The diagnosis and treatment of ADD has had a controversial history. The medical establishment has identified ADD as a diagnosable disorder and outlined specific treatments to mange symptoms. However, some groups have claimed that ADD is a conspiracy developed by the pharmaceutical companies to make money off the sales of drugs developed for what they deem a fictional disorder. Given this history, it seemed appropriate to address the issue of ADD and the efficacy of medications in this week’s blog. 

“It’s more fun to be a pirate than to join the navy.”

You're probably all somewhat familiar with the story of the man who founded the most powerful company in the world right now from his garage with a friend in 1976. Steve Jobs, at the time only 21 years old, founded Apple Inc.  

Steve never finished college--not even his first year. But he was able to synthesize his own interests and experiences, from electronics hacking to Zen Buddhism to calligraphy, add three heaping scoops of passion, and become what he became. He felt that others should do the same.

I can't emphasize enough how important it is to identify folks with ADD/ ADHD, children AND ADULTS alike. Let me put a few facts down here on the blogosphere that encompass the social, emotional, and educational impact of ADD/ADHD:

The Social

If you have a tendency to depend on the outcome you want to feel good, simply put you are making others responsible for how you feel. You end up carrying water for others and resenting them when they don’t automatically return the favor. People pleasing or entertaining people with the expectation that they are obliged do the same for you will never result in happiness. Maybe for a short while, but that sort of happiness will soon evaporate into the ethers. You will end up exhausted, bitter, and will start carrying a chip on your shoulder. This is especially devastating to romantic relationships.

This is the first excerpt in my new series "Inspiring Examples of Resistance." My hope is that this will inspire people to have the confidence to say no, feel more comfortable setting personal boundaries, and inspire them to fully embrace the power of self-acceptance. This excerpt is about one woman's unique form of resistance to a more current phenomenon, cyber bullying. What makes this example of resistance so unique, in my opinion, is that it provides us an example that might seem counter-intuitive in our culture, demonstrating just how powerful non-violence can be.

Letting go of the preference for a certain outcome, especially when you're really attracted to or deeply love somebody, is one of the most difficult states to attain. How can you be in a relationship and not want it to work out, right? Why wouldn't you want to get off of Match.com and be exclusive after you FINALLY meet someone you actually click with? Giving up your preferences for the outcome you want can be one of the most freeing decisions you ever make and can take you and your relationship, or future relationship, to the healthiest possible place.  

In trying to keep up with a whirlwind of inspiring events over the summer my last blog focused on the negative press that surrounded Gabby Douglas after an electrifying performance at the Olympics. Some of you asked me what Gaby Douglas has to do with self-improvement for men. The real question that blog post addressed was how negativity can have a detrimental impact on your life and a model for how to overcome negativity directed at you.