Aspergers obsessions, how to stop?
I have had obsessions all my life, often changing every few months or years, but these days, approaching my 30's, it seems I've become addicted to my obsessions. I'd like to stop all of them. If I don't, they'll just ruin my life. All I do is repeat the behavior that I don't even wish to be doing, and if I am not able to, it obesses me to a point where I'll be day-dreaming about it every second of the day. It just drives me nuts, and I keep doing it.
But I've only very recently come to understand I have aspergers. Prior to this I did a lot of research and thinking on why I was stuck in toxic obsessions all the time, over-doing everything. And I never managed to find empowering information. Now that I do research on aspergers, most of what I find is information on what defines aspergers but nothing much on how to make the best of it.
Do you have any advice on what to do when your AS life starts revolving around aspie weaknesses for too long and on how to use your aspie strengths in order to find more balance in your aspie life?
Thanks!
Don't automatically assume that all obsessions are necessarily negative. Many can be destructive, but just as many can be productive. The important thing is to learn to focus your energies on the obsessions which have the potential to be productive.
Example: obsessing over a romantic relationship can lead to something destructive (think Van Gogh), but many artists and writers have turned their obsessions with another person into bestselling novels, popular symphonies, or priceless works of art. The obsession is the same; the difference lies in how the individual channeled their obsessive passions.
If you can, find a copy of "Brainstorm: Harnessing the Power of Productive Obsessions" by Eric and Ann Maisel. Amazing book, which teaches you how to make your tendency to obsess into a talent which can serve you well in the pursuit of your interests, as well as avoid obsessions which are likely to be damaging.
One of my jobs (I have two part-time) is the result of my obsession with natural history collections. The job was created for me, because a supervisor recognized that my obsession was indicative of an innate talent. So don't give up on your obsessions completely--mine gets me a paycheck!! !! (Not a big one, but better than nothing!)
