Podcasts about embracing intensity

Are your emotions leading you closer to God—or pulling you away?In this powerful episode of the Eyes on Jesus Podcast, Drew and Tim explore the role of emotions in our spiritual lives. Too often, we either let emotions dictate our faith or suppress them entirely. But what if emotions were never meant to be in control—only to guide us?✅ Why emotions are like a thermometer, not a steering wheel in your faith.✅ How Jesus displayed emotions—without letting them control Him.✅ The dangers of extreme emotionalism vs. cold intellectualism in faith.✅ Practical ways to submit emotions to God while still embracing them.✅ How revival often begins with deep emotional encounters with God.

This week in the Realignment Podcast, my love @kevinparismusic and I sit down for a super raw and intimate conversation. We share the story of how we met, how we navigate non-attachment in our relationship and manage to create a relationship without projections. We share about our work, and what a relationship can feel like when both people practice somatic and parts work. We also talk about the importance of surrender, God, healing chronic illness by seeing the body as "already healed", healing reactions, our own journey with energy healing and much more. My 12-week REALIGNMENT program is now open for enrollment, we start 3.17. Limited spots available. Kevin is taking on limited 1:1 clients, you can read more on his website hereSign up for my newsletter & get instant access to ALL my masterclasses hereSign up for Kevin's newsletter here------02:50 The Story of How We Met07:38 Navigating Relationship Dynamics and Projections12:32 Exploring Intimacy and Safety in Relationships18:45 Commitment, Change, and Surrender in Love33:25 Understanding and Handling Projections44:49 Somatic Practices for Emotional Release45:31 Co-Regulation in Relationships46:00 Embracing Intensity and Duality50:17 The Power of Surrender52:47 Understanding and Integrating God01:03:33 The Role of Desire and Limiting Beliefs01:06:00 The Body as Divine and Emotional Release01:21:31 Generational Healing and Emotional Purging01:25:52 Finding Safety in Healing Reactions01:30:58 Exploring the Concept of Sickness and Healing01:32:32 Personal Stories of Energy Healing01:36:35 Exercises to Enhance Telepathy and Energy Healing01:42:48 The Epidemic of Disconnection01:51:54 The Power of Internal Shifts and Surrender02:03:29 Music and Creative Collaboration02:09:01 Working with Couples and Personal Growth02:15:03 Closing Thoughts and Future Offerings

Scott Parkinson is the assistant coach at Seattle Reign who are part of the USWL.Scott Parkinson's Journey and Coaching Philosophy - 5:54Scott Parkinson, the head assistant coach at Seattle Reign FC, shares his journey from playing football in the UK to coaching in the US. He discusses the pivotal moments in his coaching journey, including learning about the collective 11 and the level of detail in coaching. He also emphasizes his coaching philosophy, which revolves around energy, application, and intensity in every aspect of the game.Embracing Intensity and Chaos in Soccer Strategy - 20:14Scott Parkinson, drawing from his experience and passion for soccer, emphasizes the significance of transitional moments and the tactical evolution of the game. He stresses the need for a strong structure around the ball and the importance of leaving players higher when pressing to maintain an attacking threat. Additionally, he shares his enjoyment of the competitive nature of the game and the strategic approach to creating an environment that balances competitiveness and creative freedom.Tactical Considerations for Crosses and Defensive Transition - 24:03Scott Parkinson delves into the tactical intricacies of crossing and defensive transition, stressing the need for players to understand the risk-reward dynamics and make decisions based on the opponent's shape and strengths. He emphasizes the importance of improving attacking play to minimize the need for defensive transition, while also allowing players the freedom to make decisions and cover for each other based on the situation.Principles of Play and Periodization - 28:56Scott Parkinson shares insights on developing a game idea and aligning principles of play with it. He stresses the significance of an accountability platform to track coaching and ensure the execution of desired behaviors. Additionally, he explains the approach to periodization, emphasizing the need for flexibility in planning based on the team's principles and game idea.Coaching Philosophy and Individual Player Management - 34:08Scott Parkinson and Michael Wright delve into the challenges of coaching and the balance between providing specific instructions and allowing players to think freely on the field. Parkinson shares his realization about the individual needs of players and the importance of using experience to tailor coaching methods to each player's unique learning style.Different Learning Styles of Elite Players - 37:35Scott Parkinson highlights the distinct learning approaches of elite players Becky Sauerbrunn and Kelly O'Hara, both World Cup winners. Sauerbrunn relies on her intuitive understanding of the game and prefers not to watch video clips, while O'Hara meticulously studies game footage, even when not playing. Parkinson emphasizes the need to recognize and accommodate individual learning styles to optimize player development within the team structure.Importance of Confidence and Soft Skills in Coaching - 46:16Scott Parkinson shares insights on the essential qualities for coaching success, emphasizing the need for confidence, preparation, and resilience. He also discusses the significance of soft skills in building rapport and earning respect from players and colleagues. Additionally, he reflects on the character traits that have helped him thrive in the competitive world of professional sports coaching.Insights on Elite Players and Coaches - 56:04Scott Parkinson highlights the exceptional qualities of elite players he has worked with, such as their intense training, leadership, and winning mentality. He also reflects on the three words he hopes to be known for - "All in," "joyful," and "passionate" - and the importance of being there for anyone who needs him. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the "Embracing Intensity" podcast, host Aurora brings on a special guest, Cate Osburn, better known on social media as Catieosaurus. As a certified sex educator with an emphasis on neurodivergency and intimacy, Cate sparks much-needed conversations, tackling topics others often shy away from. With her unique insights drawn from personal experiences and her role as a sex educator, she brings a nuanced understanding of how neurodivergency can interact with intimacy and sex. Throughout the episode, Cate and Aurora, among other topics, delve into the intersection of neurodivergence and intimacy, discuss the impacts of societal norms on sex and relationships, and provide tangible strategies to navigate through intimacy issues. Cate advocates for self-advocacy, shedding light on the importance of open and honest communication within relationships. In a world that rarely discusses the intersection of intimacy and neurodivergence, this conversation with Catieosaurus is a breath of fresh air providing valuable insights, strategies, and reassurance that you are not alone in your struggles. Catch up on this enlightening conversation today. Use the link in the podcast description to join our Embracing Intensity community to access our courses and tools designed to help you use your own intensity without getting burned! Explore different podcast episodes, meet like-minded individuals, and enjoy self-paced learning to better understand and grow from your experiences. In this episode: The relationship and challenges between neurodivergence and intimacy. Tips for navigating sensory issues during sexual activities, such as using tools like headphones. An examination of problematic gender dynamics that can play out in intimate relationships. Ways to manage relationship satisfaction amidst the challenges of neurodivergency. How to distinguish between drama and passion in relationships. The importance of self- advocacy, allowing for the fulfilling and authentic expression of our needs. The concept of "Ask culture" versus "Guess culture" and the effects on relationships and intimacy. Resources: Catieosaurus' Website Embracing Intensity Memberships New Printed Planner  

Original Air Date 8/2/2022 Explaining neurodiversity and why it should be seen as a strength and benefit to society when accommodated properly rather than a problem to be solved or, worse, ignored. Autism, ADHD and other examples of neurodiversity all have positive attributes that rarely get talked about which blinds society to those benefits but also perpetuates stigma. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) Join our Discord community! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: What Exactly is Neurodiversity? - How to ADHD - Air Date 1-18-22 The neurodiversity movement has been around for some time, but what exactly is it? In this video, we talk about what the neurodiversity movement is and how it's linked to the autistic community. Ch. 2: Adriana White - Autism and Neurodiversity: Different Does Not Mean Broken - TEDx Talks - Air Date 11-11-21 In this talk, Adriana discusses the idea of neurodiversity. Many people are labeled incorrectly because their brains are wired differently. Adriana offers awareness and an alternative way to see people as unique and valuable. Ch. 3: Giftedness is Not Achievement with Aurora Remember Holtzman - ADHD Essentials - Air Date 12-11-21 Today, we're talking to Aurora Remember Holtzman. Aurora is a school psychologist, neurodivergence coach, and host of the Embracing Intensity podcast. And her focus is giftedness and twice exceptionality. Ch. 4: Creating a Neurodiversity-Affirming World - Neurodiversity Podcast - Air Date 8-10-21 Emily Kircher-Morris and Joel Schwartz talk about what it would take to create a neurodiversity-affirming world where old stereotypes and perceptions are shed. Ch. 5: Elaine Halligan: Neurodiversity is a super power, not a problem - TEDx Talks - Air Date 11-25-19 We have to break the stigma around mental health and children. Most of the time the signals are quite subtle and can be often overlooked by parents, so many children may be suffering behind closed doors. Ch. 6: The Utility (or Futility) of Labels - The Neurodiversity Podcast - Air Date 7-7-22 The reality of working within a system in flux. The meaning or usefulness of the term “gifted.” The utility (or futility) of labels. The confusion of overlapping diagnoses. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 9: Neurodivergence and Queerness with Leela Sinha - Embracing Intensity - Air Date 5-23-22 Today's episode is a recording of our talk with Leela Sinha on the intersection of neurodivergence and gender. This is definitely not an “inside-the-box” topic. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on the hyper-focus ability of ADHD MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: The neurodiversity awareness symbol - an infinity symbol (a horizontal elongated number 8) in a rainbow of overlapping colors - is against a white background. Image Credit: “Neurodiversity Symbol” by MissLunaRose12, Wikimedia Commons | License: CC by-SA 4.0 | Changes: White background added   Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

