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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
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DIRTY LAUNDRY summary
Richard Pink
Roxanne Emery
Why adults with ADHD are so ashamed and what we can do to help
17 mins
Brief summary
Dirty Laundry by Richard Pink and Roxanne Emery explores the secrets of the laundry industry, tracing its evolution from humble beginnings to a global empire. With candid insights from industry insiders and engaging storytelling, this book packs a punch.
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DIRTY LAUNDRY
Summary of 6 key ideas
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Key idea 1 of 6
Nobody Loses Things on Purpose
Do you know that feeling when you check your pocket and your phone isn’t there? That rising sense of shame and humiliation, as you go back through the likely places, eventually accepting that you’ve lost another expensive device?
Rox knows that feeling very well. In her life she’s lost thirteen phones, eighteen wallets, and two passports. She’s slept on her doorstep because she lost her keys. Her biggest shame comes from losing the last letter her mother ever wrote to her.
Nobody loses things on purpose. This is particularly true for those like Rox who live with ADHD. No matter how much she would explain that it wasn’t her fault, people called her disrespectful or careless. And she would believe them – nobody else loses three wallets in six months, so there must be something wrong with her.
This self-hatred slowly turned to understanding after her diagnosis. She didn’t need more shame and scolding – she needed help and compassion. These days, Rox still loses things, but has learned to change the way she talks to herself about it, and has picked up a few tricks to make this symptom more manageable.
Leaving reminders doesn’t work. It just gives you another thing to forget to do, increasing the blame and frustration when you fail. Rox’s suggestion is one of acceptance. You have ADHD, and that means that you are going to lose things. It’s not your fault, and nobody should make you feel bad about it. Including yourself.
If you learn to regulate your emotions through breathing or meditation, the stress of losing something can be reduced. Pay attention to times when you’re rushing or overwhelmed – this is when you’re most likely to be forgetting something.
Put some safety measures in place. This is where a friend or loved one can help. Give a neighbor a spare key, or have your partner carry an extra phone charger, for example.
If you’re caring for someone with ADHD, the best thing you can do is offer a safe and supportive environment. Don’t make them feel bad if they lose something. Instead, help them when you can, and work together to fix any problems caused by the lost item.
Patience and compassion can go a long way.
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Key ideas in DIRTY LAUNDRY
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What is DIRTY LAUNDRY about?
Dirty Laundry (2023) is an honest and humorous glimpse into the daily chaos that is life with ADHD. Whether you’re diagnosed, undiagnosed, or just trying to better understand a loved one, these real-life stories and practical advice can help you learn from and live with the struggles of this chronic disorder.
DIRTY LAUNDRY Review
Dirty Laundry (2022) offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of investigative journalism and the hidden truths behind major news stories. Here's why this book is worth a read:
- With insider revelations and firsthand accounts, it provides a rare, behind-the-scenes look at the rigorous process of investigative reporting.
- Through its compelling narratives and shocking revelations, it keeps readers hooked from beginning to end, ensuring an engrossing reading experience.
- By shedding light on the ethics and challenges faced by journalists, it offers a thought-provoking exploration of the power and responsibility of the press.
Who should read DIRTY LAUNDRY?
- Those living with ADHD who want their struggle to be seen.
- Members of neurodivergent households looking for ways to best help the people they care about.
- Anyone who needs to take the shame, judgment, or frustration out of living with ADHD.
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DIRTY LAUNDRY FAQs
What is the main message of DIRTY LAUNDRY?
The main message of DIRTY LAUNDRY is our hidden biases and how they impact our decision-making.
How long does it take to read DIRTY LAUNDRY?
The reading time for DIRTY LAUNDRY varies depending on the reader's speed, but it typically takes several hours. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is DIRTY LAUNDRY a good book? Is it worth reading?
DIRTY LAUNDRY is a thought-provoking and eye-opening book that's definitely worth reading.
Who is the author of DIRTY LAUNDRY?
The authors of DIRTY LAUNDRY are Richard Pink and Roxanne Emery.
What to read after DIRTY LAUNDRY?
If you're wondering what to read next after DIRTY LAUNDRY, here are some recommendations we suggest:
- Scattered Minds by Gabor Maté
- Faster Than Normal by Peter Shankman
- The Myth of Normal by Gabor Maté with Daniel Maté
- Neurodiversity at Work by Theo Smith and Amanda Kirby
- Successful Time Management by Patrick Forsyth
- ADHD 2.0 by Edward M. Hallowell and John J. Ratey
- When the Body Says No by Gabor Maté
- The ADHD Effect on Marriage by Melissa Orlov
- 18 Minutes by Peter Bregman
- In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts by Gabor Maté