Distractions galore

I've trained all my life not to be distracted by distractions.

~ Nik Wallenda

Remember the talking dog in the Pixar movie, Up? He’d be doing something then all of a sudden…

SQUIRREL!

…he'd be distracted and focused on a squirrel detected in the periphery.

This has been me lately.

My husband, who shared the scene from the movie, laughs when I catch myself squirrelling now.

Multitasking

Multitasking creates a dopamine-addiction feedback loop, effectively rewarding the brain for losing focus and for constantly searching for external stimulation.

~ Daniel Levitin

I've had the house decorated for Christmas since the end of November.

Although the weather threatens to interfere, we have been looking forward to hosting 25 family members for dinner on Christmas day. Many have yet to see our new home and are excited to come.

It’s Thursday afternoon. I have to post a blog tomorrow.

I sit at our kitchen table. I try to think of something to write. I look up at the fireplace. It looks pretty. All of a sudden…

SQUIRREL!

… I think the nativity scene barn on the mantel would look better if it had a blanket of snow on the roof (even though there is no snow in Bethlehem). What can I use?

I look around the house. No luck.

Searching the web for ideas...

SQUIRREL!

... I become distracted by a recipe. The recipe calls for sage.

I have a sage plant on my counter. I search for health benefits.

The physical health benefits of this healing herb include:

• Relieving headaches and sore throat pain

• Reducing oxidative stress in the body

• Protecting against free radical damage4

• Reducing inflammation

• Protecting against bacterial and viral infections

• Supporting digestion

• Protecting against memory loss

• Reducing depression or improving mood

But apparently, people are burning sage for spiritual reasons. I wonder why? Another search.

I pick an open tab. Our daughter’s latest video in Unique Perspectives with Erica...

SQUIRREL!

…comes up. Gotta watch it. I see, PopCross Studios, our son's YouTube channel featured below. I click on that too.

You know where this is going. We've all been here.

Attention deficit?

Despite what the words "attention deficit" imply, ADHD is not a deficit of attention, but rather a challenge of regulating it at will or on demand.

~ Jenara Nerenberg

I had to pause and reflect on the fact that I have been exceptionally distracted lately. Can’t sit still. Can’t focus on one task at a time.

Hmmm. The morning cold water plunges have spiked my adrenaline. I feel euphoric and have an abundance of energy when done.

Other than Tuesday and Wednesday this week, when we were in the city, without fail, I put on my bathing suit when I awaken. It is my cue for the cold water plunge.

I get such a dopamine high with the anticipation. At the first hint of daylight, I step outside and into the ice-cold lake.

SQUIRREL!

…Oh no! The thoughts come. Am I addicted? Maybe, a blog for another day.

Wishing you all a squirrel-free, safe, healthy and joyful holiday season.