This week on Embracing Intensity, I share my experience with the physical and emotional exhaustion that comes with severe burnout. In this episode, I share updates on my personal life that have contributed to burnout, dive into my recovery process and discuss how to overcome burnout symptoms. I also share a preview of what I have coming up as I recover from burnout this summer! Burnout can affect every aspect of your life, from your job to your personal relationships. It's important to recognize the signs of burnout early on and take the necessary steps to address it. Whether it's through improving your work-life balance, seeking social support, or making small changes to your daily routine, there are ways to recover and find relief from burnout. Recent research has shown that burnout is not just a result of long hours and excessive stress, but also a combination of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. It can take a toll on your physical health, immune system, and even your mental well-being. That's why it's crucial to prioritize self-care and engage in activities that promote relaxation and rejuvenation. Join Me In this podcast, we'll explore various burnout recovery techniques, such as incorporating physical activity, spending quality time with friends, and getting enough sleep. We'll also discuss the importance of spending time on things we love, seeking professional help when needed, and finding support from friends, family members, and colleagues. Join me as we navigate the journey of burnout recovery together. I'll share my personal experiences, as well as insights from experts in the field, to help you create a burnout recovery plan that works for you. Whether you're a busy professional, a parent, or someone struggling with burnout in any area of your life, this podcast is here to provide guidance and support. So, grab a cup of tea, find a cozy spot, and let's embark on the path to burnout recovery. Remember, you're not alone, and there is hope for a full recovery. Let's get started. In this episode: I discuss my recent absence from content creation due to burnout and chronic headaches. Factors that have contributed to my burnout including work-related stress and big life changes. Updates on what's been happening for me this year personally.  Giving myself permission not to be productive has been helpful in my burnout recovery. Reconnecting with friends and reaching out for support has been beneficial, as many friends are also struggling after the isolation of the pandemic. Engaging in activities that bring joy and relaxation, such as floating in a pool, can help with relaxation and letting go of stress. Incorporating movement, such as going for walks, and seeking body work and acupuncture can aid in burnout recovery. I am working on catching up on content for the planner club and developing neurodivergent-friendly planners for travel and relationships. I'm open to taking requests for specific planner content to make it more neurodivergent-friendly. I plan to create a printed planner using the disk bound system for customization. Adding a new course to my membership called "Befriending Your Brain, Self Assessment Course." Members of my course membership will have access to upcoming calls, guest speakers, call recordings, and new content. I have many creative ideas and plans for the future, but I also need to honor my own burnout and recovery cycles. Our next monthly call about writing to heal takes place on the third Saturday of the month at 10:00 AM Pacific time.

As neurodivergent creatives, we often find ourselves overwhelmed with too much stuff both in our environment and in our minds. We may be overrun with office supplies, craft supplies, and/or miscellaneous things that support our hyperfixations or latest hyperfocus. The ADHD brain is especially prone to mental clutter, and when our environment is a mess it's even harder to quiet our thoughts. On our last guest call, Nadja Carghetti shared how you can use Marie Kondo's approach to tidy your brain! Many people think you are either tidy or untidy, but the good news is that tidying is something you can learn! In Marie Kondo's book, The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up, she shares how we can systematically tidy our space by getting rid of things that don't spark joy. Marie Kondo's method of tidying can be applied to your mind as well as your stuff and help prioritize the things we spend our mental energy on. On this episode of Embracing Intensity, we share our talk with Nadja Carghetti, former tidying coach and host of the Unleash Monday Podcast, on Tidying Up Your Brain, Marie Kondo Style! In this episode: Why people's homes reflect their life. Nadja's experience of being a multipotentialite and interested in many things. How growing up messy in her tidy parents' house led her to believe you were either tidy or untidy. It took a long time to realize that tidying was something you could learn. The systematic decluttering process that can help you clear your space and mind. How learning the KonMari tidying method led to diving deeper into what brought her joy! Finding yourself through the process of tidying. Why tidying is considered a festival rather than a party. The 5 categories of things and the best order to sort them. Sorting through information overload to find the important bits. * Transcript Available * Links: Join Our Community! Embracing Intensity Membership

Building Self-Advocacy This week on Embracing Intensity, we share our talk with Dr. Matt Zakreski on self-advocacy skills. Self-advocacy is an important skill that can help you take charge of your own life and move toward greater freedom, fulfillment, and happiness. In this episode, we'll explore the concept of self-advocacy and how it can help us feel more empowered in our own daily life. The goal of self-advocacy is to actively advocate on your own behalf to get your needs met. To be a strong self-advocate, you have to have a clear understanding of your own needs. This is important because it will determine your goals and how you will achieve them. If you have a goal in mind, you need to have a plan to get there.  The first step to positive change is to know what you are good at and what you are not good at. Explore how you can use your strengths to your advantage, and use your weaknesses as opportunities for growth.  When you're trying to make a change, bringing in allies is powerful because it can give you insight into the world that you don't have. They can help you see things that you wouldn't have thought about. Gifted and neurodivergent folks often feel like they have to go it alone in their adult life. Self advocates use their support system such as colleagues, service providers, family members, or peer support. They aren't afraid to ask for help! Setting the Stage! It is very important to set the stage and prepare yourself for the conversation ahead of time so that you can be as successful as possible. The best way to do that is to set aside time to prepare and to have all of your notes and your ideas and your facts ready. This way you will be able to focus and be more effective during the conversation. Also, consider doing it at a time and in a place where you can expect to have success. Set up a good place and time to talk about your needs, but give enough context of what you'd like to discuss so the other person doesn't assume the worst.  Before we start with self-advocacy, we also need to consider the person we are advocating to and understand that their strengths and challenges might not be the same as ours. We need to be specific and tangible and help them take ownership and buy into the solution. By taking on a leadership role in the conversation we can help guide its direction. In order to give yourself the best chance possible to succeed, you have to be prepared to be flexible and let go of rigid expectations. If you are getting resistance from your boss or others, it's a good idea to ask yourself, what do I need to do to get to the thing I want? Let them play a meaningful role in shaping what you need to do next. What new things can you try to improve the lives of people you're working with? What employment opportunities might forward your career? Supporting Long Term Success It is also helpful to consider the benefits to everyone and make it a win-win. Explore how you both get the most out of the situation, help build and strengthen relationships and improve the lives of others. Getting what you want in the moment may not pay off in the long run if it means burning a bridge. Communicating clearly and assertively can help get our own needs met without compromising the needs of others. It's important to be specific with your plan for following up or life might get in the way. Self-Advocacy is a lifelong process of constantly setting and re-setting boundaries. This process helps you to move forward in a positive way, towards being more successful as a self-advocate. Join us to learn more about self-advocacy with Dr. Matt! In this episode Good self-advocates get super clear on what they need. Tips for playing to your strengths, using your weaknesses as opportunities for growth, and taking steps to overcome them. Exploring your resources, connecting with allies, and recognizing the kind of help that's available. The importance of timing and coming prepared to set yourself up for success. Setting clear goals to improve our own lives and the lives of others. Developing meta-communication and self-determination skills. How flexibility can help us get what we need in the long run. Meeting in the middle to set up a win-win solution. Getting buy-in and setting everyone up for success. Communicating assertively instead of passively or aggressively. The importance of specific, tangible, and direct communication. Setting a clear plan to follow up for success. Resources: Matt's website Embracing Intensity Course Membership Join our Community & Check out our calendar of upcoming events! * Transcript Available on EmbracingIntensity.com *

I am so thrilled to get to share Dr. Kimberly Douglass' talk on Decolonizing Neurodivergence! From Violence to Love Do you ever wonder why we get into loops on social media platforms when we talk about neurodivergence? We have convinced ourselves this conversation is just about validating each other and understanding the traits of various conditions. The very definition of what it means to be neurodivergent is rooted in colonialist thinking and behavior. It's clear to me: we don't want to talk about the hard changes we have to make to ourselves, to our self-image; the hard changes we should demand from our society. We keep the conversation at the level of defining a problem; defining ourselves as the problem. We are willing to be the problem as long as we don't have to challenge ourselves, other people, our families, our employers, our communities, our worlds. You are not a problem!!! Write this down: YOU ARE THE WAY!!! But, you know we talk about neurodivergence in ways that allow the powerful to hold on to their power. We are more comfortable with this than risking being disliked, having things taken from us or feeling powerful inside our own skin. Even the word power makes us uncomfortable. These are the ways we have been taught. This is colonization.Regardless of what you have been taught, YOU are the way to transformation for yourself and for others. With guidance on how to think about neurodivergence, we can help see yourself just as you are! YOU are the way to this new understanding…. for yourself, for your team, for your community. Let's discuss here on my weekly blog: bit.ly/decolonizingndblog. About Kimberly: Dr Kimberly Douglass is the full-time owner of Kimberly Douglass, PhD, LLC. Dr Douglass and her team are designing a world in which neurodivergent people feel they belong. The team fuses disability advocacy with design thinking. Douglass' team designs digital and paper content, such as courses, ebooks, journals, workbooks and the Neurodivergently Thinking cards. Also, the team offers premium 1 to 1 coaching services. Dr Douglass' signature product is her Decolonizing Neurodivergence course. Dr Douglass and her team design tools that validate the neurodivergent experience. The team's content and services challenge everyday processes that marginalize and shame neurodivergent people. Dr Douglass became a full-time business owner after working as staff, peer-reviewed researcher, faculty and administrator in higher education for over 17 years. She began the advocacy work over 12 years ago, when she became the chief advocate for her Son who is neurodivergent. She has since gotten more in touch with her own neurodivergence. Dr Douglass is married to Dean Tate and lives in Tennessee. Douglasskimberlylynn@gmail.com In this episode, Kimberly Shares: Her thoughts on growing up neurodivergent and breaking from the system. Moving from seeking validation to examining systems. Some common threads of neurodivergence. How we are living in a culture of consumption. Why no one wins under the current capitalist paradigm. Creating an agenda to make change. Why neurodivergence often comes with trauma. Examining how do we know what we think we know? The focus on compliance in our schools. Why we accept less, and deserve ease & flow. What neurodivergence Brings to the table. Supporting each other & building relationships. Examining our own systems we live in. Moving away from defensiveness & denial to make positive change. The elements of white supremacy culture. How you can support Kimberly's work! Resources: Transcript Available on Embracing Intensity's Website Support Kimberly's work and receive the first Decolonizing Neurodivergence Book! Join our Community & Check out our calendar of upcoming events! Access our Course and Content Membership including our past Guest Call Library

