The DU Lounge

I wonder from time to time what you’ve been up to. I figured you were maybe a political consultant somewhere, or possibly running a boutique hotel in a foreign capital frequented by colorful and slightly dangerous characters living on the fringes of society. (Maybe that’s my long-suppressed dream!)

“Crypto trader and aspiring children’s book author” wasn’t on my radar! There are so many possibilities for us to re-invent ourselves.

I’m not a doctor or a psychologist, but it seems to me that a great many people, myself included, are on a spectrum of attention deficit disorder. I have a friend with full-blown ADHD — who’s been clinically diagnosed but refuses to take medication for it — who completely shakes up her life every few years. (My wife and I are among her core group of friends who’ve stuck with her despite the recurring bewilderment and frustration that comes from decades of trying to hug a tornado!)

The “without the H” contingent is a more subtle group, and I also know folks who fit firmly in that camp. Depression, disorganization, and many abandoned plans are all among their challenges. (But creativity and insatiable curiosity on the plus side.) If I’m on that spectrum, this is more my tribe, so I can relate to your narrative.

A supportive spouse and loving family and friends have made all the difference in my life, and it sounds like you’re similarly blessed. So enjoy your good fortune and keep creating your meandering path as you go along! You will find ways to be useful and fulfilled, I am certain.

And heartfelt thanks to you (and EarlG and Elad — and whoever else is keeping this crazy, wonderful phenomenon going) for this marvelous gift that’s been such an important part of my life for 24+ years and a refuge and inspiration for hundreds (thousands, probably) of others.