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Creative Parenting Club's avatar

Shoutout to everyone else who just read this beautiful post instead of doing what they were planning on doing ;-)

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ADHD Int'l Alliance (Josh)'s avatar

Thanks so much, it was a desperate try to make something productive, even though it was not among my priorities. But I'm happy with the result and feeling very happy that it can make people at least consider what they are doing with their time (which is a hard thing to do when we are in "chasing dopamine mode")

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Creative Parenting Club's avatar

We know all about Chasing Dopamine Mode! Love the idea that we can turn these attention rabbit holes into something by describing what's going on in our minds (and sharing the experience with others). It's something we've been trying to do more with our own writing and community. Your essay really inspired us today 💙💙💙💙

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ADHD Int'l Alliance (Josh)'s avatar

I’m extremely flattered, thanks so much for this. Knowing that something I wrote inspired you honestly inspires me right back. It still surprises me that I can be that for someone, because for a long time I never thought this was something I’d be capable of doing. I really appreciate you taking the time to say this, really do.,💚💚

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Creative Parenting Club's avatar

Thank you for writing! Have a wonderful and productive day (whatever that means in the moment ;-))

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Jamie Vigliotta's avatar

Yep. This is all very familiar. I'm a wikipedia rabbit holer myself.

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ADHD Int'l Alliance (Josh)'s avatar

Absolutely! I once blocked Wikipedia from my browser, and guess what, I naturally found other Wikipedia-like sites instead. It’s not even an exageration if I say that it really feels a lot like an addiction

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Jamie Vigliotta's avatar

I feel ya. One of the ones that gets me the most is book and movie summaries on Wikipedia, god forbid if there are sequels. Then a couple months later I'm reading the same ones again.

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Kathleen Hall's avatar

TIKTOK does it for me or reading a good escapism book.

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ADHD Int'l Alliance (Josh)'s avatar

Tiktok is really a trap, I know that very well, and Instagram reels works the same for me... But my personal escapism gold medal, besiodes Wikipedia, is YouTube Shorts. And for me the worst time for YTS is at night, when I can perfectly stay for 4 or 5 hours in an endless scroll there

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dob david's avatar

Spent the first hour of my morning on Wikipedia reading about an author who wrote a book I read in High School back in the seventies. (Late diagnosis!) When I finally pulled myself away I checked my email and came across your post. I actually laughed out loud. It felt kinda like I was being watched. Because of your willingness to be open honest and vulnerable I got to be reminded that I'm not alone, that I'm not broken, (just different), and that it's not too late to get on with the day. Thank You!

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Grace Elizabeth's avatar

Never underestimate the power of your voice. You've created something wonderful here. From what feels like the deepest of weeds, you've explained so clearly the torture and the wonder of so many people's lived realities, mine included. It's amazing what we can do when we're really up against a deadline :)

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Amanda's avatar

Thankyou Ive had a full day of more research and more note making ready to start writing up a case study I was due to write up on Monday! Im organised and ready to begin tomorrow,Ive worked with children with special educational needs and been told I have ADHD traits! Not been tested,but perhaps I will one day!?!! 🙏🏼

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Stefano Miele's avatar

Nice post here Josh. You know, I've had a few conversations with people over the last days and they have all said I might have ADHD. I've never been tested, but my mind is always bouncing all over the place. I don't really have a problem concentrating on one thing, but I do often feel restless if I'm out, or talking with people, I will want to talk about 500 different things at once. I think I should start reading more of your newsletter, it will help!

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Margaret Estelle's avatar

I was supposed to have time to put in my contact lenses and brush my hair before work. I actually managed to shower, but I lost a ton of time to poring over a book about esoteric beliefs about numbers and geometric shapes. I'm reading it in preparation for a Substack post but still...

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