Air Date 8/2/2022 Today, we take a look at what neurodiversity is and why it should be seen as a strength and benefit to society when accommodated properly rather than a problem to be solved or, worse, ignored. Be part of the show! Leave us a message at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com  Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Get AD FREE Shows and Bonus Content) Join our Discord community! OUR AFFILIATE LINKS: BestOfTheLeft.com/Libro SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: What Exactly is Neurodiversity? - How to ADHD - Air Date 1-18-22 The neurodiversity movement has been around for some time, but what exactly is it? In this video, we talk about what the neurodiversity movement is and how it's linked to the autistic community. Ch. 2: Adriana White - Autism and Neurodiversity: Different Does Not Mean Broken - TEDx Talks - Air Date 11-11-21 In this talk, Adriana discusses the idea of neurodiversity. Many people are labeled incorrectly because their brains are wired differently. Adriana offers awareness and an alternative way to see people as unique and valuable. Ch. 3: Giftedness is Not Achievement with Aurora Remember Holtzman - ADHD Essentials - Air Date 12-11-21 Today, we're talking to Aurora Remember Holtzman. Aurora is a school psychologist, neurodivergence coach, and host of the Embracing Intensity podcast. And her focus is giftedness and twice exceptionality. Ch. 4: Creating a Neurodiversity-Affirming World - Neurodiversity Podcast - Air Date 8-10-21 Emily Kircher-Morris and Joel Schwartz talk about what it would take to create a neurodiversity-affirming world where old stereotypes and perceptions are shed. Ch. 5: Elaine Halligan: Neurodiversity is a superpower, not a problem - TEDx Talks - Air Date 11-25-19 We have to break the stigma around mental health and children. Most of the times the signals are quite subtle and can be often overlooked by parents, so many children may be suffering behind closed doors. Ch. 6: The Utility (or Futility) of Labels - The Neurodiversity Podcast - Air Date 7-7-22 The reality of working within a system in flux. The meaning or usefulness of the term “gifted.” The utility (or futility) of labels. The confusion of overlapping diagnoses. MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 9: Neurodivergence and Queerness with Leela Sinha - Embracing Intensity - Air Date 5-23-22 Today's episode is a recording of our talk with Leela Sinha on the intersection of neurodivergence and gender. This is definitely not an “inside-the-box” topic. FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on the hyper-focus ability of ADHD MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: The neurodiversity awareness symbol - an infinity symbol (a horizontal elongated number 8) in a rainbow of overlapping colors - is against a white background. Image Credit: “Neurodiversity Symbol” by MissLunaRose12, Wikimedia Commons | License: CC by-SA 4.0 | Changes: White background added   Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow at Twitter.com/BestOfTheLeft Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Today's episode is a recording of our talk with Leela Sinha on the intersection of neurodivergence and gender. This is definitely not an “inside-the-box” topic. You can find the full discussion in the Embracing Intensity community at community@embracingintensity.com.   Show Highlights: The overlap between autism and gender diversity How neurodivergence is defined as a very broad umbrella term for the different ways that people's brains function Why the definition of queerness has changed over time but is still used as an umbrella term The overlap between queerness and neurodivergence How growing up with a different sense of known reality will cause attitudes and moves of self-protection How deconstruction occurs in society and feels “right” to stigmatized people Why identifying as non-binary or trans has become trendy as people have become more aware of their options for exploration Challenges in the non-binary gender spaces because of bias even in inclusion views How a fully nourishing environment helps neurodivergent kids understand their options and feel safe to express themselves How the progression occurs in media representation for queer representation and non-binary representation How pathologizing neurodivergence or queerness can affect a person's ability to access resources and care Why accessibility is often not accounted for in the help and support spaces   Resources:   Connect with our community: community@embracingintensity.com  Connect with Leela Sinha:   Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and www.leelasinha.com    

Welcome to 2022! In today's solo episode, I'm reviewing some of our most downloaded episodes from 2021 and sharing our upcoming guest speaker series and topics already scheduled for this year. It's going to be a great year, so come along for the ride with me! Show Highlights: The countdown of our top ten most downloaded episodes from 2021: #10: Ep. 231 Intuitive Flow with Kari Betton Our July Guest Call was on Intuitive Flow and Creativity. Kari is a coach and mentor for highly sensitive and twice-exceptional people, and she has a passion for helping them find their innate sense of intuitive flow. #9: Ep. 239 Perspectives in Giftedness with Gail Post Being gifted can complicate many situations in life. It is wonderful to know that empathetic and supportive professionals are dedicating their lives to advocacy for these individuals. Learn more with psychotherapist Gail Post. #8: Ep. 229 Thinking Patterns I have seen a lot of posts about the overlap and similarities between ADHD and Autism, and it got me thinking about some observations I'd made both personally and professionally testing neurodivergent kids over the years. I also asked for feedback from neurodivergent people on social media about the patterns they related to most. #7: Ep. 235 Playing with Your Inner Critic with Jeff Harry This show allows you to listen to our recent group call with Jeff Harry of Rediscover Your Play. Jeff provides tips, insights, and interactive exercises to learn more about “Playing With Your Inner Critic.” Find the full discussion in the Embracing Intensity Community. #6: Ep. 202 Chipping Away at Societal Conditioning with Julia R. Wild This show focuses on highly sensitive people. My guest loves helping HSPs uncover the layers of conditioning put on them by society and bloom in their uniqueness. Julia R. Wild is a bestselling author, spiritual teacher, and trauma educator with a Master's degree in psychology. She is also a writing, creativity, and life coach. #5: Ep. 207 “But I'm Not Really THAT Smart” I've heard a lot more comments lately along the lines of, “I relate to your work, but I'm not really gifted.” In this episode, I discuss why gifted folks might not recognize their own gifts, along with some resources to explore if you suspect that you might be gifted. #4: Ep. 236 Gifted and 2E Assessment This solo episode is about a topic that I've thought about for a long time, so I'm happy to bring it to you. We will discuss getting an assessment as a gifted or twice-exceptional adult, so I hope you find my thoughts and tips helpful. #3: Ep. 208 Coaching and Mentoring Neurodivergent Adults with Dr. Kimberly Douglass I found this guest in the most unusual place: TikTok! I first noticed her work with gifted and twice-exceptional people, and I knew I had to have her on the show. Dr. Kimberly Douglass is president and CEO of Remote Learning Solutions. #2: Ep. 226 Asynchronous Development in Gifted Adults with Tiff Choumm Our June Guest Call was on Asynchronous Development in Gifted Adults. Asynchronous development is a hallmark of the gifted experience, when we may have developed far ahead of our peers in some areas and have fallen behind in others. This can continue into adulthood, especially for those who are also twice-exceptional, and it can impact many aspects of our life experiences. Find the full discussion in the Embracing Intensity Community. #1: Ep. 205 Twice Exceptionality–When Giftedness Meets ADHD Last year, I participated in an event called Camp ADHD, where folks around the world shared talks and discussion on topics related to ADHD. I spoke about twice-exceptionality, specifically as it relates to ADHD, and the topic seemed to resonate with many, so I decided to share my talk on twice-exceptionality on the podcast as well. I'm super excited to announce our 2022 guest speakers and general topics! (Specific details are subject to change.) You can find the schedule listed in the events calendar on the Embracing Intensity Community, and it will soon be on the 2E Connection and Embracing Intensity website calendars! January 22–Leela Sinha, from Ep. 7: The Intersection of Queerness and Neurodivergence February 19–Alexandra Loves, from Ep. 67: Passion vs. Drama March 19–Boontarika Sripom, from Ep. 177: Play April 16–Cosette “CoCo” Leary, from Ep. 181: Building Confidence and Resilience May 21–Aileen Kelleher, from Ep. 241: Perfectionism June 18–Mara McLoughlin, from Ep. 230: Neurodivergent Social Connection August 20–Dr. Kimberly Douglass, from Ep. 208: Navigating Systems as a Neurodivergent September 17–Dr. Matt Zakreski, from Ep. 240: Self-Advocacy October 15–Nadja Careghetti, from Ep. 198: Tidying Up Your Brain (Marie Kondo-Style) November 19–Julia Wild, from Ep. 202: How to Heal Resources: Find more information at community@embracingintensity.com.

