Hi Hi! Haven't done the intro yet. Bad about doing things in order but will do so very soon when I figure out how to say what I want to say on that matter, but on to other things first. (BTW .this isn't an introduction of myself ..it is a question about ..well, whatever it is about :rolleyes: ) (Oh, and I've read a LOT on this forum before I decided to jump in and post.)

My parents always made learning very important so I dive into things that are interesting, with great passion. I read, ask questions, experiment, try alternatives, study, practice, sometimes for weeks, or years.

For a year I was on a health kick. I read HUGE volumes of information on nutrition and exercise. People at my gym asked me to take over an aerobics class but I never could. Seemed like I never could get the sequenses in order in a flowing way that would be necessary for a quality class. I was very good at aerobics and personal training, when I was not in charge. I could tell you a lot about it. Eventually I abandoned it. Too much. And now it seems like I don't know anything about it at all.

For a few years I was into educational technology. I conducted siminars at state and national conferences, wrote curriculum. Finished my Masters degree in that area. Headed up some boards of directors and worked as a part time consultant with the state department. I was doing all of this at the same time while working a full time job in a different area and working on getting married and settling into that relationship. Every weekend and many holidays were busy working. One day I ended it all. Too much. I just wanted to get back to my childhood dream and paint. Simplification. (Now I don't know poo about technology.)

Sometimes I'm a freelance artist. I helped form what is now known as the Self-Representing Artists movement on eBay. (It even has its own eBay category now!) I created a series of online art workshops, was on a few boards of directors, formed an alternative pop artists group, headed up projects. Then quit it all. I was on the internet all of the time, chain smoking while I powered away on some very cool and time intensive art business. This while still working a full time job and forgetting I was married (which was over before that anyway). Husband left me for another woman. I quit all online activites for a year. Didn't even paint.

I could make the list longer but I've probably lost 80% of you by now.

I'm ADHD Inattentive Type (professionally diagnosed) and have never been on any form of medication.

This pattern drives me crazy, but is also oddly wonderful. It makes me feel excited for a while but pretty much always ends in feelings of being inept, never quite "there", abandonment of responsibilities.

Once I bought a very expensive Franklin planner. I used it for about 6 months then chucked it. I actually ended any activities that I had to keep up with in that thing.

One lady asked me, about two years ago, "What happened to you? You used to be so cool." Yeah, yeah.

This is........what? The lack of "stick-to-it-ness" that I've read about on these boards? I'm certainly not hyper. It would be neat to work for myself, I do have the resources and the talent, but I have no trust in myself that I can follow through and sure don't want to live in a box behind McDonald's.

I STILL haven't decided if medication is right for me. I guess what I really want to know is if anyone has overcome this type of life-pattern with (somewhat) consistant success. It always seems like the buzz gets too loud and I have to end the torture! (And I really don't get depressed. I just get busy!)

Wheeee!!!

Beep!

I read a lot about health once for a while too, I've forgotten every darn thing that I read!

That's cool about ebay, good luck!

I don't know, I've never taken medication but I also went to dyslexia boot camp for 4 years, which made a huge difference; but overcomeing the pattern? Don't think it's possible, for me anyway- I think I have to just work with mine and keep my fingers crossed. Medication is a personal choice, many people seem really relieved to have it, and there are those without- always up to you. But I'm not quite sure what you mean by pattern or success!

Going to start some meds tomorrow to see if it helps with focus. I've put it off for years but finally decided to give it a try.

There are just SO many things to learn and do in the world. A never ending supply of activities.

Patterns....great guns then abandonment. Extreme hyperfoucs then another carrot to catch, usually unrelated to anything else.

Meds ...I just still don't know. I'm not expecting a miracle and I don't care for crutches so the jury is out on them. I asked for a weeks worth of Adderall to give it a short shot.

i think i'll start something too tomorrow. i'll see the perscription guy tomorrow. i was *very* resistant for a long time. now i am willing to try anything. like i read somewhere on the forums, a trial is just that, a trial.

thanks for keeping us posted.

I find my self doing the same thing. I am somewhat self-employed. I'm starting a business this month in addition to the other things I do. I'm trying to surround myself with people who can carry on without me if I find myself drifting away. That way they can carry on the day to day operations of my business while I'm mentally off somewhere else.

I seem to get get on that roller coaster too, really into something and after awhile I'm bored with it and ready to move on. I master whatever I'm doing, but once I let it go, I lose what I've learned.

Hyperfocus is so intense and exhillerating. There is nothing else like that rush of passion for an idea, project, job, curiousity. But it burns so bright and fast.

I have seriously considered going out on my own with a business, but I know I don't have the persistance nor the focus to make it work.

My first trial with meds have not gone well so I'm not sure what is next. Right now I'm looking into new jobs and it is almost petrifying, yet oddly satisfying if a bit scary.

I DID get my old porch scraped free of peeling paint and redone ....YAY!! something actually got done!