Daily Tip: Try not to over-react or panic when things go awry

Today there was a mixup at work.  My tendancy when things don't go as expected is to panic, and to yell for my boss.

Today he told me that yelling for him is not exactly the most professional way to handle things when there are mix-ups or I don't understand something.

So, now I will try and maintain a calm and mild manner.

This will prove difficult to implement I am sure, but I will try!

So, next time things go crazy, I won't hit the panic button.

I will breathe deeply and try and stay polite, focused and relaxed instead.

Peace,

Amy

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: A better you makes better relationships

A sad fact I realized is that when problems occur in relationships, they usually stem from a problem with personality, and character. 
I know that for someone who has ADD or ADHD that trait of insensitivity to the needs of others can be amplified because the search for stimulation is often perceived as a preoccupation with oneself.
I don't mean to be selfish and self-centered, but my obssessive interests or needs can sometimes over-shadow or diminish the thoughts and feelings of those around me.
"Overly-critical, overly-talkative, over-whelming, overly-emotional, over-bearing, and over-the-top," are just a few of the ways those of us with ADD/ADHD have been described to ourselves, at one point or another, by others whom we have transgressed over the years.
Since I was diagnosed with ADHD 3 years ago, I have tried to become a more patient, more conscientious and more considerate person because I realized improving myself would improve my relationships, and IT HAS! 
What you and I consciously or unconsciously do and say affects those around us, and it is important to a happier life that we work harder at staying as emotionally-balanced and aware as we can possibly be, even with the ADD/ADHD.  

Having ADD/ADHD is NO EXCUSE for being mean to others. 

It is especially important to be aware of how we act towards those committed to us like parents, partners, and pals.

Developing traits of kindness and fair treatment always makes life easier for those around us, for those who choose to live with us!
Peace, and raised consciousness,

Amy


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: Conduct your life as Symphony with Movements.

Think about Beethoven's 5th Symphony, it has different movements.
You have movements throughout your day and so do I.

I guess you could say you and I are a SYMPHONY in motion!
We should distinguish what the theme and motive of our day is.
:-)
Do you start off slow or fast?  Are your ideas or emotions MAJOR (positive) or MINOR (dark, negative.)
Figure it out and use the time and tempers that you have to build on your challenging goals.
Whether spirited or wiped, you can work with your moods!
And in the lyrical, long-flowing slow movements..do what you can to get things you need done.
Especially relaxing and recreating, dining and resting.

Sometimes you must dance, and sometimes you must drop.
We should think about our energy-levels.
Make all our MOVEMENTS count!  ;-)
Musically 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: Take time to care for your car, they're your wheels man!!

OK.  I feel proud to announce I finally got the oil changed in our family truck.
We enjoy the truck.  It was bought for winter driving safety and for the dogs to get carted around in happy style.
I put off changing the oil, and felt guilty and worried about it every day that passed over the mileage/time limit (you know what I mean-the sticker, that tells you when it's time to change your oil.)
So, I bit the bullet.  I phoned New Ulm Tire, and brought the car in at 830am this morning and had the oil changed.
Now, I can heave a sigh of relief.  For security reasons, I cleaned out the truck yesterday.  I don't like to leave valuables like my GPS or tools and such in the vehicle, so now the truck is cleaned out as well.
The next thing is to take it through the car wash and vacuum it out.
If you have a vehicle and you have ADD/ADHD, don't disregard your wheels.
You need them and if you are nice to your "wheels," they will be nice to YOU!
Peace,

Amy

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: Thank goodness short-attention spans, er, sometimes

I found out my husband ordered a gift for his daughter and the company sent her 2 Xbox game systems when she only wants one!
You know how these things are.  You put in your online order, and for some unknown reason the lines of communication get crossed, and someone thinks 1 person wants 2 Xbox systems and sends them out.
I began fuming about the problem and decided to try and get my mind off of it.
Happily, I was able to, until just now, when I related it to you.
Now I am angry all over again.
The good thing is if you have ADD/ADHD you can find some simple diversion to change your train of thought.
I was listening to some good female singers on YouTube tonight to inspire me for our next upcoming gig.
I found a delightful duet on YouTube of Debbie Harry and Kermit the Frog singing the Rainbow Connection.
So, all was not lost.
Hopefully, things with the Xboxes can and will get ironed out.
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: Strike while the iron is hot!

