Since I began writing on steemit, I have found myself looking at the world in a much different better way.
I was 18 when I sat down to watch TV. What did I just see?
I have always had a very tough time slowing down and simply enjoying life. I have always felt like I should be doing something at all times. Actually it is far more accurate to say I have always felt like I should be doing ten different things at all times (ADHD will do that to you).
When I would see a guy quietly sitting in a chair looking at the sky, trees, or water, I would think to myself, "Oh my gosh! Is that person dead? Does he need help? What is wrong with him? Is he really a life-like statue? Did he snap? Is he hiding from a T-Rex (according to Jurassic Park they can only see motion)? Is he planning an attack? Did he get bit by a Black Widow? Is he on strike? Can he not stand up because a pretty woman just walked by and he is a little too "excited"? Can he read my mind?" (See I can't even just think one thing at a time.)
If I sit perfectly still, that T-Rex behind me won't eat me and that woman won't know I'm really into her.
But now I actually get it. He is sitting there because he doesn't need to be doing something else. Sitting and enjoying the scene is something.
Not only do I "get it" now, I can actually do it. (I bet my parents and teachers wish I would have figure this out 30 years ago... but screw them. Maybe they shouldn't have been so boring!)
Recently I have found myself quietly observing the world much more than ever before.
Why?
Now when I am experiencing a moment, I automatically ask myself, "Would this be fun to write about?"
Quite often the answer is "Yes".
I understand many people do not need this crutch. They do not need to occupy their mind by writing a post in their heads while they enjoy time with their friends, family, or themselves.
But I am not most people. I spent 45 years constantly racing.
This is my brain for the past 45 years.
It is hard for me to slow down. I need something to help me to regulate my brain.
The side effect of this has been fantastic! For the first time in my life, I am finding that instead of constantly looking for the next thing to do, I am really being in the moment. I am looking for details I would have never noticed before. I am fully immersing myself in each moment. And it is awesome! (Why didn't I try this before?)
I am no longer looking for external distractions to help keep me on the move. I now have an internal one. Actually that is incorrect. It is not a "distraction" at all. This new way of looking at the world is actually giving me a framework and an excuse to focus on the here and now. It is helping me to connect the present with experiences and emotions of the past. It is helping me to be a better husband and father in the here and now.
For 45 years, I viewed the world like a person who was channel surfing. I would stop on a moment and enjoy it... but then look to see if there were a better moment on the next channel. But then I would forget what I had just seen.
Am I ever going to find that farmersonly.com commercial?
If you ask a channel surfer, "What did you watch last night?" Their response is probably not going to be very informative or interesting. Because in reality, they didn't watch anything. They raced through so many stories that they cannot possibly thoroughly recount the details of any one of them.
If someone had assigned them a task of watching a program and reporting about it the next day, it would be a much different situation. The viewer would look for every detail, learn as much as possible about every character, and thoroughly enjoy the payoff at the end of the show.
I now feel I have given myself a similar assignment every day. Instead of just "channel surfing" through my day, I am looking for every detail and thoroughly enjoying each moment.
I would definitely never forget if I were one of the other two players who didn't get a hint like this when it was their turn to solve the puzzle.
How many of those enjoyable moments did I miss by "surfing" for the next one?
Probably quite a few. But who cares? Those moments are gone. I don't have a DVR for life. I can't perseverate on what I might have missed. That would only be another distraction from the here and now.
I can't afford to be distracted anymore. If I allow that, I might miss something worthy of writing about.
More importantly, I might miss something worthy of becoming an unforgettable shared memory with someone I love.
First he taught me how to be the sausage king of Chicago. Then he taught me how to enjoy life... it only took me 30 years to heed his advice (about the life part).
Now I know what that guy in the chair was doing. He was thoroughly enjoying the show.
I hope I can continue to learn to do the same.
But maybe I will need to enjoy the show while jumping up and down on a pogo stick or something.
Curse you ADHD!
Yes, I used to hate my Computer, now I seem to be getting quite sentimental over it!
LOL. This place will do that to you.
Great post! We have been without conventional TV for 10 years. We hooked up the computer with an HTML and only watch what we want. We tend to check out how others build things. We learn mechanics and quantum physics. Now, the content is important. Most days, we hang out in the garden and listen to the birds...because that is doing something....something magical. Have a great day @hanshotfirst !
