When I get caught in a bad mood, I know that it's time to head for the garden. When I'm out there, I can breathe deeper and start to relax again. I can appreciate the wider world, so much bigger than my momentary problems, and get a little perspective. It always does the trick.
Now, let me ask you some questions:
- What is your relationship with your mood?
- Is your mood a tool for you? Are you sensitive to its changes? When your mood swings, can you step back and figure out why it happened and what to do next?
- Or is your mood like the weather? Something relatively unpredictable, and impossible to control once changes roll in?
- Do people define you by your attitude? What kind of attitude have others come to expect from you? Are people surprised when you're in a bad mood, or is a good mood considered more unusual for you?
Attitude counts for a lot. If your whole mindset easily swings toward negativity, then you are probably living in a state of heightened stress, even when it comes to the small stuff. It can also be a terrible feeling to be at the mercy of your mood swings, not really sure how to handle them or control them. And your friends, family and coworkers will only be able to stand unpredictability and a cranky attitude for so long.
This month, join me in taking stock of attitude problems, and figuring out some reliable solutions.
Take care,
Carol
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Introducing: Group Coaching!
This program will promise to deliver the three things that my clients have been asking for:
- A cost effective (inexpensive!) way for you to get first-rate coaching from a pioneer in the ADHD coaching field who has over 40 years of experience.
- An gifted ADHD coach who can give you the tools to look beneath the surface for the ROOT ISSUE that is unconsciously diminishing all of your life experiences - and then transform it.
- Understanding, encouragement and focused strategies from an ADHD coach who also has ADHD as well as from fellow group members who experience many of the same issues. We are all in this together!
Our goal together is to make sure you:
- Have a life with more passion for what matters to you
- Successfully achieve your life purpose
- Belong to a community of loyal, committed relationships
Personally speaking, I don't know anyone who doesn't need more of that!
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Why Do People Think You're a Jerk?
Let's be real: for each of us with ADHD, there has always been a negative stereotype or two associated with us, even as we change schools, change jobs, move towns, and meet new people. You're a bad boyfriend or girlfriend; you're a lazy employee; you're too selfish for your friends and family to depend on you. You hate having people think this about you, but you also don't get why it happens so you can't figure out how to change it.
Backing up for a second, it's important to get the science of all this out in the open. ADHD is a brain type, with extra tissue in the brain and a different chemical balance than other people. All of this adds up to hyper-speed brain power, with an estimated 10 thoughts racing through the ADHD brain in the time other people have 1 thought.
As a byproduct of this intense thought pattern, there is some absentmindedness that comes along. These are some of the social symptoms of ADHD that I deal with the most as an ADHD Coach:
- Arriving late
- Not showing up at all
- Forgetting important occasions, dates or anniversaries
- Interrupting
- Changing plans without letting others know
- Misplacing important items
- Making a mess in common space
What is the common theme of these behaviors? They disrespect someone else, and the other person gets his or her feelings hurt. Blowing off an appointment tells that person that they don't deserve your attention. Blanking on birthdays or losing important documents shows a careless treatment of your relationship. Interrupting someone means that the words coming out of their mouth mean nothing to you. Leaving dishes or other clutter behind for someone else to clean up means that you believe someone else should do your dirty work.
When this goes on for too long, it ruins your reputation. People believe your actions more than your words. When you show them over and over that you don't have respect for their time, feelings and space, they eventually get the picture: you don't care.
But I know that you do care...
You can read the rest of the article, including my 5 steps to repair injured relationships, here.
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About Carol
Carol Gigoux, M.Ed., is Boston's longest-serving ADD/ADHD Coach and Coach Trainer and the founder of
Live ADHD Free, LLC.
Her approach is focused on the individual, with tailored strategies for long-lasting success.
Reach Carol today at
617-524-7670 or
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Monthly Inspiration
A Generous Attitude
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Read what Carol's clients say...
Look at what participants said about the January 2014 Live ADHD Free Seminar:
"Enlightening!" "Terrific!" "Insightful!" "Thought Provoking!" "Life Changing!"
Carol's presentation to our SEPAC (Special Education Parent Advisory Council) was incredibly well-received. In my inbox the next morning there were emails thanking me for putting it together. She presented up-to-date information on ADHD and her tips and techniques were so helpful. I would definitely recommend her seminar.
- Christina Stille, Co-President Berlin-Boylston SEPAC
Carol was positive and created hope in overcoming some of the challenging behaviors associated with ADHD. I will definitely take advantage of the tips she provided.
- Karen, Methuen SEPAC
Carol has taught a number of classes on coaching AD/HD, consistently impressed students. She is engaging, knowledgeable and a delight to have in front of the room. She has a big heart and a great mind. Thanks for all you do, Carol!
- Marilyn Edelson, LICSW, MCC, Director, SOCOP B.U. School of Social Work, Professional Education Programs
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