Listen now (76 min) | In episode 72, Chris and Emma talked with Dr. Lil Jedynak—a memoir writing coach, multi-potential creative, and gifted adult—who helps people tell their life stories through the lens of autoethnography.
Lil shares her journey of self-discovery, from uncovering her giftedness at 60 to finding new frameworks for understanding her life, such as Dąbrowski’s Theory of Positive Disintegration. We explore how writing became a tool for her healing, integration, and personal growth and how she now guides others on their own storytelling paths.
We dive into:
How early experiences of invisibility, perfectionism, and cultural expectations shaped Lil’s understanding of her giftedness.
The role of autoethnography in making sense of one’s life story and deepening self-awareness.
The interplay between tall poppy syndrome, perfectionism, and the fear of failure.
The power of embracing past struggles as part of personal development.
How creativity, intuition, and personal reflection help gifted individuals integrate their complex identities.
Alternative ways to process and express self-discovery beyond writing.
This conversation is full of insight into the lived experience of positive disintegration and how we can turn our personal narratives into sources of strength. Whether you love to write or prefer other forms of self-expression, there are many ways to make meaning of your story. Join us for an inspiring discussion that celebrates authenticity, creativity, and the art of storytelling.
I'm midstream in this one, and as usual, I go in wondering, "Will this be of any interest to me?" Well... healing and writing (especially) have been central to my journey, so I honestly did have an inkling!
I listen to these podcast episodes and each time typically will connect with the discussion such that I want to reflect and share. Yet... life intervenes and I don't get to actually writing something.
So I'm trying something different... reflecting in near real-time as I'm so inspired. Here goes...
You and Lil have a segment where you discuss compare the concepts around autobiography and auto-ethnography. What really hit home is how you all experienced a realization of painfully deep self-criticism and a mourning grief that followed. It happens that I'm very much is just such a phase right now. It's enlightening... huge new perspectives are opening up. But man... It's as though I cannot put words to the pain and grief I'm experiencing (though I know I will try in time).
What's so critical here is to know that I am not alone in such experiences. I "know" cognitively that I am not alone. Yet, within the systems of the physical, emotional and psychic (as in psyche) body there is still much adaptation, learning, and rewiring to work through. Hearing Lil and Chris express their own experiences in this realm... this is good medicine that helps move the process along.
I strongly suspect that I'm not alone in such a response. Thank you so much for your work. It has massive impacts that aren't always easily seen. But they are certainly there.
Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Eric. I’m always touched when you take the time to reflect in real time. That segment with Lil and me around autobiography and autoethnography came from such a raw, personal place. Hearing that it resonated with you is humbling. That realization of deep self-criticism and the grief that follows… it’s heavy, and I know how much courage it takes to sit with it. It gets better. I've learned to cultivate much more self-compassion in recent years, and I wish I'd been able to access it when I was younger.
You’re absolutely not alone. And it’s true—knowing that cognitively is one thing, but feeling less alone, that’s a whole other level. I’m grateful our conversation could be a kind of “good medicine” for you. Your words remind me why we do this, and I hope you keep reflecting and sharing, even if it’s just with yourself for now. Sending you love and solidarity as you move through this phase—there’s something transformative waiting on the other side. ❤️
My gifted integration is heading towards what Lil described (creativity, intuition and even more personal reflection). Great to hear an advanced point of view 😃
I'm midstream in this one, and as usual, I go in wondering, "Will this be of any interest to me?" Well... healing and writing (especially) have been central to my journey, so I honestly did have an inkling!
I listen to these podcast episodes and each time typically will connect with the discussion such that I want to reflect and share. Yet... life intervenes and I don't get to actually writing something.
So I'm trying something different... reflecting in near real-time as I'm so inspired. Here goes...
You and Lil have a segment where you discuss compare the concepts around autobiography and auto-ethnography. What really hit home is how you all experienced a realization of painfully deep self-criticism and a mourning grief that followed. It happens that I'm very much is just such a phase right now. It's enlightening... huge new perspectives are opening up. But man... It's as though I cannot put words to the pain and grief I'm experiencing (though I know I will try in time).
What's so critical here is to know that I am not alone in such experiences. I "know" cognitively that I am not alone. Yet, within the systems of the physical, emotional and psychic (as in psyche) body there is still much adaptation, learning, and rewiring to work through. Hearing Lil and Chris express their own experiences in this realm... this is good medicine that helps move the process along.
I strongly suspect that I'm not alone in such a response. Thank you so much for your work. It has massive impacts that aren't always easily seen. But they are certainly there.
Thank you so much for sharing this with us, Eric. I’m always touched when you take the time to reflect in real time. That segment with Lil and me around autobiography and autoethnography came from such a raw, personal place. Hearing that it resonated with you is humbling. That realization of deep self-criticism and the grief that follows… it’s heavy, and I know how much courage it takes to sit with it. It gets better. I've learned to cultivate much more self-compassion in recent years, and I wish I'd been able to access it when I was younger.
You’re absolutely not alone. And it’s true—knowing that cognitively is one thing, but feeling less alone, that’s a whole other level. I’m grateful our conversation could be a kind of “good medicine” for you. Your words remind me why we do this, and I hope you keep reflecting and sharing, even if it’s just with yourself for now. Sending you love and solidarity as you move through this phase—there’s something transformative waiting on the other side. ❤️
Yesssssss Lil!!! Overexcited to listen to this one
Thank you so much🙏 Love to hear your thoughts Robin🧡
We can’t wait to hear your reaction, Robin! 🥰
This was so resonating! ❤️ loved it
My gifted integration is heading towards what Lil described (creativity, intuition and even more personal reflection). Great to hear an advanced point of view 😃
That’s amazing Robin! Wonderful that so much resonated with you! Makes my heart sing with joy⭐️
I’m so glad it resonated. It’s been great witnessing and being part of your gifted integration journey, Robin. 🙏✨