You know it's hard to do some tasks. You need to get them done, but you don't wanna! Whaa!

The cool thing is, sometimes, you can do them if you feel like it.

Sad to say, some of us with ADD/ADHD are creatures of mood. We are stimulated to do what we like, when we want.

I say, if the mood is there to do some unseemly chore that has been gnawing at you, then jump up and DO IT!

Then, forget it.

Yes. 
Get 'er done, and then move on!


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: Shoot for ratios of 90:10 and 75:25

I hate to confess this but, "I love candy floss!"  Not only that, I love all manner of junk foods from chips to cola drinks, candy to ice cream, cinnamon rolls to cookies and popcorn to pie, et cetera!  Et cetera!  But, most of all, I LOVE CHOCOLATE!
OK.  So, maybe you do too.  What to do?  Well, there is the 90 to 10 ratio touted by nutritionists.  It suggests, if 90 per cent of my diet is healthy foods, and 10 per cent is fun foods, the odds are that I should be eating well, rather than the way I am eating right now.
How about 75:25?  What does that ratio have to do with anything?
It has to do with the idea that finding a good balance in your occupation or worklife is by, i.e. doing what you love, and can do easily and well.
The harsh reality is this.   Whether it is being a Superstar, or being Superman, driving a taxicab, or piloting a pontoon, being a parent or being a puppeteer, no job is worry-free or stress-free 100% of the time.  There is probably always something in your worklife that "gets your goat!"
I love my worklife and have fun most of the time being a radio DJ/and music instructor.  Still, since I have ADHD, keeping track of phone calls and notes, being punctual, doing paperwork, dealing with stressors and schedules is NOT my strong suit in either job.
I know I can't expect my worklife to be always 100 percent easy and fun, even though I wish that were true.  However, I know if 75 percent of my work is Fun! Fun! Fun! and 25%  is Drudge! Drudge! Drudge! then I will get by!
Peace, and pancakes,
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: Building on your passions and natural talents is the best of both worlds.

Some people find it easy to do certain tasks with aplomb and hate doing them, such as doing PR, or grant-writing.  Then again, some people have activities they do poorly, but are extremely passionate about, think Karaoke night or golf.
What do you think is the way to a happier worklife?
Keep in mind it is vital to know your preferences first. 
The best of both worlds is to do things you do well, or find you have a natural talent for AND that you love to do!
So, if you want to be happier, find work you love to do and work that comes naturally to you and enjoy the best of both worlds!
Peace,
Amy


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: Learn to listen to your gut.

Too often folks want to ride on the coattails of other folks' opinions, ideas and popularity.   Folks with ADD/ADHD often find it easier to be loved by obeying the directives of family and friends, instead of listening to their own gut.
I find it hard to obey my gut, in fact, I often ignore it to my disadvantage.  Yet, it is OK to get advice, only if you feel it is valid for you.
Following the impulses and urgings of my inner "shadow" self, (my subconscious real self,) or at least rasing my consciousness about them, is wise because I believe it is my real self who pulls my strings.  Too often I give my power away, listening to others who know less than I do about my needs and emotions, because I lack confidence and do not trust my own feelings and ideas.  From now on, I will ask myself, "What do I think and feel that I should do in this situation?," and at least consider my own inner directives.
I CAN, I WILL and I MUST decide how I want to live in order to be happy.   I believe it is important for me to be authentic, and fight my internal conflicts, so I that I will have congruity in all I think and say and do.  Most of all I want to celebrate my uniqueness to have all I desire in life! 
You can too!
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: Discover your mistake to improve your act

I find that when I try to change, such as trying to get a proper goodnight's sleep by insisting on getting to bed early, and rising early,the period of change causes drama and failure. So, the question is, do I still try even if I fail?
My mistake was being in bed too late one night around 330am, due to insomnia but insisting on rising too early. Well, I started to feel tired and sick the next day and from there on out my whole schedule got out of whack.


