MD and Socializing

[Jessica Ballantyne]

I was a maladaptive daydreamer for 25 years. I always wanted meaningful relationships and connections in the life. I had the chance, and I could've spoken up if I wanted someone. Instead I preferred to dive into daydreams everyday. This effected my performance around others, giving them a mixed bag of ideas that maybe I didn't like them and was being hostile on purpose. It put on a reputation, and I had many problems finding friends, because my head was stuck the sand of dreams hour by hour. Also, I have Asperger syndrome, which didn't make my situation any easier and I struggled to verbally express myself. Plus, being a maladaptive daydreamer, and an introverted as I was, this kept me sitting in my room over the years, not getting out of my comfort zone to be in contact with people. 

If I understood how to resolve my issues with Asperger syndrome and quit daydreaming, and challenged myself to pay attention to people more, I wouldn't have been so self-isolated. I always believed that life will get better, but it never did get better. I stayed the same individual for the next 25 years, not making a difference in my life. Now I'm filled with regret about it. Wish I took valuable advice early in the game. 

I wrote so many journals and blogged many times online, some people did hear me and give advice, which I should be following. However, there was a road block, and felt discouraged to change my ways at first. I enjoyed the comforts of my home life and my MD. Thing is change makes us happier people, even if we're very uncomfortable at first. I wish that I did make myself uncomfortable and took my chances. 

[HowToKillADragon]

What advice did you receive that you wished you had followed? What advice do you have for someone who is trying to stop MD?

[Jessica Ballantyne]

Advice that I have is please do quit. There is a big world out there. Exposing my MD in the real world almost cost my happiness and wellbeing, and freedom. People have eyes, ears, and senses. They know what you're up to, even if it wasn't easy for them to detect, they'll wonder where you were just now, when they said something a moment ago...and wonder if you were listening at all. I've met people who couldn't keep their cool...even my own sister. Adulthood is not a funny game. Depending on how firm the company is, they're watching you, and know when you are day dreaming. Maybe it's just me! 
But I've compressed my MD ways as flat as pancakes, and someone in my life still thinks I'm in another galactic-a for whatever reason. Being different, unique, and special is highly miscomprehended in societal norms. 

I can't help who I am inside. I was born this way, but it's become my burden in this life. I like to dream sometimes, to get my creative juices flowing and flourish the imagination to improve my artwork and writing—but keep it in the studio. Otherwise, everybody, including some family members think I need good psychiatric attention. And they think they're right. 

Advice I received, Lot's. Write or draw it down on paper. Meditate. Clear the mind. Release. Change the subject. Stretch. Exercise. Learn to stay focused. Take deep breathes. Be with others. There are many ways to quit.