think I know all the answers for ADHD, but I was crawling in the mud again last night looking for my expensive android phone.  I was getting sick with fear, I had already lost my first smart phone, a G1, and my husband loveingly bought me a new Nexus one, the smart phone I use to create my daily comic "Cole's Kibble."  Last night when I couldn't find my new phone, my husband said he would help locate it, but I was ashamed at the messy place and I asked my husband to let me work things out my own way. 
I tried to track it down for over an hour.  I don't know how my husband knew, but he searched the truck after I did, and while I was in a mental state of frustration and anger, he found my phone under the truck seat and I was oh, so relieved!
I put it on the charger and I was still not satisfied.
I was so miserable for having misplaced my phone I felt so unworthy for having such a nice phone. 
I wondered if I was sabotaging myself everyday.  Crazy.  ADHD can make you feel frightened and crazy.
I told my husband how thankful I was, and now I will be even more conscientious than ever.
But, I have no answers for attention-deficit.  It is a daily fight to help yourself and others to stay sane.
I am certainly glad to have my emergency doctor husband to allay my fears and help me.
I wish I could be a better person, and the only way I see doing that is try and do more to make our homelife a lot more pleasant.
We have to have dinner now, so I will act a little less dopey and make some nice supper for my dear man.
He always makes me feel much better.  Now we are getting ready to perform a St. Patty's day gig on Wednesday.
I want to be organized and prepared but I don't expect it will be easy.
We'll get practicing after supper.  Having printer problems right now, but I am sure Jim will patiently fix that too.
Have a calm week.
Amy Zents
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Find a safety net and #CelebrityADHDSunday

I am glad I have a decent and good man to help prevent me from making stupid mistakes.  It is always lovely to communicate your dreams and intentions with someone who will respect you and help you see the light, so to speak.
Case in point.  For every new gadget that comes out on the market, I am eager to run out and buy it.  When those mini-netbooks came out for $300 at Walmart by Acer, I bought 2.  One for my husband and one for me.
Those mini-netbooks were a wise choice, they have built in video, flash, usb's and run full operating systems like Windows Vista.
They are neat and petite.
Now, when the Kindle came out, I was tempted to buy one.  I talked to my husband and realized, that I like to read books, not a screen.  When the iPad came out, I was wanting one desperately, I listened to my husband tell me about the fact, there is no camera, no USB outlets and no Flash.
So, I passed on that.
The thing he did buy me, that I am thankful for, however, is my Nexus One Google phone.
That is the best thing ever!
I can do nearly everything a netbook or PC can do on it and it is tiny and portable.
So, find a wise man or woman to help keep you on track.
You will be richer, happier and more pleased than ever.
As for watching video on a small computer-sized screen.  No thanks, I'll pass.  Just like I love marking up real books in my hot little hands, I love watching a big TV in bed or Imax movie screen in the movie theatre.
Have a frugal and productive day,

Amy Zents
© Amalia Zents 2010
She may or may not have A.D.H.D, but if one Celebrity shows tendencies towards being high-strung and unself-controlled it's Ms. Houston.

Daily Tip: Make someone happy

For folks with Attention-deficit it is important to cherish the time spent with others.  They can help you see the good side of yourself, even if you are blind to it.
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Use common sense, or you can't do everything all the time.

Today the toilet backed up.  Nothing worse than waking up to a clogged toilet, with a broken handle.
Wow, they sure make crappy things these days.  No pun intended.
That is a new toilet we had installed. and now the tub isn't draining properly either.  Guess we will have to have a word with our plumber who did the work.
What a shame!
I unclogged the toilet using my mum's old method of sending boiling water down the hole.
It did the trick, after sending down water a couple of times.
I had so many good intentions of things to do today, but only focused on the 3 major ones.
That of cookng a decent hot breakfast for my husband, taking the dogs out and cleaning up the place.
It is too much to try and do everything, there is generally something that always gets in the way.
Today it was a bill from our local AnyTime Fitness's financial headquarters, a business called ABC Financial stating I had a debt.  How could this be? 
We have automatic billpay.  When I waited and waited on the automatic phone system til an operator FINALLY picked up, I found out she knew nothing about anything owed.  She thinks it could be an error either with the gym or with their automated system.  Well, whoop-dee-doo!  So, I'm robbed of my precious time trying to clear up their error.
I hate that kind of crap.
I wish I could be recompensed with a free 6-month membership or at least some kind of compensation.
But, the customer is NEVER king.  I should know that by now.
It is tempting to write a dissatisfied letter to the ABC Financial services, but I will try and get to the bottom of the problem by talkng to the owners of the gym,
Well, gotta run.  Keep life simple so you have time to handle the *** interruptions that mar your day.
Amy Zents
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Fear is a motivator for many