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

Daily tip: Take all the hugs you can get!

As a singer-songwriter/DJ I get to meet lots of characters.  If there is someone who needs a hug give one, but don't let anyone push you around.  And if someone wants to give you a hug, take it!  It's better than a kick in the head!

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: There is a plethora of free YouTube videos to help you succeed

I made the choice recently to focus on getting myself to bed around ten, so I could rise at 6am when my husband gets home from work.  For the past few days, I have been successful.
The dogs and myself have been up early and dog-tired by 10pm or 10:30pm, and my husband has been delighted that I am up so early to spend a little extra time with him before he has to go to bed.
A devotee of self-help books, I own David Allen's book, "Getting things done," and Julie Morgenstern's book on, "Making Work work for you," and "Getting Organized," but I never really got the gist of any of it until I watched these authors, along with others like Timothy Robbins, Jim Rohn and Steven Covey talk about successful self-management and other important leadership qualities on YouTube.
So, maybe this will help you to know this:  You can enjoy an enormous amount of encouragement and professional advice for free online, and in video at YouTube.  Along with the printed page it is a lot more enjoyable to me to understand what these authors are trying to say in their books when I hear and see the authors on video.
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: Understand what it is you really want to achieve

Until you decide what goal or dream you want to fulfill, you will be going in circles and finding roadblocks in daily life to prevent you from growing and accomplishing your dreams.
Until you understand what really matters to you, and what will satisfy you, you will think of ways of keeping busy and you'll lag behind.
No one can reach a goal if they do not make a choice first.
Figure out what you want, and the way to do that is to understand what you need.
Then you will be satisfied.  You will see that you can do it because you made a firm choice and now you know what is necessary for you to realize your dream.
So, the choice is up to you.
My choice is to unload all the unnecessary things from my home and keep and cherish only the things I currently use, and love.
The rest I will sell, donate or throw out.
This is what I have decided to focus on for the next five months.
If you have ADHD, or ADD, expect that your progress towards your goal may be a lot slower than someone without ADHD, or ADD. 
I have ADHD and I move more slowly and think more slowly than most people I know.  But, you and I must begin at the beginning, and everyday is the first day, a new day, a new chance, and a day of promise.
Peace,
Amy Zents

PS. Yesterday I was really tired coming home from shopping in Mankato, MN. Unbeknownst to me, when I filled up with gas around 9pm last night, I left the gascap off my truck and this morning when I got out of the truck after I drove to work, I found the gas cap on the back of my truck, resting on the vinyl topper..it road with me all over town last night and this morning, and did not fall off the back of the truck! What a miracle! I was delighted.
On a sadder note, yesterday morning I clipped my Pokewalker (really, it's a pedometer) to my pants and wore it all day and all evening long, however, somewhere, somehow last night I lost it because it was not on me when I checked after I got back home from Mankato.
I was so sad, since the Polkewalker is part of a Nintendo DS video game I am playing. Ah, life's little tragedies! ADHD or ADD folk have to constantly deal with absent-mindedness and need to be even more vigilent than most especially when feeling tired.
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: Don't try and keep up with the Jones, they had maids!

Yesterday I began emptying the dishwasher of dishes and putting the dishes and utensils away in the cubboards and drawers.  At first glance, I thought the dishes were clean, then I realized on closer examination and to my horror, that they were dirty.  I remembered I only rinsed them off the night before, loading the dishwasher without running it, and the dishes did not get washed at all!
I have a magnet on my dishwasher that is supposed to be turned around if the dishes are dirty that reads, "Clean," on one side, and "Not clean," on the other side.  Needless to say, I never use it.
From now on I will remember to use the magnet to keep track of my dishwashing efforts.
I often find cleaning and keeping track of what has to be done is a real struggle.
When it comes to managing material possessions, I believe ADHD and ADD'ers are fighting an uphill battle.
I love the fact that variety is the spice of life, but I can only keep track of a few things in my spicy life.
How to be organized?  Well, that is going to be a lifelong quest for me and for you if you have ADHD or ADD.
I watched a YouTube video on organization, and cleanliness in the home, and I was shocked to find that the majority of people do not have a good system of organization and that people's homes are clutter magnets.
I hear messages telling me to recycle, so I hang on to bottles, papers and such, and I need to get them out of the house!
I have advertisers telling me in clever and creative ways to buy!  buy!  buy! and fashion gurus telling me by way of TV, magazines and the billboards to Shop!  Shop!  Shop! for the latest trends in fashion.
Of course, the bill collectors and junk mailers, telemarketers and every other sort of sales and service entity want a piece of me too.
So, from now on, I will remind myself that unless I am as rich as the Jones, I won't try and keep up with the Jones, they had maids!
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: Don't let silence interrupt your work.

