The Brain Game

What are the words you would use to describe your brain
and how it works?

Do you have a foggy brain? A chatty or talkative brain? A silly brain?

It may sound like an odd question, but your answer matters. The way you think about your brain and how it works—especially as someone living with ADHD—makes a difference.

Finding a positive spin

Recently, on Taking Control: The ADHD Podcast, we talked to Dr. Sharon Saline about how ADHDers label or describe their brain and how it works.

"...it would be great for you listeners out there to think about if you took the ADHD label away, what would you call your brain? We want to have a name that makes sense for your lived experience, and that's where you can reclaim your power."

Then, Dr. Saline asked Pete to share the descriptions he would give his brain. One of the words he used was "impulsive". We all know that to be a common term when you live with ADHD, but, Dr. Saline suggested using the word "spontaneous" instead, as it feels a little less negative of a word to describe what Pete experiences.

Now, what you may not have heard was the conversation that occurred after we stopped recording.

We record our podcast episodes and live stream the video for our Patreon members to watch along, chat during the recording, and get a chance to ask our guests questions after the recording ends.

After we finished the podcast on this day, we noticed a discussion happening in the chat where one member mentioned how they would describe their brain and included the word "anxiety/worry". Then, another member chimed in after hearing Dr. Saline offer Pete a positive alternative and suggested using the word "caring" rather than "anxiety" or "worry".

This was such a positive interaction, Dr. Saline, Pete, and I all tried to find ways to add a positive spin to some of our brain words!

And now I am sharing it with you!

It's your turn

What are the words you would use to describe your brain and how it works? How do those words make you feel about yourself? Does it feel more positive or negative?

If the words feel more negative, or they have you feeling bad about yourself, it's time to find a new way to describe your brain!

Below, I have included a few word swaps you can try to get you started:

Instead of anxious or nervous, try:

• Caring

• Concerned

• Careful

Instead of impulsive, try:

• Spontaneous

• Passionate

• Driven

Instead of silly, try:

• Care-free

• Playful

• Imaginative

• Eccentric

Instead of confused, try:

• Curious

• Interested

Instead of wrong, try:

• Different

• Unique

I hope this has got you thinking about how you describe your brain and how it works. Don't ever stop trying to put a positive spin on those negative thoughts. You deserve it!

Thank you for your time and attention,

Nikki

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