We all need to move.  To get things done.  To be motivated.
Sadly, sometimes "crunch-time is the only time we get things done" time.
If you know what I mean!
You probably would be able to put off a lot of stuff, like me.
But, in the end, it's wiser to try to use fear to get you off your duff.
Sometimes the fear comes in the form of self-disgust.  That is inward motivation.
More often than not, the motivation we receive comes from external sources.
Circumstances, other people, warning signs, etc. can serve to remind us we need to move and to act!
Too bad, ay?
But knowledge about fear kicking our butts can be a good thing to acknowledge.
See that fear serves a purpose, use it to empower you to act, not to cower and retreat.
Fear can help.  Don't see it as an enemy, but rather as an ally, and you will go far.
In fact, the fear of failure can be turned inside out.  If you fear failing, you should try and do what you can
so you do not fail.
The same goes for any other goal you may have.
If you know you cannot buy back an ounce of time, then use your pen and paper to plan your time more wisely.  You can prioritize what is meaningful to you and try and do that.
Then you will not fear that you have not spent your time the way you desire.
If you will fear not knowing what you want, or who you are, you will live life on a journey of discovery, seeking all you so wish to achieve, to do and to enjoy and then you will be using your fear to your
advantage.
So do what you can to use fear to assist you to get your work done and things will get easier.
Be proactive and productive.
Peace,
Amy Zents.
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Simple is not always easy when there is so much on your plate

I think we all think we could live simpler lives.
That is more often than not a pipedream.
As much as I want to streamline my activities, I find that from personal grooming, to petcare, housework, to employment, our lives are just plain filled with a lot to do.
It is tax season and there are gigs coming up, along with a lot of work to do in the house.
Then there is recreation and teaching, exercise, and sleep.
I so often wish I didn't have to sleep, but you need sleep.
It is a necessary factor to a healthy life and a healthy mind.
And doing laundry, keeping clean and staying in touch with family are other pressing priorities.
A good attitude is more important than less to do.
There will always be a ton of things to do.  I have a goal in mind every day and find even doing the simplest plan is not so simple.
Nevertheless, you will benefit to keep life AS SIMPLE AS POSSIBLE.
Even then, it will be a challenge to get things done.
Take care,
Amy Zents
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Make time to spend time with those you love

Why do relationships fall apart?  Why do folks break up, friendships finish? 
What a wonderful opportunity to reassess your time, get homesick, and visit with family.
It's different to call home, for many.  In this time-conscious world, we all need to get by and earn a living, but it is also, important, and not just in the dark times, or to complain, to see family and friends.  They may come over and visit, or you may go to them, show you care.
As long as you have at least one person who loves you that is a start.  You don't have to bow out of life as it is if you are comfortable, but never forget mother or father,
Give yourself a rest from company, do what you love in your leisure time, but be sweet to family and friends.  They need you too.
Compliment your family and friends and be happy now.
Amy Zents
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Less TV means more life

     I have no problem with television.
     In fact, I enjoy TV as much as the next person. Unfortunately, due to my ADHD, I'm able to focus for a really long time, say 6 to 7 hours a night on watching all the shows I have recorded on all kinds of different channels. Since we have cable, I can watch PBS, Turner classic movies, the food channel, the discovery channel, and many other channels that offer celebrity gossip, news, information, and entertainment that appeals to me and my multitude of interests.
     I have attempted to do something that is pretty successful, and that is to limit my television night viewing to only Thursdays and Fridays. I generally do not watch TV during the day, probably because I'm trying to make up sleep from my night viewing. Lately, I've been getting a lot more things accomplished because of my prohibition of TV watching for five nights a week. It is amazing how much more time I have to do the things that are very important to me, such as rehearsing for my upcoming performances with my band Molly and Sonny boy. I'm very grateful for all the other resources I possess, including many books and video games that offer me a retreat from the grunge and grind of daily living. I have two dogs, a cat, an aquarium with tropical fish and husband that demand my attention. They need love and attention and they need to be fed. They also need to be clean and well taken care of..
      So this is just a suggestion, if you feel that you're overwhelmed, maybe it's time to restrict the hours you spend in front of the TV.  You probably have many other things you'd rather be doing anyways.
Less TV means more life.
Peace,
Amy Zents
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Eat nothing bigger than your head...and #CelebrityADHDSunday

A lot of us who have A.D.H.D or A.D.D. tend to have challenges with our appetites.  We have been blessed with BIG appetites and love every morsel of every meal AND snack.  We are enormously fond of love, life, grand emotions and most of all FOOD!
How to cope when you are HUNGRY?  Eat!  Right?  Weeeellllll, truth be told, we of the A.D.H.D, or A.D.D.-stripe often eat when we are not physically hungry, but out of a want to satisfy our taste-buds and comfort our souls.  This hunger is disguised as the craving to chow down, but the hunger is often a different one and can run a lot deeper.  It is a big hunger for happiness and a remedy to relieve stress.
I find

• blogging, dog-walking and doing any number of interesting activities helps,
• so does playing video games or activities that prevent you from having hands free to eat,

can help a little.  Maybe you can think of something else, like crafts or playing guitar.