Continuing our top 2019 reruns. This has been one of our top episodes from it's very start! 2019 was our first year of guest speakers, and we took a break for 2020 but had a great run in 2021. I'm super excited about our upcoming 2022 series especially because all of my top choices got back to me right away and agreed to speak. I'm still waiting on a few scheduling clarifications, but I'm pleased to announce that Jan. 22 we will have Leela Sinha, author of “You're Not Too Much” talk about the Intersection of Queerness and Neurodivergence, and Feb 19th we'll have Alexandra Loves talk about Passion vs. Drama! Get on our mailing list for updates and log in information at www.embracingintensity.com. You can support the continued growth of these free calls by joining our community at community.embracingintensity.com or supporting Embracing Intensity on Patreon! Navigating relationships successfully can be one of the most challenging things we ever do. The intensity and outside-the-box nature of twice-exceptionality (gifted plus disability), adds in a whole new layer of challenge. In this episode, Dr. Melanie Hayes shares both the joys and the hurdles of twice exceptional relationships.   In this episode: Common issues in all relationships. Additional challenges for twice-exceptional people. Meeting our unmet needs in relationships. A recipe for twice-exceptional people to connect with who they really are and have fulfilling lives.  Links: Embracing Intensity Community Support Embracing Intensity on Patreon

Today, we're talking to Aurora Remember Holtzman.  Aurora is a school psychologist, neurodivergence coach, and host of the Embracing Intensity podcast.  And her focus is giftedness and twice exceptionality. In today's episode, Aurora discusses just that – giftedness and twice exceptionality!  She talks to us about the challenges of twice exceptionality, how ADHD and giftedness can mask each other, executive function fatigue and burnout, common  challenges for the gifted, and why giftedness should not be confused with achievement.    >>>The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups

Today's guest has wonderful Instagram posts, many of them covering her work with twice-exceptional adults. I'm a fan of hers, and she's a fan of the podcast, so it's exciting to introduce her to the Embracing Intensity audience!   Aileen Kelleher is a licensed clinical social worker, therapist, and coach. Her therapy practice in Chicago specializes in helping gifted and twice-exceptional children build social-emotional skills, self-compassion, and confidence to recover from anxiety, depression, and other mental health difficulties. Her international coaching practice focuses on helping gifted and 2E women harness their talents to help them find fulfillment and fun in their personal, professional, and social lives.   Show Highlights:   Why Aileen is intensely passionate about working with 2E people and sharing tools and resources How Aileen's personal brand of intensity manifests in her passion and her ability to embrace conflict and argumentative engagement; she appears intimidating to others and feels emotions deeply Growing up, Aileen experienced bullying from her peers that put her “on guard” with anxiety and fear where there was the capacity for negative emotions; she also had an early sense of social justice How Aileen identifies now as a 2E person who has anxiety, depression, and some ADHD characteristics In school, Aileen was a student who was eager to please her teachers and experienced solid support from her mother; she struggled to fit in and be accepted with peers How, as she grew older, she began challenging authority, rebelling, and calling out injustice How being from a large, Irish Catholic family trained her to use direct bluntness that not everyone accepts How Aileen learned to tone herself down and tune herself out by escaping in reading books and watching TV; in later life, she numbed herself through substance abuse to “check out” from reality How Aileen experienced her out-of-control intensity through raging at people as a young person and now uses writing, exercise, and art as ways to maintain control How Aileen has learned not to be “the biggest voice” in the room but to lift up and make room for the voices of others in community and collaboration How Aileen uses her fire for good by being helpful and learning all that she can about what she feels passionate about; she has also learned to admit her mistakes and keep going How Aileen helps other 2E adults find meaning, joy, and purpose in their lives How relationships with family and friends have helped Aileen learn to reach out for help and trust herself Why Aileen likes helping others define and find their personal values How ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) helps gifted kids figure out what they care about beyond simply proving how smart they are Parting words from Aileen: “You are OK just the way you are, even if you feel like you don't belong in a certain situation. That doesn't mean that there is something fundamentally wrong with you, and it's OK to ask for help if you need it. Gifted and 2E can have full and satisfied lives, and the fact that we are different shouldn't stop us from pursuing what we want--and what everyone else gets to have.” Resources:   Find Aileen on Instagram or at www.coaching4gifted.com. Her work with kids is at www.aileenkelleher.com.   

I first met today's guest when he enthusiastically shared some of my animated shorts on 2E experiences. We have followed each other, and I'm a big fan of his advocacy work. Join us to learn more!   Dr. Matt Zakreski is a psychologist who works with gifted and twice-exceptional folks. We have connected over social media, and I'm excited to talk to him today and introduce him to the Embracing Intensity audience.   Show Highlights:   How Matt is intensely passionate about his experience as a “grown-up gifted kid,” helping people through therapy and training, ultimate Frisbee, craft beer, Bruce Springsteen, and comic books Why Matt's personal brand of intensity means that he wants things to be “this way,” and has a tough time when they aren't; he wants to know expectations ahead of time How Matt learned to embrace his giftedness later in his school years and had to find his people in the arts Why Matt speaks the language of caring and wants to be around people who care about something How even with ADHD and giftedness, Matt appreciates authenticity in himself and others In his school experience, Matt realized how to “flex” his gifts in language arts but struggled in STEM classes How Matt advises families to learn from his mistakes to “work smart, not hard” How Matt felt responsibility and a lot of expectations as the oldest child in his family How Matt felt the divide in high school between living in the sports world as an athlete and the arts world  How Matt tried to tone himself down and embrace his leadership style of being second in command How Matt felt his intensity out of control significantly when he was bullied in 8th grade How Matt uses his fire for good by helping kids learn to lift others up instead of tearing others down Why getting in touch with his emotional world and being vulnerable have helped Matt harness the power of his intensity Personal habits that have helped Matt use his fire positively are taking time daily for long walks, podcasts, and music How Matt helps others use their fire by helping them be their best selves Why it's energizing to make time for yourself  Parting words from Matt: “If you are too much for some people, then those are not your people. Do something for you, and do your version of it. Have the confidence to put your own spin on what self-care looks like for you. We have to value putting ourselves in inspiring and charging situations instead of draining ones. You are worth putting yourself first.” Resources:   www.drmattzakreski.com   Find Matt on Facebook.  

We are celebrating our 5th anniversary of the Embracing Intensity Podcast by sharing past guests, listeners and community members answer to the question "What does Embracing Intensity mean to me?  I'm also launching my new website at EmbracingIntensity.com - go check it out and explore! 

There are emotions inside all of us that can sometimes be difficult to fully feel — anger, sadness, fear and even joy often have an intensity that causes us to brace ourselves against them. What if instead of running away from a feeling, we leaned into it? How would it change our experience to turn towards the thing giving us discomfort, asking us to expand in some way? In today's episode, we will explore how to embrace intensity in order to allow transformative change to flow into our lives."The person's willingness to embrace intensity will mark the amount of change they will feel in their life in the short term. It's a great leading indicator."**Full transcript can be found here: https://artofaccomplishment.com/2021/10/08/episode-29-embracing-intensity-emotion-series-2/Follow us on Instagram at @artofaccomplishment to learn more about our guests and share your own experiences.

Today's solo episode is about a topic that I've thought about for a long time, so I'm happy to bring it to you. We will discuss getting an assessment as a gifted or twice-exceptional adult, so I hope you find it helpful for me to share my thoughts and tips. Show Highlights: Considerations that are universal to all assessment types: If you think you are gifted, you probably are. Make sure the person doing the evaluation has experience with giftedness and twice-exceptionality. Realize that every assessment will have limitations and strengths, and every evaluator will have personal biases. Five types of assessments: Diagnostic assessment This will be done with a trained professional who can give a diagnosis. Always look for someone with experience with giftedness and neurodiversity, and ask what tools they use. Psychometric assessment This evaluation can give valuable information about your strengths and weaknesses, and it's very standardized for comparison to others. It has limitations, like false lows and big gaps in highs and lows. Qualitative assessment This evaluation looks beyond just the numbers with things like observations, records, interviews, etc. It gives very useful information. Self-assessment The challenge in this evaluation is that there is a lot of information to take in. Multimodal assessment This kind of evaluation can be any combination of the other four types; it uses a variety of tools all together. Helpful books: (See Resources for more information.) The Power of Difference, The Dyslexic Advantage, The Gifted Adult, and Your Rainforest Mind Resources: Connect with me: Aurora Remember  Find out our upcoming group call on Overexcitability with Chris Wells:  Embracing Intensity  Check out the following resources: Cognitive Processing Inventory at LDinfo Gifted Adult Checklist at Gifted Development  Paula Prober's Giftedness Checklist from Your Rainforest Mind Books: The Power of Different by Gail Saltz, M.D. The Dyslexic Advantage by Brock and Fernette Eide The Gifted Adult by Mary-Elaine Jacobsen Your Rainforest Mind by Paula Prober

Today's guest is truly a multipotentialite with interests spanning gender nonconformity, psychology, healthy eating, photography, and the creative arts. He has discovered ways to embrace his creativity and merge his talents to offer meaningful help to others in their struggles. Join us to learn more! Greg Halpen is a food blogger and food photographer who created the food blog, Craving the Yum: Eating After Chemo. Chemotherapy can do a number on our palates, leaving our taste buds desensitized and frustrated about what to eat that actually tastes good. Greg gives chemotherapy patients the steps and practical tools to reimagine meals without compromising the YUM factor. Through his food blog, he shares the secrets to preparing meals that are simple, healthy, and extra. Show Highlights: Why Greg is intensely passionate about helping people navigate the frustrating and difficult waters of figuring out what to eat during and after chemo How Greg's personal brand of intensity covers multiple areas of creativity: music, theater, food blogging, and photography How Greg's childhood trauma spurred him into creative outlets as coping mechanisms The difficulty for Greg in not having a support system to help him grow as a creative person What Greg wishes he knew back then: “There are people in the world who WILL see you and get you.” The cultural factors that affected Greg as a gay young man with confusing feelings that couldn't be expressed and realized How digging deep into learning about homophobia and hetero-normative thinking helped Greg cope How Greg has had to purposely shrink himself down to be smaller because of his insecurity as a person How men are affected by sexuality and gender issues very differently than women Why Greg has felt out of control when he couldn't harness his creativity amidst the chaos of life How Greg uses his fire for good in being of service to others and helping people How he learned the important lesson that he isn't at the center of everything How therapy, cooking, and helping others with food relationships have helped Greg harness his intensity How Greg helps others use their fire by helping them to make small changes and understand “diet culture confusion” Up next for Greg: writing a book (the free mini-version is available on his website now!) Resources: Craving The Yum   Get Greg's FREE mini-cookbook, Eating After Chemo! Visit our website to learn more about the Embracing Intensity community and events Visit our new platform with resources and events for the 2E community