If you have A.D.H.D. or A.D.D., there may be a lot of factors that make you fail, and some of them have to do with comfort.
If it is too hot, too cold, too dull or too dark, then you needn't wonder why you sometimes procrastinate or shun work.
Perhaps you can change gears, do what it takes to change the climate or the conditions and make yourself more comfortable.
Take for example, what if silence makes you freeze?  It may be uncomfortable for you to spend too much time alone in quiet thinking and dwelling on the many ideas that overwork your tired brain, so instead of running away from your responsibilities, try and see if you can turn on the tunes and the stories. Use your radio or mp3 player and enjoy the sounds of the bigtime!
Peace,
Amy

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: Save your sanity by venting to a friend, then decide your options

Yesterday I went shopping at the Apple Store in the Mall of America to buy iPad accessories.
I spent $90 on 3 items: a car charger for my iPad, a protective case, and a remote control.
When I got in the truck, I tried the iPad car charger and it worked fine, provided I plugged it into the "cigarette lighter," and not the USB on my car stereo.   When I got home I tried putting my iPad in the so-called "protective case," and yet, because of the way the case was made, it was a very frustrating battle to try to shove the iPad into such a tight sleeve.  I felt I was going to drop or damage the iPad!  Then I discovered, everytime I pushed the iPad into the sleeve, it caused the iPad to light up and turn on.  Who wants a drained iPad battery?  Not me!  Also. the flimsy plastic stand that cane with the sleeve was a joke too!  A piece of overpriced junk!
Last, but not least, I was misled by a salesman into believing I was buying an Apple hand-held remote made for the iPad, which it is NOT.  I tried to use it and it didn't work on the iPad.  When I read the fine print, I found out the remote was for a Mac Computer or some other thing with an infrared connector.  So 2 out of the 3 things I bought were unsatisfactory.  I will try and get my money back.
The moral of the lesson: Be careful when you buy, and always save your receipt!
Now I have to travel all the way back to Bloomington, MN to try and return my 2 dumb purchases!
Inefficiency is a real trait of those of us with ADHD. 
In retrospect, I believe all of this shopping mess may have been avoided if I,
a) didn't trust the salesman whom I sensed was NOT paying attention to me, and
b) I decided to follow my first instinct of not buying a cheap-looking nylon-type "sleeve."  Originally, the nylon-y fabric of the tight protective "sleeve" turned me off, but compulsively, I felt I needed to do the right thing and buy some sort of a case to hold my iPad.  Why isn't a protecive case included in the purchase of an iPad?
Do I sound vexed and frustrated?
Well, we all do at times.
One of the ways frustrations can be allieviated is by venting to a friend.
Now I have vented to you my friend, next I must decide my options.
I will go back to the Apple Store sometime this weekend or next week and see if I can get my money refunded!  I have saved my receipt, now I must save my sanity!
Addendum: I did go back to the Apple Store today at the Mall of America, and they fully refunded me for my two bad purchases. I was thrilled they took back the items with no fuss.
I tried to remain calm, pleasant and polite when I spoke to the retailers about the returns, but I will have to check my credit account to make sure the charges are removed for the two objects I returned to the store.
Did you know the Apple store does not use cash registers when they sell you items?
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: Take back your power!

There is a saying by Denis Waitley, "There are two primary choices in life: to accept conditions as they exist, or accept the responsibility for changing them."

One of my goals yesterday was to be in bed by 10pm so I might rise early and get more done during my peak energy hours which are generally in the morning.

