I locked my keys in the car. Again. To say this was the second or third time is laughable. I don’t know how many times this has happened. I don’t know if I want to know.
One would think that after #10, 11, 12….that I would “learn from my mistake”. If it were, indeed, a matter of learning, I know this lesson well. Turn car off. Put keys in hand or in purse. Take keys with you. Lock car from outside with key you have in your hands.
Why can I do complicated things that require multiple steps and long lists? How can I continue to forget to do simple things, when I am capable of doing complicated things?
One word: distraction. My ADHD brain has gone on a field trip to a land far away, or across the street, or inside my imagination. It is not even remotely thinking about a key. So here I am again, calling my best friend, On Star. She is always there when I need her. And I can save myself much frustration, knowing that my brain will continue to take unannounced flights to worlds unknown.
Since I’m pretty sure it will happen again, I have done the next best thing. I made a friend. I can call her any day, any time, 24/7. I’m pretty sure someone with ADHD had a hand in creating her.
Moral of the story: do what you can to learn and grow. Sometimes you do find tricks that help prevent future mishaps. But if that doesn’t work, save yourself continued frustration, and cheat a little. I think this is one time when that’s okay.
I am putting out a challenge. Can you make it to the ADHD wall of fame? Share your story. Laugh a little. Put into perspective those ridiculously crazy oops moments, because I am right there with you.
Laughter is good medicine. And believe me, I laugh a lot.
Elaine