Unconscious Sex Work (+ Transactional Relational Dynamics) Hide your kids on this one; this one's going to be pretty explicit. I was on the Embracing Intensity podcast a few days ago, and the theme was Intuitive Flow! Here's a link to the episode. You don't want to miss it. A comment about the talk on Instagram says, "This episode gave me goosebumps. And courage. Thank you!" Key points: What is unconscious sex work? Contradictory behavior between supporting womxn's rights, yet still being unconsciously driven by the media to appease the patriarchal gaze The 'underground' nature of emotional labor Privilege defined as who can get away with narcissistic dynamics/behavior As both victims and perpetrators, how to rid ourselves (and others, by example) of the narcissistic and codependent contagion References: Join the Embracing Intensity Community! Emotional labor Social Model of Disability Codependency Covert narcissism Stepping Off the Relationship Escalator --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/decolonizingsexuality/support

I'm excited to introduce you to a speech therapist whose work is informed by the autistic community and her personal experience in identifying as twice-exceptional. Her heart and passion are to be the voice for those who can't speak for themselves. Join us! Mara McLoughlin has over ten years of professional experience working with autistic and other neurodivergent people and their families. She has been a student and teacher of yoga and mindfulness for over 25 years, knowing that building these skills can help build a better world. She is a certified provider of the PEERS program that exists for the educational and enrichment of relational skills. With both her bachelor's and master's degrees in Communication Science and Disorders, she knows that communication is fun, difficult, and the key to life. To learn and gain confidence in the initial steps of founding friendships and self-regulation skills can help improve the lives of everyone. Show Highlights: Why Mara is intensely passionate about yoga and working with autistic people and their families How Mara's intensity looks like a strong sense of fairness and fiercely advocating for those who can't speak for themselves, especially those with autism or aphasia due to stroke Growing up, Mara was a precocious speaker who struggled in school and was a determined but difficult child How the masking component has affected Mara in “code-switching” according to different situations The misconception about autism and the children who aren't identified by their response to social cues The relationship between non-binary gender identification and autism How cultural factors affected Mara as she grew up in white, conservative, suburban Chicago as she didn't follow the “rulebook” or the status quo Why she was unsuccessful in toning herself down or tuning herself out because she couldn't conform to others' expectations How Mara moved to the West Coast and found where she fits in and feels at home How a stroke affected her partner at age 43 and brought out Mara's advocacy skills How Mara uses her fire for good by being a fierce advocate for people who have different brains, helping to build capacity in environments for different learners How Mara harnesses the power of her intensity through breathing, yoga and movement, meditation, mindfulness, and gratitude How Mara helps others use their fire through the PEERS program with social and emotional development in making and keeping friends and solving conflict Mara's business, IRL Social skills, which is a collective of speech-language pathologists and occupational therapists who help families of autistic teens and adults How Mara uses immersion therapy in her work Resources: Connect with Mara:  irl Social Skills.com  Find IRL Social Skills on Facebook and Mara McLoughlin on Twitter There are lots of upcoming great events happening in the EI Community. Check us out at Embracing Intensity 

Erin Keeley has an inspiring life story of tenacity that began with studying climate change in Antarctica for her Master’s in Engineering and then took a sudden turn when her brother, also an engineer, took his own life in 2002. Instead of going on to complete her PhD, she decided to dedicate her life to understanding how our culture contributes to individual pain and suffering. She has since dedicated her life to human services that make cultural differences and create more life satisfaction for individuals.Erin is a certified Authentic Relationship Coach and is trained in multiple methods of Executive Coaching and Organizational Health Consulting. She is a public speaker for women’s leadership, yoga and interpersonal growth. Erin’s superpower is her keen ability to see blind-spots in organizations, teams and individuals. Once a blind-spot (an unconscious pattern that is sabotaging a goal) is identified, she creates the psychological safety for teams to fearlessly face their problems head-on and make powerful changes that stick. When Erin is on your team, look out! She doesn’t settle: She will make sure you meet your goals. TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:There is a genetic component in neurodivergenceSome gifted facebook groups are mostly affluent white ChristiansUnconscious biases and cultural stereotypes feed into who gets identified and accepted gifted and who notIf students knew about their giftedness, they might pick harder schools and/or a different degreeGifted humans care about the planet and climate change issues deeplyGifted people like to be (unconsciously) surrounded by other gifted peopleDepressions and mental health issues are important topics in the gifted population as they are typically emotional sensitiveAs a gifted person you usually learn on the job and on the goGifted people can burn out by the bureaucracyGifted people usually need to do multiple things, like intellectual and embodimentGifted stay at home mums need intellectual stimulationPeople stay at a job when they feel close to the people at work!  Relationships are very important and it’s importance is underestimated by companies. Authentic relationships are keyOverexcitabilities are for example expressed by not liking tags on clothes2e (Twice Exceptional) children and adults need special supportParents learn about their own neurodivergence usually through their own kidsThere are a lot of gifted women who literally think there is something wrong with themPeople do not want to say they are gifted in public because it sounds elitistWomen with high empathy levels project it onto narcissistic people who do not have this heightened sense of empathy. This leaves them vulnerable to psychological abuse such as gaslightingMENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Erin Keeley’s webistes: giftedwomensummit.com | interpersonalinstitute.com | erinkeeley.comErin Keeley on linkedIn Instagram @giftedwomensummit | @erincolleenkeeleyMyers-Briggs TypesBook: The Gifted Adult: A Revolutionary Guide for Liberating Everyday Genius by

Nadya Abo-Shaeer was identified as a gifted child but choose not to embrace nor identify with this label. As a gifted teenager and collage student she immersed herself into studying as much and diverse as she possibly could. She is leading a typical life of a multipotential gifted neurodiverse person but only realised that so much of who she is and her own story is tied to this identity. Now she is starting to embrace her intensity and her bubbly personality and living her life to her full potential. Letting go of false expectations from society and embracing herself the way she is: an amazing and gifted person.TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:Gifted humans feel very strongly about inequality such as race and gender issuesInterdisciplinary studies are very appealing to the multipotential gifted humans who just need to know multiple subjects in depthbeing gifted and thirsting for knowledge can also be overwhelming at timesIt is in the gifted nature to care deeply and we might here the phrase “don’t take things so seriously” a lotGifted people deeply process emotionsBeing gifted is a way of being and there are other people like you out thereAs a gifted person you probably hear people call you “too intense, too much” or they tell you “you care too much”When someone tells you you are gifted, your first reaction is probably “Thank you, but no thank you. I am going to opt out of this.”Gifted people don’t like loud noises, bright lights or open officesGifted attunement -> find the right space for “where” you can be this specific part of yourselfGifted people do not feel better or superior to other people, they rather feel not enough! Giftedness can sometimes feel more like a disability or a weaknessGifted parents know that it gets easier once your (gifted) children get older. You are not alone and knowing about your own giftedness and having the vocabulary helps and empowers you.As a gifted person you might need more support because you are navigating things in a way with takes more energy and complexityThe key is to harnessing your intensity (as Aurora Remember shows us)MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Aurora Remember’s podcast and community Book Divergent Mind: Thriving in a World That Wasn't Designed for You by Jenara NerenbergBook Living with Intensity by Susan Daniels, Michael M. Piechowski

I've been hearing a lot more comments lately along the lines of "I relate to your work, but I'm not really gifted." In this episode of Embracing Intensity, I discuss why gifted folks might not recognize their own gifts and some resources to explore if you suspect you might be gifted.  In this episode: 5 Reasons gifted folks might not think they are really gifted. My own experience and why I actually believed it despite underachievement. 3 of my favorite books & resources to explore potential giftedness. Links: Embracing Intensity Community Free Workbook on Harnessing the Power of Your Intensity

On today's podcast, we’re joined by Melissa Snow. Melissa is a Certified Life Coach who helps women improve their relationships, starting with the one they have with themselves.She is an international speaker and the author of “Ten Secrets to Having the Love You Want.” She is a frequent contributor on Bustle and MindBodyGreen and has been featured on multiple podcasts including Embracing Intensity, Journey of Hope, Dare to Be Authentic and Build a Life After Loss.Melissa is passionate about helping women learn to love and value themselves, so they don’t have to rely on other people to show them their worth.Melissa now strives to let women know:● That their life’s story does not define who they are● What they are facing in life, it is never too late to change how your story ends● Who you become in the "after" part of your story and whatever limits you put on that are entirely up to youWhen we touched on the topic of networking events, she shared that she is an introvert. However, she compared an event to a relationship when she said, "If you want to show up in your relationship with authenticity and honesty and integrity, then you have to do the work on your own thoughts and your own emotions to show up in your relationship as a person with honesty and integrity and authenticity. And that can only come from you." In this episode you'll hear how...: ● Melissa overcame the label that brought with it limiting beliefs● How improving relationships doesn’t have to be hard and● how you can obtain a free copy of her new book, "Ten Secrets to Having the Love You Want." Learn more and connect with Melissa here:http://www.melissamsnow.com/www.facebook.com/melissa.snow.71066 See acast.com/privacy for privacy and opt-out information.

