NEUROSPICY
In which I discuss living (and working) with a deviant brain
“Neurodivergent.” That’s the word we’re touting these days. If your brain doesn’t work along certain generic guidelines, it’s divergent. Fair enough. However, I predict that one day we’re going to understand the workings of the brain enough that we’ll realize (as we’re already beginning to) that everything is on a spectrum—we’ll do away with boxes (in which we diagnostically stick people so we can feel comfortable) and realize that everyone’s brains work differently—some marginally so, some extremely so—and come up with better ways to learn, to analyze and to implement.
But for right now, I observe that a higher quotient of those that might be termed “divergent” seem to be in the Arts, in the creative sectors of life. It might look a little like this: spurts of creativity followed by slumps of creative block; mad organizational skill followed by an inability even to organize one’s grocery list; relentless positivity which plummets into the doldrums of self-professed inadequacy.
To me, the above seems commonplace; that’s just how it is, every day, for a majority of the creative folks I know—yes, even the professionals, which is why I’m writing this today: Just because your beautiful brain has its own idea of “normal,” which may count as “divergent,” doesn’t mean you can’t achieve your goals as well as anyone.
The trick is learning to work with, or at least around, what your brain is doing. Have you hit a wall with one project? Move to another. Side-step. Pivot. Is that not working? Perhaps begin something new that entices you, never forgetting that you have more on your plate. Take advantage of hyperfocus when you have it, and shut down the screens and get out of the house and go for a walk when you don’t.
Neurodiversity isn’t a handicap. Read that again. NEURODIVERSITY IS NOT A HANDICAP. It’s your individual way of getting things done. If someone else’s method doesn’t work for you, that’s not a defeat—that’s not a failure! You know your brain best, you know what it needs, what works well with your process and what does not. Honour that. Make hay while the sun shines, as they say, and know the difference between “when to fish or cut bait,” as it were.
Fellow creatives, our brains and their workings are not obstacles. They are opportunities. If we listen to what they’re telling us, if we provide what they need in the moment, we stand a much better chance of having rewarding, creative careers because we will then have figured out how to work with our “divergence” as a partner rather than an adversary.
This week, I’ve felt scattered and blocked—so I sidestepped. I pivoted. Instead of writing, I lettered some pages, updated my website (my comic shop is now open, check it out!) and did necessary out-of-the-house errands. I even bought myself fun little pumpkin ornaments for the coming fall season. All of this fed my brain what it needed, and I continue to chug along without ever having to come to a full stop.
I like the term “Neurospicy” as a way of indicating the excitement of not knowing in which state one might awaken on a particular day; but I’m always chasing the “NeuroSPARKLY” happiness of being in sync with my own brain and what it needs to work.
Be your own partner. Be your brain’s best friend. Acknowledge and honour what you need to move forward, and do that! Now, let’s go make stuff!