That is great! You are very lucky that you are able to enjoy the simple and beautiful things in life.
We feel really honored to be able to live a simple life. I dream of the day when others can do the same.
I made a change by joining steemit!
Also, I'm not sure if it's about ADHD...so many people spend their lives in a rush to nowhere, not living in the moment. Good thing you realize you got a problem and are doing something about it.
Thanks! I am trying.
Got rid of cable 2 years ago. I now have a MUCH better quality of life.
followed
I bet you have much more time for things that are truly important.
You're exactly right!
I actually find that being on Steemit has limited my time watching t.v. Which is great! It really does put into perspective that your time is worth something. And I've also really been working on patience. Realizing that everything has a season, and a purpose. Being patient lets me enjoy the journey instead of rushing the destination:)
Good point. I have also received some lessons in patience thanks to this platform.
Thank you Sir...& that's truly awesome!
As a writer and someone whose mind is frequently racing, I found this so relatable! Writing can be such an amazing outlet, so glad to hear it has been that for you :)
Thanks! I only started writing because of steemit. It has been amazing!
Wow, that's awesome!!
Totally changed my day, reading so many blogs and posting and thinking about what would be a good blog. Also gaining a lot of information and getting back into my music to share. That one thing is the best thing, helping get people to show off their creative skills. Nice post!
I am amazed at how many creative people are already here. I can't wait to see this place in year! We need more music here. Glad you will be bringing some.
Yes, I have hope.
Cool. That is a very positive outlook!
My motto has always been live in each minute live in each second Just live. Sometimes it's hard to do but I do it most of the time. If you are washing dishes have fun washing the dishes relish it get them super clean. Whatever you are doing feel all the love and emotion in that minute. Also when you live in the moment there are no regrets no depression no missing things or ppl. Just live
Wow! That is an awesome way to approach life! I hope I can get there some day.
I used to love watching too many movies to a point it was really bad (affecting my work and relationships) now I'm moderate on this addiction and trybto connect more with people around me. The habit is fading away.
Steemit is taking its place but this is the first addiction i get paid for!😁
That sounds like a great slogan!
"Steemit: the addiction that you get paid for!"
I thoroughly enjoyed this post. I can relate to both modes of being. I believe the ADHD is a gift but no one teaches us to ground it in the lessons which you learned yourself recently. We are more able to pick up on things but also more able to go haywire when there are too many stimuli if we haven't learned how to just chill the hell out and be in the moment.
I was constantly jumping back and forth between things without much hope of going anywhere with any of them until I kind of threw everything away and decided to just drifted around for a while. During that time, I had no expectations for the future so I learned to live in the moment. Now that I've come back to the world of.....whatever it is all these "regular people" are doing, I basically have control over my focus. It's kind of like I gained control of my superpowers.
You definitely win my follow with this post, hope to see many more like it.
That is awesome! I have always said that ADHD can be a huge benefit... if you choose the right job/tasks in life.
Last time I watch TV was 10 years ago, but since I discovered Steemit I have made some good changes in my life! Steemit opened a lot of doors for me, or at least this is what I believe!
That is awesome! I hope it continues to open new doors.
I hope that too and I wish to open new doors for you as well! Cheers!
Fantastic! You deserve success here! .. And not only are you benefiting yourself therapeutically , You are benefiting others too!, as that is some interesting uplifting content! Well Done :) & Keep Going!
Thanks! That is very kind of you to say. I just checked out your blog and it seems you have a very positive outlook.
I feel like I am just finding my feet on steemit, but I think I will be going in the right direction now :) .. it's true though. I do wish you much success!
You can definitely get there you really have to work on it train your brain to always our almost always be in the moment. I used to be just like you but now I take time for everything and when something bad happens like a death or financial problems etc if your living in the moment you are going to be fine whether you believe in a higher power our not everything has a reason to it and everything has a solution I've learned in my forties but death. Your doing good keep on what your doing you are going to be the happiest you've ever been!
Thanks for the encouragement!
I also used to channel surf through life. After the age of 44 I also started to see fewer channels and for longer on the same channel. But sometimes we need to be reminded that we are already surfing many channels again. Thank you for reminding me ...
