The imagination is a beautiful thing. I love mine. As a creative ADHDer; I see visions, images, and things that other people cannot see. If I don’t create, I get cranky. I’m happiest when images flow through me and become something meaningful.
NEGATIVE THINKING
I also need to be careful. This same creative imagination can harm me. When it runs wild, the lines between reality and creativity become blurred. That same imagination that I love can pull me down a negative path and leave me there, alone in the darkness. Negative thoughts run wild and manipulate my mind. Reality becomes distorted. Instantly that distortion is believable.
MAGICAL THINKING
People with ADHD are magical thinkers. Our creative vision allows us to see what does not exist. If those thoughts turn into paintings, symphonies, or books; magical thinking is doing its job. When thoughts align with our creative souls, we are in bliss.
If used for good- imagination is a gift- one of the greatest spiritual powers. If misused, it is one of the most dangerous.
Here are some good thoughts to help you stay creative, calm, and happy.
Be Aware
Ask yourself: Is this thought, image, or vision good for me? If the answer is yes; put on your oxygen tank, say goodbye, dive in deep and become one with your visions. (Don’t forget to go to work, cook dinner, pick up your child, or go to the bathroom). If the answer is no; this thought, image or vision is not good for me, grab the reins and take control of your thoughts. Do a fact check and come back to reality.
Take a PAUSE break.
Give yourself a few minutes to create a break between your thoughts and reality. You can readjust your thoughts to be helpful, not harmful. Do not react (not easy, but possible). Do not speak. Find a place in a quiet space. Pause and breathe.
Trash or treasure.
Learn the difference between trash or treasure. Just like you have to decide whether that old t-shirt is precious memorabilia or too ripped to be fashionable, ask yourself: Is it meaningful or just another piece of junk you can’t let go of? Some thoughts are trash, some to be treasured. Embrace the positive. Release the negative.
Love yourself.
Negative thoughts can make you lose control. Worry, fear, guilt, and doubt take over. Erase and replace them. Start loving yourself by taking back the controls. Strengthen your good thoughts towards loving yourself. Be compassionate to yourself. Love your beautiful, creative, artistic mind.
June is the author of the viral article, 20 Things to Remember if You Love a Person with ADD. She writes about life with ADHD on her website, Lifehack.org, ADDitudeMag.com, and for Huffington Post.