Last night I was in bed around 1030pm and I woke up this morning around 7:17am.  I used to be very sleep-deprived because of my TV and Internet addictions.

Now, I am becoming more in touch with the power of sleep to help me cope with ADHD.

Sleep helps people, and the sleep drivers in you supersede anything you might want in your mind.

What I mean is this.  You may say you want 7 hours of sleep, but if your sleep drivers decide you need 8 or 9 hours sleep to function well, then you ought to obey your body's sleep requirements (or sleep drivers) for maximum benefits.

Is there anything you want to change?  Or are you content with complaining?

You be the judge.  Take back your power now!  Make the choice that will make you happy.

PAY THE PRICE!

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: Tackling a few big things may be easier in the long run

"All the world's a stage, and we are merely players."  W. Shakespeare

     There is always so much to do when you have ADHD. Everything seems to be a struggle, and yet time seems to disappear as if by magic. Lost in a fog of wonder, some of us with ADHD can make time vanish and see nothing really tangible for our efforts, especially when we are stuck or hung up on a problem.

     Yesterday, I had the best of intentions regarding housecleaning. I thought I might tackle the kitchen mess, and the bedroom mess...the dogs dragged in so much dirt, and the floor is covered in dirt, then they jumped on the bed cover and rolled their dirt and grit all over the bed, and I had to go to sleep and I could not deal with the problem because I was so tired. 
     Yesterday, I purchased an Ipad and I needed to configure my computer to upload content on the Ipad by downloading iTunes.  It took me 5 hours monkeying around to correct laptop problems and get my Ipad loaded with some of my media..ya da! ya da!  So the time necessary to clean was gobbled up with gobbledygook computer work!
     Ah well! Today is a new fresh day and I have only 3 things I've decided to do. Work on house-cleaning, practice my music and be sure to be in bed by 10. My goal is to be in bed by 10 so I can be up at 6 or 7 and get work done during my peak energy hours, which are generally mornings.  I will try and NOT spread myself too thin or be disappointed by distractions.  Together we can do everything we need to do, and get it done!  (No matter how long it takes!)  :-)
Prost!
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: No-brainers can be a bear

Confusion defined my day yesterday.  Confusion as to how to travel to Gibbon, MN.  I was supposed to go to the polka party and I thought I knew how to get there.  Unfortunately, a trip that was about 30 minutes away took me 1 1/2 hours because something I thought I knew was NOT right.  I kept up highway 15 and forgot to turn left at 212.

I just kept going straight.  I finally figured out where I had to turn, but it taught me that I need to ask the RIGHT people (people who I trust, and don't wish me to fail) in advance of the journey.

I asked someone at work the right way, but he did not really care to inform me of the correct direction and I suffered the consequences of his lack of detail.

Ah well, it was NOT his responsibility, it was mine.  From now on, I will research in advance, on my own and with trustworthy friends the things I need to know in advance of a journey.

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: Outlaw pants without pockets, unless you don't have stuff

My cat doesn't need pockets.  He doesn't need to keep track of his stuff.

I have outlawed pants without pockets.  Pockets are what you desperately need is you have trouble keeping track of things.  Try pockets.  You have absolutely nothing to lose!  Pardon the pun.
Have a lovely stress-free day,
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: Be social and sweet, but don't compete

I found out that the word "compete," is based on the late Latin word competere to seek together, from Latin, to come together, agree, be suitable, from com- + petere to go to, or seek.  Nowadays, the word defines the state of rivalry.

I went out last night to hear a couple of local musicians at the Grand Kabaret, and there were some very nice-looking people there.  For someone who has ADHD and it's attendant feeling, low self-esteem, I could have acted threatened and defensive when mingling, but I put on my brave face, and tried to be pleasant and polite.  I found the response of others towards me illuminating and wonderful.  People were kinder to me when they sensed I was warm, friendly, and non-combative.

If you want to compete, remember that there are over 6.7 billion people in this world whom you must compete with, and that they probably want the same thing you desire, namely, success. 

