I'm so sorry I haven't read and listened to this post sooner. I wish I could use it as a tool to encourage the older generation that would see themselves as Michael to become mentors. Every older person I meet I encourage them to write down their experiences and thoughts. Even just to pass down within their family. The knowledge of an older generation is invaluable to the current and future generations. Thank you for being candid and vulnerable on this journey. I'm so happy I get to listen to your podcasts and read your work. I hope you do see yourself as a modern day professor. I say that as a current college student that has cited your podcast in papers. I think in the future I could see a positive disintegration class being taught using the podcast episodes.
Deanna, thank you for sharing this with me. When I wrote this piece, I hoped people might understand how meaningful it has been for me to study the theory with Michael while also getting to become his friend. What you've said here feels humbling and gratifying.
The "modern day professor" part really struck me. The piece mentions not becoming the professor I once thought I would, and Michael's likely disappointment about the Substack work. Hearing that description from a current college student who has cited the podcast in papers is the most direct evidence I've had that the work is reaching the people I hoped it would.
Your practice of asking every older person you meet to write down their experiences is something I want to do more of. I've been trying to do it with Michael for years, and the difficulty is that he's modest and doesn't think his story matters the way it does. If you've found ways past that with the older people in your life, please tell me how.
As for the idea of a positive disintegration class taught from podcast episodes: I'd love to see it. Maybe someday we can make it a reality. ✨
Yes! Just like how crash course started out as a YouTube series I could definitely see Positive disintegration to be formatted into a course structure. Especially to help guide people in a way that is more structured so if they feel lost, a user guide could help them navigate in a self discovery type of way. I'll definitely pitch you more of my thoughts as you know I love to. As for speaking with the older generation my mom turns 71 in a few weeks and honestly it's not perfect. I'd even say talking to Deborah Ruf through email she gave me the most confidence. I'd say it's not much different from parenting and marriage as you have to give space for processing. My advice is general helpful (neurokin) advice which is to ask open ended questions and I think my answers in my head before I respond. My ADHD always makes me want to interrupt people so I have to control myself. Do you like the books by Marylou Kelly Streznewski? I haven't talked to her but I remember her blog: https://streznewskiwrites.com/2013/08/27/heart-rending-heart-mending/ it was very insightful for aging especially in giftedness. I think his work, his view points, and absolutely his writing is going to be important especially for the current and future generations. Especially because it will be known as prior to artificial intelligence. I can't guarantee that will inspire intrinsic motivation, but I trust you would know best.
What a post to read, what inspiration! Thank you Chris. I am so grateful that you are sharing your writing on substack. Just the part about you moving house and dealing with the passing of a family member - I am dealing with building and family issues that are, to my mind, 'distracting' me from the huge pile of stuff I have piled up in my head to be sorted out! Sigh. Breathe. There is time, and there is an aim for something I can't let go of even if I wanted to. I have saved the reading material in this post and will read. thanks again 🙏🙌🍂🔥
Thank you, Marisa! 🙏 You're right that we do need to allow ourselves to breathe and allow the unfolding to happen in its own time. I am so glad you've found this writing helpful as you go through your own process.
I also want to do something in the field of gifted education. I’m 43 and finishing my undergrad in data science. Still doesn’t know what is the right career choice for me.
I want to understand more about TPD and giftedness.
I'm so sorry I haven't read and listened to this post sooner. I wish I could use it as a tool to encourage the older generation that would see themselves as Michael to become mentors. Every older person I meet I encourage them to write down their experiences and thoughts. Even just to pass down within their family. The knowledge of an older generation is invaluable to the current and future generations. Thank you for being candid and vulnerable on this journey. I'm so happy I get to listen to your podcasts and read your work. I hope you do see yourself as a modern day professor. I say that as a current college student that has cited your podcast in papers. I think in the future I could see a positive disintegration class being taught using the podcast episodes.
Deanna, thank you for sharing this with me. When I wrote this piece, I hoped people might understand how meaningful it has been for me to study the theory with Michael while also getting to become his friend. What you've said here feels humbling and gratifying.
The "modern day professor" part really struck me. The piece mentions not becoming the professor I once thought I would, and Michael's likely disappointment about the Substack work. Hearing that description from a current college student who has cited the podcast in papers is the most direct evidence I've had that the work is reaching the people I hoped it would.
Your practice of asking every older person you meet to write down their experiences is something I want to do more of. I've been trying to do it with Michael for years, and the difficulty is that he's modest and doesn't think his story matters the way it does. If you've found ways past that with the older people in your life, please tell me how.
As for the idea of a positive disintegration class taught from podcast episodes: I'd love to see it. Maybe someday we can make it a reality. ✨
Yes! Just like how crash course started out as a YouTube series I could definitely see Positive disintegration to be formatted into a course structure. Especially to help guide people in a way that is more structured so if they feel lost, a user guide could help them navigate in a self discovery type of way. I'll definitely pitch you more of my thoughts as you know I love to. As for speaking with the older generation my mom turns 71 in a few weeks and honestly it's not perfect. I'd even say talking to Deborah Ruf through email she gave me the most confidence. I'd say it's not much different from parenting and marriage as you have to give space for processing. My advice is general helpful (neurokin) advice which is to ask open ended questions and I think my answers in my head before I respond. My ADHD always makes me want to interrupt people so I have to control myself. Do you like the books by Marylou Kelly Streznewski? I haven't talked to her but I remember her blog: https://streznewskiwrites.com/2013/08/27/heart-rending-heart-mending/ it was very insightful for aging especially in giftedness. I think his work, his view points, and absolutely his writing is going to be important especially for the current and future generations. Especially because it will be known as prior to artificial intelligence. I can't guarantee that will inspire intrinsic motivation, but I trust you would know best.
What a post to read, what inspiration! Thank you Chris. I am so grateful that you are sharing your writing on substack. Just the part about you moving house and dealing with the passing of a family member - I am dealing with building and family issues that are, to my mind, 'distracting' me from the huge pile of stuff I have piled up in my head to be sorted out! Sigh. Breathe. There is time, and there is an aim for something I can't let go of even if I wanted to. I have saved the reading material in this post and will read. thanks again 🙏🙌🍂🔥
Thank you, Marisa! 🙏 You're right that we do need to allow ourselves to breathe and allow the unfolding to happen in its own time. I am so glad you've found this writing helpful as you go through your own process.
I keep your substack posts marked as 'unread' in my Gmail, and open them as a treat whenever I have time!
Thank you so much for sharing this with me, Marisa. It's amazing to think that my words could be saved as a treat!
Again something wonderful to read!
I also want to do something in the field of gifted education. I’m 43 and finishing my undergrad in data science. Still doesn’t know what is the right career choice for me.
I want to understand more about TPD and giftedness.
I’m glad that I subscribed to this sub stack!!
Thank you, Ghazala! When I start sharing more about Michael's work, the connections between TPD and giftedness will become even clearer for you.
I'm so glad you're reading, and I hope you find inspiration for your own career path!