ADD and ADHD

   First of all, let me just say that ADD is a Precious GIFT. For too many years
society has looked down upon those of us, and YES I am definitely “one of them”,
who possess this rare, although increasing, trait. It is time for that particular
misperception to be cleansed.

   Research has apparently narrowed the “cause” down to a “polymorphism” of
the DRD4 gene, or “Dopamine Receptor D4”.  Part of what this translates into is
that we, the gifted ones, do not assess risk like the “common folk”. What is
“risky” to most of society, is just NOT risky to us. We have an ability to put an
extreme amount of energy into whatever we choose.  We also become bored
easily, sorry ‘bout that.  :)  What most people associate with add, etc. is a “lack of
focus”, “lack of ability to concentrate”, or several other “lacks”.  I think this is
only half the story. What we ALSO possess, although many with our blessed
polymorphism do not learn to develop, is the ability to HYPER-FOCUS. That is, to
be able to focus on a single thing to the complete exclusion of all else.

   The state of HyperFocus can be learned, probably by anyone, but it’s especially
beneficial for those of us who are “speckle”.  (I heard that term from a young man
a few years ago and I still find it endearing).  So, on to HyperFocus...

   Most of the time we observe the world WITH our eyes, and other senses of
course.  The first step is to consciously move your “self” or focus BACK into your
head, just behind your eyes. Look out at the world as if your eyes were windows,
and you are peering out through them.  You will be able to perceive a greater
percentage of your surroundings, and also, and this is the most important part,
your brain will get just a little bit quiet. If you start whatever project in this state
of mind/perception, you just might experience what I mean by HyperFocus. It is
a beautiful thing, I assure you.

   I have this theory as well.  Our world is so active now. We have stimulus from
every angle and direction. We’re being marketed to for one thing or another
damn near every minute of the day. Then you add tv, radio, cell phones, all while
driving of course, and it can simply overwhelm the mind. My theory is that the
Polymorphism is an evolutionary step that allows us as human beings to simply
DEAL with it all.  Maybe it’s just an adaptation to the wonderful world we live in.

   Either way, having this so-called “condition” is a thing of beauty.  As a matter
of fact, there was some research done as to who, in the past exhibited these very
same traits that “polite society” has tried to drug out of the populace (I am
making conscious effort to NOT get up on the soapbox about the current practice
of putting kids on mind-altering chemicals, you’re f-ing welcome). Anyway, some
of these people are:

Richard Branson - CEO of Virgin Records (I’ve read that one of his favorite
             sayings is “Screw It, let’s DO it” in relation to taking to long to make a
             decision.)  I just love that guy.

Benjamin Franklin
Thomas Edison
Leonardo DaVinci

I think you get the idea.  I actually have a section in the book, YFUATIW, that goes
into ADD a bit also, which you can pick up for ten bucks.  And come to think of it,
There’s a VERY good book on it called The DaVinci Method, which helped Yours
Truly to understand a lot about it as well.

Hope you enjoyed the read as much as I did putting it together for you.

Paul.

                                               Great Book at
                                           WWW.YFUATIW.COM