Unsure when I first heard the saying 'take time to smell the roses'. But I can definitely recall the numerous times when I was told to slow down, have patience, or just breath. It wasn't that I was career focused or spending to much time with school work. I just appreciate moving fast and getting things done.

I also am one of the 6.1 million kids between the ages of 2 and 17 that have been diagnosed with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder also known as ADHD. What exactly is ADHD? Well, it's a brain disorder. It doesn't mean that the person who has it may have a learning disability. Most children with ADHD have a combination of inattention, impulsivity, and hyperactivity and would be diagnosed with ADHD-combined presentation. Broken down you cannot tell someone like me to 'calm down' or 'focus harder' or my least favorite 'meditate'. Brain imaging studies have shown that people with ADHD have structurally different brains than people without ADHD. It is also heriditary.

Personally, I find it difficult to organize my thoughts. I know what I want to say but it takes me a little longer to have the words come from my brain to my mouth. I often get tired of waiting and just say whatever I feel. Others may have difficulty misplacing their homework or important papers. We all pretty much share the misfortunate of lack of planning or thinking ahead. We tend to 'live in the moment'. That sometimes means forgetting where we put our keys, or appointment even that we are cooking something, many pots and pans have been damaged - rip pots and pans.

So how do I function on the daily basis? Well, I am consistanly aware of my short comings - like everyone else I have them. Proper nutrition - stay of away from processed foods. Exercise, I am definitely happier when I am outside. Before we start our day my family and I walk for about an hour. This helps me burn off some energy and makes me more able to focus on school work. Of course - sleep. Sleep is so important and it improves your wellbeing. What we eat, our physical activity levels, our sleep habits, and lifestyle factors ranging from stress management to screen time have a tremendous effect on health – a fact that’s amplified for ADHD brains and bodies. Notes, reminders, and anchor words. I take notes on task and if it's school related subjects. They help me remember what I have temporarily forgot. Reminders for me I use my personal digital assistant. I link it to my school calendar as well as my business calendar. This allows me enough time to get ready or prepared without feeling rush which intensifies my ADHD. Anchor words such as project, event, etc., refocuses me. Right now my mom primarily uses the words. I am slowly starting to use them myself.

Although I may never be that person to slow down and smell the roses. I still appreciate them in theory. My condition is sometimes mistaken as having difficultly learning. For some this may be the case, I excel at school especially geography and Algebra. I am creative, developing characters that my brother turned into a book. I am Tony.

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