My pleasure! I know I am going to have to constantly check myself.
Is thatch Silver Surfer?
I also have to remind myself to slow down from time to time, it's a work in progress...
Yes, my avatar is an image of the Silver Surfer, it has everything to do with surfing and your post : D
Work in progress indeed.
I love the avatar. I'm a pretty big geek and like to write about the super hero movies.
Welcome to the platform!
I can totally relate to this. I have recently learned myself to enjoy as much as I can. You know "live the moment". You start seeing so much more once you calm your mind! Also agree with the fact that when you want to do a lot of things at once you end up doing nothing actually.
I have been able to achieve a little consistency and quality work after joining steemit. Enjoying the community so far! :D
Great post and very happy for you :)
That is great! I wish I started to learn it when I was a bit younger... but better late than never!
yes indeed! :)
I think it is a common theme that we, as humans, feel that we always need to be doing something in order to make the most of our lives. It often seems that if we aren't doing anything, we are lazy and therefore cannot enjoy our lives as much as we should be able to. However, sitting down and just relaxing, and enjoying life, can bring us just as must pleasure (if not more), because we are actually taking the time to enjoy what we're doing. What are some of your favorite relaxing activities that you like?
Followed!
Exactly! I absolutely love hanging out by a beach or pool. In the winter it more difficult for me, but just hanging out with my kids works too!
How about you?
Hey thought provoking post hanshotfirst and the throw-back to Ferris Bueller was brilliant (I was already thinking of doing a Tribute to Ferris).
There is a lot we can all learn from Ferris and his positive outlook on all that life has to offer.
Now... How can I possibly be expected to handle (work) on a day like this?
SK.
LOL! Save Ferris! You must do a tribute.
Yes I have Steemit has helped me focus more on positivity, I have less Negative thoughts plus now I am trying new things that I wouldn't have done before :)
That is awesome! That is exactly what I was hoping to hear. Anything that gets you to focus on the positives is awesome!
Exactly, Steemit members have opened my mind more :)
Nicely put...high time we introspect on our robotic life instead of developing emotions in robots.
Now that is nicely put.
Steemit adds a sense of purpose and focus to what was purely random roaming on the net before. I enjoy it immensely! Cheers to you liking your new discovery!
yeah! I was only thinking of what I was seeing outside. You are right. I don't waste time on many other sites anymore. This is my destination!
It's hard to learn that you're allowed to just do nothing! It has been quite the experience for me to realize that I can just sit outside and not do anything, that that's allowed. I am excited about using Steemit because I honestly think it will make me slow down and focus on the moment more so I can be honest in my posts.
You get it! So many people think I'm nuts when I say "I don't know how to do nothing". But it is true. I conditioned myself. Now I need to form new and better habits.
Great post. I am good at the art of just sitting and enjoying the show :)
Congratulations! Seriously! I wish I were better at that. I will keep trying. So much cool stuff to see.
Just put a fidget spinner in both hands, throw some good classical music on and give it another try :) There is a little thing called 5 minute meditations that might help!!
I still struggle with classical music. I have so many bad habits to break. Oddly enough aggressive music actually calms me. I'm weird lol.
then listen to between the buried and me.. a good point between aggressive and classical haha.. Strange indeed. but so am I. So its all gooood!
I've been glued to this damn phone for a week like some kind of junky, trying to learn the ins and outs of the whole thing instantly. I really need to step away, but I'm not sure how, or why. It's such a wonderful and new experience, but reading new ideas and meeting interesting people constantly, like I'm channel surfing in fast forward, and yet the interacting is an investment, so conflicted, writing comments longer and more creative then my posts, shuffled down the line. Thank you for this post, perhaps I can use it as a stepping stone to turning off the STEEM and going outside.
LOL. Oh yeah man. Steemit is addicting... but in the best way. You are right though. You do have to set a limit. I have decided that instead of saying "I will only go on for 2 hours today". I say "I will spend at least 2 hours directly interacting with my kids." Its what you do when you set down your phone that matters.
I'm using my time very differently since joining Steemit last week.
I have so much I want to write about that I feel like any time I'm not authoring, is wasted! Yet, I'm also careful to post judiciously, so I end up working diligently on quality. The community was very generous with two of my early posts and it was exciting in a way that is difficult to place into words.