Of course, success is defined by each of us differently, but underneath the label, the idea is the same.  We want what we want, and we love those who want us to get what we want, and we secretly resent and are hostile to those who would compete with us, or who try and deny us or take from us what we crave, or need.

That is why jealousy is one of the strongest motives for murder and mayhem!

How to combat the negative feelings we send out or receive?

Be social and sweet, but don't compete!

Peace,

Amy

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: Don't expect perfection from yourself.

It is nice to do things right.  It is wonderful to be thorough, efficient, organized and proud of your work!

However,

if you never start anything unless you can do it 100% perfectly your life will be full of depressing moments and unfinished projects.

So, accept everything about you.  Remember, "NOBODY'S PERFECT!"

Peace,

Amy Zents

PS.  I hope you will check out my blog, Cole's Kibble and share it with other dog-lovers you know!

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 sensible about being weather-sensitive, and let the sunshine in!

Lately my mood has been fluctuating between energetic and tired, fast and slow.

The sun and clouds seem to play a part in the way I feel!
Do you feel you are affected by the weather?  Do the climes ring your chimes, in a GOOD or BAD way?
My mornings have been simply awful because of the cold snap we are experiencing. Yet lately, when the sun comes out in the afternoon things seem a lot brighter and I feel a lot happier.
Going to walk the dogs now.
Peace,
Amy

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: Suffering alone may be countered with a boost from fun and blogging!

I don't know what happened.  Maybe it was from all the walking yesterday, but today I was housebound and in bed nearly the entire day.  When it got time to teach I was up and at 'em, frenetic and crabby.  I made supper for my husband and none for myself.
I walked the dogs this morning and then took them with me in the truck this evening to drop off some videos. 
I think A.D.H.D causes me to behave bi-polar (well, almost!)
Ah well, hopefully, the weather will get nicer this weekend.  It seems the gray, windy weather brings me down too!
I upgraded my Ninetendo DSi today.
It made me feel a lot better.  You can check out my blog about my Pokemon game I love to play called HeartGold at http://journeyofdailyliving.blogspot.com/
It has a photo of my new DsiXL.
Revealing my angst in this blog to you is the biggest boost to me!
Thanks for reading.
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: Enjoy new sights for a new perspective.

Today my husband and I are visiting the Minneapolis Institute of Arts

It is a great chance to enjoy the creations of many people. 

I like to get out of my head once in awhile and see what others have made.

It helps me feel inspired that I too can be productive in my life.

For a quick mini-vay-kay (vacation) try going to a museum, a conservatory, a place of tranquility and beauty, and enjoy new sights for a new perspective.

Happy travels,

Amy Z

N.B.  I am committed to keeping this blog Adsense-free.  All I ask is that you support my original music I create as an independent artist with my folk-music duo, Molly and Sonny Boy.

Daily Tip: Stay in your happy place

Is it possible to find a place of peace and serenity in a world filled with competition and envy?  You can if you understand your motivation for doing things.

For someone with A.D.H.D., being born and raised in a society where competition and greed is highly prized can be like living in a place of perpetual suffering and torment.
Think about your own preferences and the price you must pay before you agree to commit to a challenge.
If you want to be a doctor, then do it.  Be the mule, pull the cart, be happy.
But, if you don't want to get in debt, study hard and pay the price then choose a role or a goal that fits YOU.  Make life tailor-made just for you, and make your life a whole lot sweeter.
Too often, it is envy and competition that put us in a place of confusion as to what we want in life.
What you need is what I need and that is, clear, attainable goals, and the strength to do them.
If you can't do it, then decide not to.  Life does not need to be hard no matter what anyone tells you.
It is hard enough.  Don't make it any harder.
Some things we do for joy and love, some things the EGO wants, make sure you know which is which.
Lots to chew on, ay?
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: Don't worry, be happy!

There are too many times when things get so out of hand you feel as if you want to just curl up and die!
Regardless of the reason, whether it be  A.D.H.D "overwhelm," or just plain stupidity, we need to know how NOT to let things rattle our chain.
When you feel like you want to freak out and scream at life's injustices, or just lash out in frustration at the whole situation, it helps to remind yourself that laughter really is the best medicine and that self-pity really is the road to "wrack and ruin!"