After years of feeling “too much,” Aurora Remember Holtzmann finally realised that intensity, is the source of her greatest power. Now instead of beating herself up about not measuring up to her own self-imposed standards, she is on a mission to help gifted and outside-the-box thinkers befriend their brains and use their fire without getting burned through her Embracing Intensity Podcast and community, coaching, and strengths-based educational assessment. TAKEAWAYS FROM THIS EPISODE:If you really want something, you can do it, but you need to grow first as a personGifted children and adults can fall into the category of “underachievers” Gifted children with ADHD are sometimes able to compensate their ADHD with their giftedness, which can lead to chronic pain, exhaustion or burnoutChildren and adults who have two challenges, for example gifted and autism or ADHD are called “2e” or “twice exceptional”ADHD is not a lack of attention it is rather a lack of attention regulationPeople with executive functioning challenges have difficulties finishing tasks which might seem very easy and basic to othersGiftedness does not make you automatically intense and intensity does not make you automatically gifted but if you combine the two, it has its unique issuesUsually people are not over-diagnosed but rather: people who have ADHD and giftedness might be under-diagnosed due to their ability to compensate for their ADHDGifted people do not seem to have more mental issues over time. Therefore, people seeking for answers and help who are gifted might be the ones who do have twice or tripple exceptionalities. MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:Her podcast, blog and so much more can be found on her website: auroraremember.comYou can find a free copy of her workbook, Harnessing the Power of Your Intensity! A Self-Regulation Workbook For Gifted, Creative And Twice-Exceptional thinkers at www.auroraremember.com/harness-your-powerEmbracing Intensity Community: embracingintensity.comHer YouTube ChannelRené Brooks black girl lost keysAurora’s Youtube video on René Brooks: Thrice-Exceptional: Gifted, ADHD and BlackJade Ribera blog on overexcitabilitiesJames Webb’s book Misdiagnosis and Dual Diagnoses of Gifted Children and Adults: ADHD, Bipolar, OCD, Asperger's, Depression, and Other Disorders

In today’s show, I introduce you to a good friend who has been an anchor for me in creating a community over the last ten years, both in-person and online. Join us! Lana Quackenbush has been part of my Ignite Your Power program for several years, and she frequently joined the monthly Embracing Intensity guest calls last year. I’ve seen from the beginning of our relationship what an amazing person she is and how she’s learning to own the uniqueness of who she is. Lana and I both love helping people find connections in the common experiences of intensity, giftedness, twice-exceptionality, and creativity. Show Highlights: Why Lana identifies as a mixed-race, newlywed, preschool teacher who loves peacemaking and doing the right thing How Lana’s personal brand of intensity revolves around her qualities of being intensely intellectual, perfectionistic, and judgmental Why as a Virgo, Lana has to work on finding balance in many ways Growing up, Lana’s mom told her she was “exhausting,” and she had a hard time sleeping as a sickly child who learned to tune out her body’s signals The cultural factors that added to the “tornado of chaos” in Lana’s biracial, highly social family; it was always stressed to her the importance of “presenting” herself well How Lana learned to tune herself out or tone herself down in light of her mother’s postpartum depression and the realization that her needs weren’t always going to be met How Lana’s intensity gets out of control at times when she is wronged, and her self-righteous indignation kicks in The shift for Lana in finding a relationship that uplifts her intensity in a positive way How Lana uses her fire for good as she spends her days teaching two-year-olds and shows interest in families, children, and their parents Why Lana loves to see the emotional model of raising children reign over the intellectual model How Lana harnesses the power of her intensity by doing yoga and studying Buddhism How Lana follows her varied interests in phases, organizes spaces in her home to meet her needs, and imposes rules for herself about cleaning up one area before moving on Lana’s inspirational to-do list hack: she writes her list on business cards so the list is manageable, and she can feel the satisfaction of checking off each item Why Lana is ever-so-grateful that she followed the best advice she ever received: “Don’t make any permanent life choices before age 25.” Books that Lana recommends: Ishmael by Daniel Quinn and The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield How Lana helps others use their fire by kid-wrangling, making spaces for them, and meeting their needs Why Lana is learning to identify proudly as a person of color Resources:  Ishmael by Daniel Quinn The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield Find Lana on Instagram: ThatLanaLady

We are celebrating our 4th anniversary, 101K downloads! At this rate, I’ll make 200K in ½ the time! Keep sharing and listening so the message of Embracing Intensity can spread to those who need it!  For this week’s special episode, I asked audience and community members to share “What does Embracing Intensity mean to me?” I left it deliberately open ended, and got a wonderful variety of answers ranging from the meaning of the phrase, to the importance of the community. In this episode: Celebrating intensity, and harnessing its power. Tuning in to the messages of our intense feelings.  Finding community that not only accepts, but appreciates your differences.  Links: Embracing Intensity Community Leah K Walsh Coaching Jeff's Peer Support Page Tiffany's Lucy in the Sky: Therapy with a Pen Mezclados Studio Get your free Harnessing the Power of Your Intensity Workbook!

As this show airs, we’re reaching two important milestones. We hit the 100K downloads mark, which is thrilling in itself. We also are approaching the fourth anniversary of the Embracing Intensity podcast, which means we’ve been at this for quite a while now! Reach out to me at Aurora Remember and let me know what “embracing intensity” means to you. We will feature these in our upcoming anniversary show next week! For now, enjoy another informative show with my inspiring guest who I've been a fan of for quite some time. Seth Perler’s life’s work has been dedicated to helping kids overcome executive functioning challenges so they can have great futures despite our outdated educational systems. Seth’s mission is to help compassionate and proactive parents, educators, and others who care about kids. He wants to give honest, practical, and unconventional approaches to helping complicated, struggling students without BS or misinformation. He wants to teach the world about executive function, which is at the root of student struggles. Seth’s vision is a day when we don’t need executive functioning coaches because education is wildly successful at empowering all students with everything they need to have happy, healthy, and successful lives. Show Highlights: Why Seth is intensely passionate about helping struggling students and changing educators to understand these kids better How Seth grew up as a curious, free-spirited kid who loved animals and nature but never fit into “the box” in school How Seth was labeled as a lazy, irresponsible failure--and his “fire was squelched” How Seth became a teacher of gifted kids but soon became frustrated with the system How Seth’s personal brand of intensity loves nature and the environment and feels the suffering of other people, animals, and plants Why Seth hates to see kids struggle to be understood How Seth is intense with his sensory experiences and emotions How kids’ feelings are invalidated by cultural factors that teach them that acknowledging their feelings is not OK Why Seth had a hopeless and cynical attitude as a kid, knowing he was “not like the other kids” How Seth learned to escape by going into social settings to avoid being alone Why Seth felt trapped by his “darkness” How Seth lived in his problem until he found the tools to step into the solution How Seth uses his fire for good by teaching what he most needs to learn and using what he has struggled with to help others How Seth harnesses the power of his intensity through meditation, the #1 way he understands himself Seth’s advice to those who don’t think they can meditate How Seth helps kids learn to shine through new mindsets, systems, and routines Seth’s advice: Focus on helping others with a heart and spirit of service Meditate and have times of stillness Learn to journal Get in touch with your story to know what is BS and what is truth Resources: Connect with Seth:   Seth Perler  and Executive Function Summit   Find Seth on YouTube and his podcast, Learn Smarter.    

As I approach the 4th anniversary of the Embracing Intensity Podcast, I find myself and the podcast approaching a bunch of milestones in a short time! The biggest one being that I'm rapidly approaching the 100K download mark!  In this episode: Help us reach 100K and enter to win an Embracing Intensity T-shirt! Exciting milestones for the podcast.  Updates on the Embracing Intensity Community for this year and next! Overview of my coaching and assessment process.  Other creative projects. Stay tuned next week for a great interview! Links:  Contact me to send a recording for our anniversary episode by answering "What does Embracing Intensity mean to me?"  Embracing Intensity Community Harnessing the Power of Your Intensity Workbook

We suffer not from lack, but from paralyzing abundance. Our vast array of interests make it difficult to choose just one thing and give it the attention to detail our idealistic standards feel it deserves. But Kazimierz Dabrowski says that dissatisfaction with oneself is actually a crucial step toward positive personality development. It is only useful though if it can be directed toward achieving your personal ideal through conscious action. In this episode of Embracing Intensity, we’ll explore ways simplify your life so you have time to channel your energy in a positive direction. In this episode: 4 ways to simplify your life.  Putting systems in place to make your life easier.  Focusing your energy on your own "zone of genius" Links: Embracing Intensity Community Embracing Intensity Store

These last few weeks have been super intense. For those of us who are sensitive, we’ve either wanted to escape into a hole to heal or dive deep into creative projects, which is what I’ve been doing. I hope you’ve found the things that help you cope best in this time of uncertainty. My guest today has wisdom and insights that can help! AmyLee Westervelt, of Gratitude & Glamour, is a life and business coach for empaths and highly sensitive people. We connected through a mutual friend, and I’m excited to introduce you to her today. Show Highlights: Get to know AmyLee, a mom of five kids under eight years of age, who grew up in Boston and now lives in Savannah, Georgia Why AmyLee is passionate about helping people empower themselves to change their lives AmyLee’s personal brand of intensity is to put a lot of “oomph” in everything she does, always cultivating a deep connection with others Why AmyLee felt like a “little dancing bear” as a girl who was paraded around by a narcissistic parent Growing up in Boston, Amy was always different and always asked “too many questions” How AmyLee had to tone herself down and tune herself out from overanalyzing everything and being too dramatic How empaths overthink everything why someone does something How AmyLee tries to parent her kids according to each child’s energy instead of their gender When AmyLee’s intensity is out of control if she feels wronged by someone How AmyLee uses her fire for good and believes deeply in the abilities of people to be resilient How AmyLee had to reign in her ego and imposter syndrome to harness the power of her intensity The habits that help AmyLee are meditation, the motherhood experience and seeing life through her kids’ eyes, and being creative in crafting life’s experiences The best advice came from a life coach, who said, “If it’s not a hell yes, then it’s a NO.” Books that have helped AmyLee: The Secret by Rhonda Byrne and The Universe Has Your Back by Gabrielle Bernstein How AmyLee works as a life and business coach for empaths and highly sensitive people, teaching them to navigate, create healthy boundaries, and practice radical self-care Resources: Gratitude And Glamour Gratitude And Glamour  Find AmyLee’s free ebook, The Empath Elixir Find AmyLee Westervelt on Facebook Visit The Unstoppable Empaths System for information on AmyLee’s new course, The Unstoppable Empath System Find additional resources: Embracing Intensity Store and Embracing Intensity    