I'm already sleeping a lot less, so I'm sure I can't keep this up for too long!
LOL. You'd be surprised. I can't wait for the study that says steemit is better than sleep. I used to be an 8 hoo guy. 6 hours since joining here. But my mind is so active when I'm on here. better than just watching tv.
And welcome to the platform!
I stopped drinking, personal challenge for me being a semi-alcoholic. It's been a tough battle so far. Day 13 today. Have Steemit to thank for it, got some really motivation messages from users.
Glad you are finding peace around you. When you get a chance, instead of looking, listen. You will be amazed at how many sounds there are around you. Close your eyes and focus only on the sounds. 20 minutes of this is extremely refreshing.
I have a suggestion for battling the alcohol. If you have other interests that consume your time and that you are very passionate about you will forget about the unhealthy past-time. I have known a few people to do this, they will trade it for something else that gives them joy.
I hope all works out well, it seems like you are headed in the right direction!
Thanks for the advice! I have been spending a lot of my time here on steemit and other crypto sites. My trading also keeps me pretty busy. Thanks so much for the advice!
that is great advice. Its cool to see people looking out for each other and trying to help!
Congratulations! That is awesome! I know it is not hard to break any habit. I am glad you are finding a away to use steemit as a positive distraction and motivation!
Thank you for the advice about listening. I will try. Good luck on day 14 and beyond! You can do it!
Thanks! Appreciate it! I am on a 100 Day challenge, so far I have been very good. lost a good amount of weight too, clearer mind and way more productive. Just struggling sleeping a bit. Let me know what you think of the listening!
Awesome! Keep up the good work. I have faith in you!
Posts like these that makes it easier for me! Thank you!
You should be very proud of yourself! Congratulations on day 13 and stick with the new family here for support. Namaste and love, my friend.
I find myself being more critical, in a good way. Like you, @hanshotfirst, I am paying attention to the details in life more. I also stopped playing youtube interviews in the background when I steemit. Typing and listening together is a talent I don't have.
LOL! I understand completely. I like these details. Wish I knew they were here before lol.
Since I joined Steemit, I find that I am constantly looking at things and asking myself if this or that might make for a good article. Then I ask myself if others would be interested on my take of things.
I have ADD and I know I take a long time thinking about what I am writing and trying to get it exactly right.
Sometimes it is a little frustrating but most times I like the process!
We sound very similar. This really is an awesome hobby and creative outlet. Happy you found the platform.
I think we are similar, that is the reason I started following you. I hope you know where you're going!
I have been channal surfing through life since i knew myself. Rescently a couple of months ago I decided to take the initiative to do something and put some effort. Honestly i feel better and Im doing better.
Cheers for the initiative to change.
Much love Goldie ♡
Thanks Goldie! I am happy you are feeling good!
♡
I chose parents over love.... It was a very hard decision.... But i took it...
Ohh that sounds very interesting. You should do a post about that. That is a great title actually.
I would but I am not over it yet and need some time to believe in steemers as I find most of thm running behind money and less sharing and caring... This topic will b a little sensitive one for me
When you are ready, hopefully this can serve as a creative outlet. For now, I hope that you are able to make it through this difficult time.
Thanks my friend :)
I quit my job and my career, does that count?
It sure does! I hope you are much happier now.
Yes I am thanks, the way crypto is going now, maybe thats my new career, siting at home and watching it moon, ha ha.
Great career!
TV is the worst dude. If i didn't need internet I wouldn't have cable at all!!!
LOL. Yeah I am getting less and lees interested.
Insightful post! I have found it hard to sit back as well, but I am starting to get it now. Prior to joining steemit, I was surrounded pretty much by peoplle that think like me, act like me and look like me. Now that I am on steemit, I deliberately look for and read posts from all over the world. And I try to learn from people that don't necessarily share my same perspective.
Steemit is an excellent platform for accomplishing this!
This platform truly is helping to make the world a little smaller and bringing people together.
By shutting out the news it has helped me have a more positive outlook on life. I like reading real stories of real people on Steemit. ;)
Oh yeah that is a great point. You can actually find positve stuff on steemit. Tough to do that on the outside.
