After almost a year of moving cities for the first time in 3 years and some of the highest highs of life, I crashed, reached burnout, some bouts of sads and self-doubt, exacerbated by the weariness with the world and the consequences for mine and my loved ones’ future prospects and generally increased cynicism towards everything.
Needless to say - hard times. But last week I’ve finally been sufficiently functional to partake in the one hobby that stuck with me despite ADHD, the one thing that has never not brought me joy and catharsis and it is making music. Feels great to be back.
Hey. I’m so happy to hear that you are back doing music! Your happiness and joy means everything to me!
The rest of your message reads as though you think you failed at something, but that really isn’t possible. You are amazing. If you ever feel like life is beating you down, it probably means you are trying to force yourself along a path that isn’t the right one for you. Long before you get to this point, please stop and look around and ask yourself if this road is even the one you are supposed to be on. There is absolutely no shame in deciding that you need to backtrack, but there can be great suffering, for yourself and those around you, if you keep trying to fit yourself to something that isn’t you.
Make music.
Have friendships.
Only worry about money to the extent that you need it to survive. All other efforts should be put into joy and connections.
I’m very proud of you.
Edit: I thought of something else I needed to say. Don’t worry at all about the larger world.
In fact, it is best just to pretend it doesn’t exist. Live small. Love everyone, even the assholes. Realize that their actions are born of fear. Do right where you are. If everyone stopped worrying about things outside of their immediate scope and instead focused on performing right actions where they are, the world would be better, but you can’t control everybody. You can only control you. Focus on the things you can improve and try not to know anything about the rest. You will be happier and better for those around you if you do.
That’s great news kiddo! A bit of advice for the future… while the distractions of ADHD are very real, if you ever find yourself losing interest in the things you love, talk to someone who cares. I didn’t and I alienated myself from everyone I loved and cared about. If you’re my kidforaminute, I am so sorry. I can never get that time back with you and all I needed to do was ask for help and talk it out.
I hope you make some great music and live your best life. You deserve the world.
Aw thanks! it’s pretty natural for me to move on between hobbies on a 2 week basis, so I’m always losing interest in things I love, but it’s not a sad thing, just nice to have something that sticks as well.
I’m sure wherever your kid is, they will understand. Life is rough and it’s complicated, it’s the toughest teacher - she lets you fail first and teaches you a lesson second. Knowing this about yourself shows how far you’ve come. All you can do is keep moving forward.
Well done! I am proud of you.
I know life can be a bit much sometimes, but I know that you have the strength and determination to push through.
Dont feel bad about jumping between hobbies, do what ever makes you happy for as long as it makes you happy. You will always learn something, and learning is never a waste.
I hope your music brings you comfort.
