Mistacks are proof you are trieing

Being an editor, the above headline was VERY hard to write. In fact, I’m dying to correct it right now, and it’s all I can do to resist but I know I must. I MUST.

Having said that, I make plenty of mistakes that don’t involve spelling, grammar or AP style. Just ask my bosses. Or my co-workers.

Criticism stays with me far longer than praise does, too. One could say I’m “a bit hard on myself,” and one would be understating the facts.

I’m aware where that comes from, but I’m not currently in therapy, so I don’t think it’ll be worked out any time soon.

Lest my column be a total downer, I’ll modify the subject a tad, I’ll hang a Louie and send this missive into a slightly different direction.

Mistakes are proof that you are trying.

I have that quote taped to the wall by my desk to remind me not to punch myself in the face when I screw something up. It also serves to remind me to try harder, to pay closer attention and to live up to my potential.

I was not diagnosed with ADD until sometime in my forties. The patterns and behaviors are glaringly evident in hindsight but hard to detect in real time, especially when I was in school and ADD was yet to be “a thing”.

What WAS a thing was “you know the material, you just don’t do the work,” and “if you would only apply yourself, you could bring these grades up,” and “why are you so lazy? Pay attention!”

I can’t help but wonder how I would have done and what my life would look like if I had been diagnosed earlier. But then I remind myself not to live in the past and not to “couldashouldawoulda,” as it’s an enormous waste of time.

BUT.

What is decidedly not a time-waster is helping others using your own experience.

In that light, I urge anyone of any age and any status who has trouble finishing things they’ve started, getting motivated to start anything at all, staying focused and on task, procrastination and becoming frustrated for reasons they can’t put their finger on to get tested for ADD. Do you have problems with relationships, finances and work? FIND OUT.

Even an online test is a start, followed up at your doctor’s office. If you need to be on ADD medication, get on ADD medication. The difference between non-medicated and medicated is astonishing.

If you have ADD, you have an imbalance. You’re not lazy, you’re not stupid and it’s not your fault. If you suspect you might be afflicted but ignore this and carry on, now that IS your fault.

Here, I’ll make it easy for you: https://www.psycom.net/adhd-test.

Or: https://totallyadd.com/do-i-have-add/.

Patti is the editor of the Greene County Daily World. She loves kitty-cats, drinking wine and listening to records with good friends. If you would like to share a story or just make a friend, she can be reached at pattippdanner@gmail.com.