My guest today is doing great things in the field of education. I’ve come across his work in the gifted and twice exceptional circles, and I knew he would be a valuable guest on the show. I’m happy to have connected with him around his work in teaching critical thinking skills. Colin Seale was born and raised in Brooklyn, NY, where struggles in his upbringing gave birth to his passion for educational equity. Tracked early into talented and gifted programs, Colin was afforded opportunities his neighborhood peers were not. Colin uses lessons from his experience as a math teacher, later as an attorney, and now a keynote speaker, along with his work as a contributor to Forbes, The 74, and Education Post. He’s the author of Thinking Like a Lawyer: A Framework for Teaching Critical Thinking Skills to All Students. Colin founded thinkLaw, a multi-award-winning organization to help educators leverage inquiry-based educational instruction and strategies to close the critical thinking gap and ensure that they teach and reach all students, regardless of race, zip code, or what side of the poverty line they are born into. When he’s not serving as the world’s most fervent critical thinking advocate, Colin proudly serves as the world’s greatest entertainer to his two young children, and as a loving husband to his wife, Carrie. Show Highlights: Why Colin is intensely passionate about wanting to fix things for people and help them find solutions Colin’s personal brand of intensity revolves around his strategy about “how we get there” regarding critical thinking In his growing up years, Colin heard many “he’s gifted, but” statements, but not many “he’s gifted, and” statements How Colin was labeled for his intense behaviors instead of being supported How we’ve created a culture where conformity is the expectation, but many kids don’t fit these standards Cultural factors around Colin’s intensity include his family heritage of Caribbean immigrants from Barbados and their British tendencies, which teach passivity and non-confrontation The urge and commitment to end generational poverty through education How Colin had to tone down and tune himself out in third grade when he was labeled as “extra” How Colin dealt with setbacks and disappointments by overcompensating Why Colin is committed to galvanizing educators to run on “high” and equipping them with the “how” of helping kids unlock their critical thinking potential Colin’s book is available for pre-order now on Amazon; it comes out on April 30 How Colin helps harness the power of his intensity by learning to be authentic within himself The importance of giving people permission and courage to be who they are The need to be intentional in helping kids learn entrepreneurship and innovation Colin’s professional and personal habits in using his fire for good include weekly one-hour innovation meetings with his team and taking a moment to press “pause” for times of creativity and innovation How Colin helps others stop focusing on what they want to do, but on how they want their professional lives to look, feel, and be managed Parting words from Colin: “We shouldn’t talk about an ADHD diagnosis or being intense or extra as a defect. If we could transition in education from thinking about what’s best for ALL kids to thinking about what’s best for EACH kid, then we can help each child achieve excellence, however that is defined for them.” Resources: Think Law The latest Embracing Intensity workbook on Balancing Your Time and Energy is available in the Embracing Intensity Community. Our live group call on this topic is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, at 10:00 am Pacific. Check out the Embracing Intensity Facebook page for upcoming events! Thinking Like a Lawyer: A Framework for Teaching Critical Thinking to All Students by Colin Seale    

This week on Embracing Intensity, I'm sharing an excerpt from this months lesson in the Ignite Your Power series - From Mental Chaos to Clarity and Connection. You can find the whole lesson in the Embracing Intensity Community or find a copy of the workbook in our Embracing Intensity Book Store. In this lesson I share: Why thoughts can be useful tools for understanding our experiences, but need to be examined so we can see more clearly. Seven types of thoughts that can disrupt our clear thinking. An overview of the full lesson found in the Embracing Intensity Community or in my workbook found in my new bookstore.  Links: Embracing Intensity Community Online Bookstore

This week on Embracing Intensity, I'm sharing the first lesson of my Ignite Your Power Course. In this lesson, we will observe our own powers, get clear on how to harness them and develop a “power toolkit” to help harness them more. You can find the full group discussion and other materials related to the lesson in the Embracing Intensity Community!  You can also download a free workbook on Harnessing the Power of Your Intensity. In this episode:  Learn the 5 types of intensity and how they can be your greatest superpowers. Explore how to harness them and keep them from getting out of control or suppressed. Learn tips to channel each intensity in a positive direction. Improve your self-regulation skills. Create your own toolkit to get in your “power zone.” Links: Free Harnessing the Power of Your Intensity Workbook Embracing Intensity Community

As we ramp into the new year, I wanted to share a bit about what we have in store for 2020 on the Embracing Intensity Podcast! We are starting my free power zone toolkit this week on Monday! Sign up here to join us here! We will be ending the challenge with first group call for updated Ignite Your Power course I’m relaunching in the Embracing Intensity community. Next week I’ll share a modified recording of the first lesson on Harnessing Your Power, and then we will have our first interview episode of the year.  We have some amazing guests lined up to interview and we are 58% of the way to covering two interview episodes per month. Join us in the Embracing Intensity Community, or on Patreon to support us!  Ignite Your Power monthly lessons & themes: Harnessing Your Power Connection Self-Empathy Time & Energy Balance Shifting Perception Meeting Your Needs Priorities Rituals & Routines Building Resiliency Self-Advocacy Reaching Out Links: Join Our Power Zone Toolkit Challenge Embracing Intensity Community Support us on Patreon!

Are you an Approval Addict? How about a Gold Star Chaser? For so many excitable people, it can be exhausting and unfulfilling simply living life under the shadow of the approval of others. If that sounds like you, listen in to this rerun installment of Embracing Intensity. This week, Aurora interviews her mentor Amy Pearson about her own struggles as an Approval Addict. Amy is a life coach, mother, and deep believer in helping women come into their own authenticity. In this episode, she dives deep into what it means to live free from approval, and gives you the tools and opportunity to be who you truly are! Join Aurora and Amy to experience all that this episode has to offer: Amy shares how she journeyed from people pleaser to fearlessly fulfilled. Discover what it means to be an Approval Addict, and how to break the cycle. It is time to drop the façade of likability, and start embracing that inner fire. Find out how! Learn how to channel your intensity instead of pursuing affirmation from others. Moms really do know best—learn what wisdom Amy embraced to change the course of her life. Unlock what it means to Amy and Aurora to unearth your own authenticity. Amy describes what it means to find her Tribe, and discover how you can find your Tribe too. Check out your Approval Personality with Amy’s specially designed quiz. Links Join the League of Excitable Women on Facebook  Amy's New Website Being Amy The Blog (Active 1/1/20) Sign up for updates and take Amy's Approval Personality Quiz Amy’s Original Website Aurora’s Website Power Zone Toolkit Embracing Intensity Community Amy Recommends  The Slight Edge by Jeff Olson

Would you consider yourself the “Creative Type?” Does life seem to be barely within your control? Do you ever find yourself toning down your big, grand ideas for the sake of appearance and opinion? If so, you might be like this week’s guest on “Embracing Intensity. Join Aurora as she interviews Katherine North.  Katherine is a life coach, writer, and mother on a mission to lead women out of the creative storm of clutter and into a more beautiful, more authentic life. Her coaching allows women to stop stifling their joy, and embrace the things they truly love. Tune in to hear about Katherine’s journey across oceans and disciplines as she explains what it means to declare dominion over this beautiful life.  Listen in as Aurora and Katherine discuss:  Katherine’s journey from toned down and timid, to creatively big and epically badass.  Discover how Katherine figured out how to live life in the “ethereal realm” How to engage with your creativity, and let it be as big as you want it to be  Find out what it takes to be a Heathen Mystic  Uncover the magic of “morning pages”  Find out how you can be a part of the next Queen Sweep for a more beautiful home Get connected to Katherine’s weekly blog with tips and tricks for intense, sensitive, and creative women  Learn the two requirements for being an EFBA  Links Join the Embracing Intensity Community Katherine’s Website Katherine’s Book Practical Magic for Secret Mystics   Aurora’s Website Power Zone Toolkit    Katherine Recommends Parenting Without Power Struggles by Susan Stiffelman  Steering by Starlightby Dr. Martha Beck

Today we will talk to Aurora Holtzman, she came on my radar as one of the very few people out there who talks about ‘intensity’. In fact she has a podcast called ‘Embracing Intensity’! After years of feeling “too much,” Aurora finally realized that intensity, in the form of excitability, is the source of her greatest power. Now instead of beating herself up about not measuring up to her own self-imposed standards, she is on a mission to help outside-the-box thinkers befriend their brains and use their fire without getting burned. In this conversation she shared her journey, what she has learned through interviewing intense people, how to manage ADHD, and a bunch of useful resources! On social media, you can find Aurora at auroraremember on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and embracingintensity on Facebook & Instagram.Here are Aurora's main websites:Main: http://www.auroraremember.comCommunity: https://www.embracingintensity.com/Full Shownotes and Transcript: www.eggshelltherapy.com/podcast * To join our tribe, Please visit: https://www.eggshelltherapy.comFacebook:https://www.facebook.com/eggshelltransformationsNewsletters: https://eepurl.com/bykHRzDisclaimers: https://www.eggshelltherapy.com/disclaimersSound Editing: Sam Lehmert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-austin-lehmert-87043759/