I can definitely relate to you, that's why I am trying to slow things down. Steemit allows me to write down my inner voice so I can see myself in a different light.
Exactly! That is a prefect way to put it. I wish I had thought ope that phrasing. LOL
I'm glad to hear that this platform has helped you find value in the "present moment." Life has so many distractions these days--so many stimuli coming at you from all different directions--that it's easy to feel the need to always be doing something; our minds are extremely vulnerable to these things, which leads us to follow our thoughts along endless trails.
One way I've personally dealt with this is through meditation. It helps you calm down the "traffic jam" in your brain, keeps you present, and consequently increases focus & concentration...just my two cents :) Keep up the great work!
Those are a great "two cents". I have seen many people benefit from meditation. I think I have some steps to take in-between before I am disciplined enough to do that. But it would be a cool end goal.
Thanks for taking to comment here. It is awesome that you joined steemit!
pretty accurate what TV offers:
LOL! Oh man I hope they don't invest "taste vision".
mean this? :'D
https://www.crazyengineers.com/attachments/slide-jpg.3369/
MMMMM smellovision.
Hi hanshotfirst, I find that the same is happening to me. I look at everything differently and more intensely. It is a nice feeling to be more concious again!
"More intensely". I like that description. It really is a cool side effect of this addiction lol.
Sure is.
Yes it sure is!
yes it defenitely changes the perception and the way you look at things. more from a marketing point of few :) followed ya <3
Good point about the marketing as well. I guess I do wonder "Will people want to read about this". But in order to get to that answer, i have to really see the situation at hand.
I can relate to your feeling of not living in the present, i always find myself planning and imagining my future.
I think i might have ADHD too (haven't been diagnosed) but i have some of the symptoms like the attention disorder, and also have problem with orientation. Sometimes it is really hard to keep my mind focused on something, like i'm talking to somebody and i'm paying attention to what they say, but somehow a word they say triggers a thought and my mind goes somewhere else :) before i realise what's happening.
Oh yeah. That is exactly how I am. I go off on so many tangents...
yeah, and what bothers me the most is that sometimes people think i'm selfish and i'm not really interested in what they have to say...you know it's not like that, it's just something you can't control
Exactly! It is just that something they said inspired your wheels to start spinning. It takes a while before people get used to me. LOL
I've been learning to manage my ADHD and other mental health stuff, finishing undergrad, and planning and organizing myself to move halfway across the US. Slowing down is really hard for me in the last few years, as pushing too far in that direction causes as many problems as does overworking myself, so I've been seeking balance between those two, and in many other regards.
Balance is so important. You are in a really hectic time right now. Some day you will be able to slow down. Just make sure to be on the lookout for that day!
Perseverate is my new favorite word, first of all... Second, I feel confident that my life has already changed, less than a month into Steemit. I feel like I have something to offer, something that people actually appreciate, sand want to consume. I played in bands, and did poetry slams and such for almost fifteen years. I never got the big break. I never even really got the small break. The most I ever earned off of my art prior to Steemit was 100 dollars as an opener for a semi national tiring act... In a month on Steemit I've more than quadrupled that. More than the money, I value the fact that people actually want me to keep making art. That's huge.
Very inspirational article. One of my achievements is coming back to Steemit and write again after an absence of 9 months. The other upcoming (I say upcoming because it is yet to be achieved) is to collaborate artworks with my autistic son. We are still working on it. Check out my poem about my autistic son. https://steemit.com/poetry/@positivesteem/if-i-am-a-superhero-a-poem-dedicated-to-my-autistic-son
great post nice
Thanks!
I like it
Thank you.
@hanshotfirst your words are truly inspirational I feel like I'm running lfenona treadmill to just would be great to take a step back and reevaluate the really important stuff hope crypto goes well for you enjoy ya chill and nice to meet
I am doing things with my money that I would've considered "scary" five years ago. Fiat money is failing. Something must take it's place. I do goals, make plans, still don't rest enough.
teamaustralia, followed: It's been a few years of change for me.
@hanshotfirst - I like this post. I think you hit the nail on the head with the remark "Curse you ADHD!" - but then I think, there's sooooooo much to this adventure we call life. Why watch TV when we can read posts like this? Thanks for sharing.