Keep busy and keep in touch with your feelings.  Otherwise, get some exercise into your life, and make healthier food choices and then you will live longer and look better.

#CelebrityADHDSunday
Here is a glimpse of our celeb of the week who exhibits the traits and accompanying consequences of over-eating that might be led by A.D.D., or not.  Nevertheless, despite his wealth, Hollywood movie director, Kevin Smith still has not got a handle on his healthy weight, then again, he is like many obese Americans, myself included, a victim of the abundant food temptations here. 
Mr. Smith is also openly in favor of the legalization of pot, (a favorite drug of choice of many who claim to have A.D.D.)   He shares his views on weed as shown in this Tweet he sent to the Governor of California quoted from the L.A. Times online  “I said ‘Gov -- can I give you a piece of California advice?' He said sure," Smith wrote. "I said 'Before you ever leave office, legalize weed. Lead the way. You know it's the right thing to do.’ He laughed and said goodbye." 
Anyone who understands pot knows that it can create a condition called, "the munchies."  Don't allow marijuana to beat you down.  Personally-speaking, I've noticed among pot-smoking associates I have met at school and at work, that using pot OFTEN leads them to obesity, sloth, a lack of motivation, low self-esteem, poverty, alcohol abuse, (alcohol known to many as "liquid fat,") nasty relationships, breaking things, alienating family and adding to the A.D.H.D. symptoms in the hopes of feeling good. 


Take care of yourself movie director, Kevin Smith.
Dear reader have a great week, er feast, and don't just say, "No," to damaging health habits, say, "I'll stay safe and sober." 
Having A.D.H.D. is one burden, don't automatically add more by abusing your health, and finances.  Remember: you are totally cool already.
Amy Zents
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Talk it out and work it out.

Here it is Saturday, and it feels like it was just Tuesday.  Time seems to pass and I feel so overwhelmed at times. I know I have simplified my life, a lot.  I realize if you have a house and pets, they demand a lot of your attention.  If you aspire to being fit, there is time that must be spent at the gym and if you want to perform you need to practice.  Also, there is the matter of "It's a living."  You need to work.  So how much time is left over to mull and relax?  To slow down?

Creating my comic blog focused on my dogs helps me to reconnect a little to my surroundings, you can follow it at Cole's Kibble
I could eat, drink and sleep all the time for fun.  Good meals and yummy food breaks make slowing down a little easier to swallow.
Going to the gym, and taking a break from everything by working out on the recumbant beats the A.D.D. blues.  Especially tuning into my Old Time Radio shows is a wonderful mini-vacation.
Like a burst of sunshine, teaching my students and going out with my husband to open mics or to perform is always a channel-changer in my brain that revives me.
Today's gratitude is for food.  I love good food.  I am thankful for cheeses, olives, crackers, breads, potatoes, cereals, eggs, near-beers, diet sodas, Starbucks French Roast coffee, yogurt, nachos, fruit of all varieties and raw and cooked veggies, stir-fry and delicious foods that cross my tongue salaciously each and ev'ry day.
Have a lovely weekend and stay in charge of your time and your life.

Amy Zents
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Slow down and Shut Up

I have to answer phones at work.  I find people are extremely rude oftentimes, expecting me to say who I am, but never willing to disclose who they are, or what they want.
You give them a friendly greeting, a voice full of cheer, and you identify yourself.  What do you get in return?  You get an idiot who is demanding, and what's more, unwilling to clearly state what he or she wants.
It stays in your memory.  The older people get the less courteous they seem to be.  You would think after years and years of employment, folks would know about phone courtesy.  Usually, they have something to complain about.  How does one find the rough edges to ward off the annoyance of their complaints?
I guess I need to get tough.  To pucker up and suck it up.  If you try to reprimand them, and say, "Why don't you identify who is calling so I can help you better?" they take offense.  For my part, I need to slow down and shut up.  I will be friendly, say the Thomas Edison-made greeting, "Hello," and identify the place they are calling and who they are talking to from now on, and then I will be silent.  If I try and pump them for information, I would be a fool.  I won't.  If they can't speak up, then I will hang up.
Crazy world, isn't it?  People get so much handed to them, and it is never, ever enough.
My problem is I am too obliging.  I try and be helpful, thoughtful, and kind, and come out smelling like a pile of crap.  So, if it is true, "No good deed goes unpunished," then I will just try and play it cool.  I won't compromise my phone courtesy, but I certainly won't be anyone's whining board, or patsy, or Mother Theresa.  Today's gratitude is for my phones, everywhere...
If you have A.D.H.D, or A.D.D. use good phone courtesy, and then shut up.  It will do you a world of good.
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Self-Discipline is easier than Self- Doubt in the long wrong

