This book was created to use as a discussion starter about things we can do as we go through life. It’s 3+ feet across when opened and really works best to read it on the floor.

I used flowers and birds as encouragement to go outside. I used the word “vast” and the image of something space-ish as a reminder that life is full of great adventures waiting to be discovered.

This book is so big it comes with its own storage box. The box is covered with glittery paper because it reminded me of the vastness of space, and of life, and of the sparkle in their eyes.

When you first open the box, here’s what you’ll see.

The article url at the bottom of the circle was the one where I learned about VAST in the first place.

ADHD vs. VAST: What’s the difference, really?

Carefully take the book out of the box, and here’s what it will look like when you flip it over.

That looks like a wild mess, but now the fun begins!

Carefully open it up, and unfold each flower, petal by petal, stem by stem.

As you go along, you’ll see that each flower has a center with a picture of a bird and a few words that explain the attribute I decided to associate with each bird.

Hummingbird – movement
Magpie – self awareness
Crow – organization
Heron – concentration
Woodpecker – perseverance

Here’s how it looks from that side after it is completely opened up.

Next, carefully turn it over to see the other side.

Now only the bird picture itself is the flower’s center. Each petal has a short reminder or suggestion such as …

* “start your day at the gym or the pool”
* “automate your money”
* “wear a fidget spinner ring”
* “take a professionally administered aptitude test”
* “train for a career that is exciting, complicated or dangerous”

and various other thoughts.

Use what works for you, leave aside the rest, and carry on with creating the wonderful life you want for yourself.

Here’s how it looks opened up on that side.

I was scrolling along aimlessly when I accidentally discovered the proposed new reframing of ADHD to VAST. I acknowledge that there is some controversy about the idea and I’m not trying to convince anyone one way or another. The article did give me the idea for the book project, though, so here we are.

Here are a couple of other articles to get you started.

ADHD Needs a Better Name. We Have One.

VAST vs ADHD: Understanding Variable Attention Stimulation Trait and Its Relationship to ADHD

I also worked on this project for the #areyoubookenough monthly prompt from Sept 2017. (Yes, I know, I’m way behind, but I’m trying to catch up and do the ones I’ve missed). It has flowers for the flora & birds for the fauna. The pieces were cut from the back cardboard of yellow legal pads, painting was done with acrylics, and everything was hinged together with so much tape. It took quite a bit, but finally I got it to all stay together the way I imagined.

#areyoubookenough
#areyoubookenough_floraandfauna