However, you needn't side-step your true feelings.  Just acknowledge the negative emotions and then try to deal with them in a healthy way!
Anger, frustration and hostility do not need to become a way of life.  Many comedians relate that it was life's indignities and sufferings that crafted their wit and sense of humor.  The comedians like to call it "comedic therapy."  You can follow my comic blog if you need a little chuckle now an' then.
When awful things start to bring you down, perhaps you should try and take a deep breath, and do this......
"Always Look on the Bright side of Life," even if it means looking at life once in awhile in a sarcastic way! 

While it is wonderful to have a shoulder to cry on, and it is good to be true to your feelings, unfortunately, there is a huge lack of empathy in the world for whiners. "Laugh at yourself and the world laughs with you, weep and you weep alone."

Do not give into self-pity, if you can avoid it.
Try and poke fun at the things that annoy you.
Examine and wonder at this strange craziness we share called, A.D.H.D, and look for its good points.
Also, don't forget to look for the silver lining to every "cloud," you may face.
Along with that, continue to honor your preferences and to continually seek answers to the problems that plague you.

Chances are that if you have things associated with A.D.H.D that are driving you nuts, others are dealing with the same issues as well. Thank goodness for search engines such as Google and friends online who share their fine mental health links and blogs with us all!
Don't worry, be happy!

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: Find out what puts the pep in YOUR step!

Some of us with A.D.H.D cannot tolerate the rotten feeling of boredom, and thus we continually seek innovative and fun things to do and have in order to allieviate our stress.
This can put a drain on our finances, and if we lack anything too interesting to do or buy, we often revert to lethargy and sloth.
What makes you excited and energized?  Is it something you can incorporate into your life on a daily basis?
A change of scenary can relieve monotony for some.  I think that is why my dogs love to go out walking and for drives as much as they can.  They are bored cooped up in the house all day.
Many people with A.D.H.D and A.D.D. work as sales or marketing "road warriors," or they drive trucks, or taxi cabs and enjoy the freedom of the open highway to relieve their innate anxiety.
Being tied to a desk or the house doing lame and unappealing mandatory work can really bring a person with A.D.H.D or A.D.D. down.
Get up!  Stand up for what is RIGHT for YOU!
Remember you have a choice.
Cheers,
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: Tangible results can be recreational FUN!

Cleaning may be the last thing someone with A.D.H.D. or A.D.D. may consider recreational.
However, though you may not find time for it, you may discover if you MAKE time for the one thing you really need to do, such as exercise, or cleaning up the house, that just might be the thing to help you become less stressed-out.
Just develop a small habit of daily doing some mindless chore, and see the results.
It may become a habit, and then it's free-sailing from there on out!
You may discover you can have no trouble by NOT thinking about work.
Just do it, and you might realize you can be stronger and more cheerful with just one simple task.
Also, you might make the place look nicer for company!

Try it for cleaning the kitchen sink or visiting the gym for a good workout.
The results may be exciting!
You can do it!
Peace,
Amy


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: Don't be too hasty

Often times, when exuberance takes over common sense, those of us with A.D.H.D throw all caution to the wind. There are times I remember when trying to catch a subway train in Toronto, I would run into the subway train compartment just as the doors were closing and the train started moving!

I have heard horror tales of A.D.D.er's jumping from silo to silo to save the time it took to climb down the ladder of a barn silo.  I heard about one young chap in Patterson, NY who fell to his death while doing such a stunt.  Imagine the horror his companions felt while looking on helplessly!  Such daring, death-defying (though, not always!) risk-taking antics are often the stimulation those with A.D.H.D or A.D.D. indulge in due to impatience and/or false bravado.
Yesterday, I bounded out of bed in a hurry and tripped, crashed to the floor, and injured my right shoulder.  By the sounds of it, my husband thought I'd hit my head.  Instead, I only banged my knee and sprained my right shoulder, the one with the torn rotator from 2 previous car accidents. I was lucky I didn't hit my head going down.
You see, it is wise to slow down, and take care.
Take Care,

Amy Zents



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