Should I go or should I stay?  Sometimes due to a self-esteem issue some folks with A.D.D. or A.D.H.D. are loathe to try and assert their own ideas and try and become successful in their chosen fields of interest.  It is just because failure is so common among those with A.D.H.D. or A.D.D. 
The time to believe in yourself is now.  Today's gratitude is for my blog.  Here, for me and you!
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Wishing and Hoping is different than working and action

Today I was busy the whole day long, and I have my husband to thank for being right by my side assisting me in all the chores.  Stove corn fuel is heavy and he brought in 600 pounds for me.  Going to the gym is great when your husband goes with you and cleaning and vacuuming the living room, making supper and walking the dogs together makes the load lighter.
I must say life means a lot of work, and there is a lot of joy to be had when one has a good partner and a plan to get things done.
Today my gratitude is for pen and paper.  I used the back of an envelope to write out my to-dos, but we got 'em done.
Now it is time for bed.
Amy Zents

© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: Voluntary Simplicity

In spite of the billions of things there are out there to buy for every conceivable task, hobby, interest or taste, there comes a time when we have to deal with everything we have accumulated and scratch out heads and ask, "Is all this stuff necessary?"
Right now I am sitting in a cluttered computer room, in front of this computer thinking about the dishes in the sink, the untidy living room and the fact the dogs need to go out.
So much to worry about.  Having dogs is a pleasure, doing dishes is a pain.
Unfortunately, I cannot delegate the housework to a regal staff of housekeepers, and I can either wait for a Fairy Godmother, or else, do the work myself.
I intend to get some things done shortly, the dishes, take the dogs out and clean up a bit.  Right now it is time to have breakfast and then I need to get to the gym.  My daily gratitude is regarding my music 
education.  I am glad to have my college degree and all the privileges that go along with it.
I want to start edging towards less is more...and that means going through some stuff and deciding what to keep, sell or throw away.  That will be my work for this month of March!
Here is a song I wrote called, "I ain't no shopaholic."

Have a great day,
Amy Zents
© Amalia Zents 2010

Daily Tip: First things first, or don't walk away from yourself

Remember, people will judge you by your actions, not your intentions. You may have a heart of gold - but so does a hard-boiled egg. ~Author Unknown

It seems that a person can sabotage their life, and walk away from their dreams when they won't and don't do first things first.  It may be because they are not clear on what should come first.
I know that if I find myself with a lot of free-time, or extra money, I can easily squander it, but I need to reassess my Modus Operandi.  If I want to keep a successful mindset, I need to be wise to what I should do first each day.

I have always thought the actions of men the best interpreters of their thoughts. ~John Locke

Do we really want what we say we want? 
Or do we want what is convenient and easy?
These are some of the questions we need to ask ourselves.
Before any big dreams are attempted there has to be truth and clear-eyed view of what it is we are actually willing to do, not just what it is we want.

Small deeds done are better than great deeds planned. ~Peter Marshall

If your A.D.H.D or A.D.D. is taking a toll on your self-control,
you may realize that you may need to be more realistic with your wants and goals.
Start to enjoy your life by being true to yourself instead of feeling guilty all the time about what you should be doing, but are unwilling to do.  It is tragic you can't do it, so accept it, give in, give up or else, if you don't like that idea, take the RISK, and do what you know you need to do!
Remember the old saying,
"What you are speaks louder than what you say!"
Your environment represents what you are, your appearance, your words, your thoughts, and remember, the old similiarity:
You can judge a book by it's cover, most of the time.
Most of the time, like goes with like....be careful and make sure your friends support your dreams.
What are you made of?
Well done is better than well said. ~Benjamin Franklin
After all is said and done, a lot more will have been said than done. ~Author Unknown
Other sayings that come to mind:
People may doubt what you say, but they will believe what you do. ~Lewis Case
Don't find fault. Find a remedy. ~Henry Ford
Success will never be a big step in the future, success is a small step taken just now. ~Jonatan Mårtensson

If you think about it, here in the Midwest, Spring is coming and things are looking up.
Action is the antidote to despair. ~Joan Baez
My daily gratitude is regarding my husband. I am grateful to have such a great man that I can bounce ideas off, a person who helps me to get to the gym, to eat right, to get enough sleep, to help me learn to play my instruments, and to take me lots of fun places and do lots of fun things, like going on outings and making fine music!
Have a great day!
Amy Zents
© Amalia Zents 2010