Three words: You are enough. For an intense person in today’s fast-paced and demanding world, it is easy to feel like you have to tone yourself down. Are you feeling burned up, beaten down, and bummed out? Then you need to listen to this week’s episode of “Embracing Intensity.”  This week’s guest is Starr Sheppard-Decker, a business coach, and spiritual leader with a passion to see women fully embrace their intense selves. Through spiritual searching and a dive into her own inner psyche, Starr realized she desired attention and acceptance from others, when all she really needed was attention and acceptance from herself. Hear Starr’s wisdom and heart for women with intense passions and a fire worth spreading.  In this episode:  See how Starr’s passion for societal change has turned her into a teacher, spiritual leader, and life coach. Starr shares the experiences and revelations that changed her perspective on her own brand of intensity.  Feel great about how unique you are! See how intensity looks in the fast paced, energetic, deep inner workings of psyche and spirituality.  Learn how to live on the edge of cultural norms and present new ideas.  Break the idea of categories; redefine good and bad in your life  Find the right fit in your relationships.  Hear how Starr found spiritual development by seeking help and healing.  Learn grounding techniques and increase your emotional bandwidth  Deal with false beliefs and cling to what is true.  Starr Recommends A Woman’s Worth by Marianne Williamson The Mandala of Being by Richard Moss Links: Starr’s Website Session link Embracing Intensity Community XPress Your Power Store  Aurora’s Website  

I'm taking the month of December off again, but this year I decided to try something different and share some of my favorite episodes from season one with an update from the interviewee! This week I'm sharing one of my most popular episodes of all time with Paula Prober! As a child, were you deemed over-sensitive, dramatic, or over-emotional? Are you a deep thinker, intellectual, or intense creative? Perhaps that just means you are gifted. Join Aurora in this week’s “Embracing Intensity” as she interviews Paula Prober, an expert on the gifted population. Paula has journeyed through many disciplines from education to counseling and now to writing. Her interdisciplinary wisdom has led to a fascinating and enlightening perspective on the mind of a gifted individual. The gifted are often intense and excitable. Paula’s mission is to show the world how the gifted adult can seek healing and live life to the fullest.   Inside this week’s episode:  Find out if you could be “gifted” Learn how to apply Paula’s analogy of the Rainforest Mind Find out how to discover ways to connect with your body and hone your wonderful giftedness What does the Argentine Tango have to do with giftedness? Listen to find out!  Learn strategies Paula suggests for taking care of yourself. Discover the Healing Arts, and the key to finding a good therapist. Hear how Paula changed her voice, and why it mattered so much to her!  Uncover how writing, meditating, seeking therapy, and SLEEP can help you embrace your fully gifted life. Links Paula’s Blog: Your Rainforest Mind https://rainforestmind.wordpress.com/ Your Rainforest Mind: A Guide to the Well-Being of Gifted Adults and Youth by Paula Prober Paula Recommends Belonging Here: A Guide for the Spiritually Sensitive Person by Judith Blackstone Embracing Intensity Community Support us on Patreon!

Sometimes we hold back on setting goals out of fear of what might happen if we put our energy into something and it does not pan out the way we had hoped! This week on Embracing Intensity, Clinton Fetters of Distractonaut, shares a tool to help work through our fears so we can move forward on our goals! In this episode: Reasons we may fail to set goals, or set effective ones. A tool to help work through our fear around goals.  Elements of a good goal. Links: Distractonaut Blog Embracing Intensity Community

Our 3rd anniversary snuck up on my until I started getting congrats on Linked in! I asked for ideas on how to celebrate and got some great ideas, but between getting sick and working on my usual day off, I decided to keep it simple. Let me know if you have topics you'd like to see covered on the show! In this episode: I share about the origins of the Embracing Intensity Podcast. What you have to look forward to for the rest of this year.  Lessons learned from 3 years of interviewing gifted and outside the box thinkers.  Links: Embracing Intensity Community

"Motivation is something that you need over an arc of time, it's not necessarily a destination, it's something you need to bring along with you on your journey, more like a toothbrush." This week on Embracing Intensity, I finally get to share an edited part of our conversation on Motivation with René Brooks of Black Girl, Lost Keys!  In this episode: How motivation is part of the bigger picture, not day to day feelings. Moving through fatigue and burnout with motivation.  Letting go of the idea that everything is a top priority. How we tend to reward work with more work. The importance of self-reward.  Links: Black Girl, Lost Keys Embracing Intensity Community

How much emphasis do you put on play in your life? Somehow, as we enter adulthood, we lose our affinity for play. Today’s guest has made it his mission to bring play back into the lives of busy adults, and he’s here to tell us how his intensity has made it all possible. Gary Ware is someone I first met at the World Domination Summit this past year. People are drawn to his playful energy, and he is twice-exceptional, with ADHD and dyslexia. Gary will share how he’s learned to channel his energy in positive ways to help himself and many other people as he teaches them how to bring more play into their lives. Gary is the founder of Breakthrough Play, and he’s a sought-after corporate facilitator and keynote speaker with nearly a decade of experience as a performer in improv theater. He assists teams with unlocking creativity, confidence, and sparking collaboration with experiential methods proven to drive peak performance. Gary spent over a decade in the corporate world and originally pursued improv to master public speaking. He discovered that combining improv and play could be a powerful solution to achieve various business challenges. Naturally, he created workshops for his team and other executives in his network to deepen relationships and improve creativity. Gary became obsessed with learning how to use play as a transformational tool, and, as a result, happily transitioned from marketing to pursue facilitation full-time. When Gary isn’t leading workshops and keynote speaking, you can find him learning magic or off on an adventure with his wife, Courtney, and son, Garrett. Show Highlights: Gary’s intense passion for helping people be more authentic Why people feel uninspired and unengaged at work today Why finding joy in what you do is a conscious choice How Gary uses his personal brand of intensity to find different ways to solve complex problems, even using hypnosis and neuro-linguistic programming As Gary grew up, he was a curious and playful ball of energy, and always the class clown The cultural factors that affected his intensity because he attended a different school almost every year because of his father’s military career Becoming a “social chameleon” to fit in wherever he was, but never really knowing who he was Gary’s identity crisis as an African-American How Gary had to learn what was necessary to survive and how to operate with a filter The story of an out-of-control moment of a food fight in school How Gary uses his superpower of making people feel comfortable How Gary harnesses the power of his intensity in being his goofy self, but always in connection with others Why Gary views his ADD as a superpower now Why Gary calls play “a gift” and a “form of meditation” The best advice Gary ever received: “You are perfect just the way you are.” Books that have helped Gary: Play DHD, The Big Leap, and The Happiness Advantage (see resources below) How Gary brings playful methods to interesting situations Gary’s advice for listeners: “Think about how you played as a young child, and think about how you can bring that back into your life.” Resources: Breakthrough Play Find Gary Ware on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook Books: The Happiness Advantage by Shawn Achor Play by Dr. Stuart Brown Play DHD by Kirsten Milliken The Big Leap by Gay Hendricks Check out Embracing Intensity for more info about the Befriending Your Brain course series, launching in the fall.

Gifted kids turn into gifted adults, it’s something you live with for your entire life. When adults forget about their own atypical wiring, they open themselves up to social issues, and miss opportunities to continue growing. Guests Aurora Remember-Holtzman and Michelle Benedict talk to us about their experiences, and provide advice for people who may have forgotten they were gifted. About the guests - Aurora Remember-Holtzman is the host of the Embracing Intensity podcast, and is founder of www.EmbracingIntensity.com. After years of feeling “too much,” Aurora finally realized that intensity, in the form of excitability, is the source of her greatest power. Now instead of beating herself up about not measuring up to her own self-imposed standards, she is on a mission to help outside-the-box thinkers befriend their brains and use their fire without getting burned through her Embracing Intensity Podcast and community, coaching, facilitation and strengths-based psycho-educational assessment. Michelle Benedict has a Masters in Education and certification in Gifted Education. She also founded Mindful Transformations. She’s an educator in the Hazelwood, MO public school district. The Mind Matters podcast is available on Facebook and Instagram at Mind Matters Podcast, and on Twitter @MindMattersPod. For more information go to www.MindMattersPodcast.com Thank you for caring about kids. Copyright © 2019 Morris Creative Services LLC. All rights reserved.

These last few weeks of school my schedule has been thrown off whack, but as school approaches the end it opens up my schedule to do more great things with Embracing Intensity and more! In this episode: What I've been focusing on this year. Where I'm headed into the new year. What I learned about myself on our last group call in terms of prioritizing my time.  Links: Embracing Intensity Community XPress Your Power Store

In May we are focusing on shifting perspective, and part of that is in shifting our perspective of intensity. For our Embracing Intensity group call, Kate Arms will be talking about Thriving with Intensity. This is the talk she did at the SENG 2018 conference. Thriving with Intensity: Dabrowski believed overexcitabilities enhance our capacity for self-actualization. How can we take advantage of this extra capacity? This presentation will focus on how adults can grow beyond coping with the challenges of being super sensitive and move toward greater fulfillment. Once a few tools are identified for getting the most out of extraordinary sensitivity, the potential for self-awareness and life-changing transformations are profound. Using a coaching and leadership skills framework, Kate Arms will explore how to discover the gifts in individual overexcitabilities and how to use those gifts to create a greater sense of fulfillment in any moment. Kate Arms is a personal and business coach at Signal Fire Coaching. She loves helping smart, sensitive, and creative people harness their many passions, skills, and sensitivities and use that energy to thrive. She is at her best with complex people facing complex problems. Particular passions are teaching emotional self-management to intense people, supporting parents of twice-exceptional kids, and teaching leadership, collaboration, and relationship skills to software developers. She is the parent of four gifted kids, three of whom are twice-exceptional and a different three of whom are triplets. Her current writing projects are focused on healthy interpersonal relationships at home and work and how to have effective high-stakes conversations. Call recordings for the discussion and past calls can be found in the Embracing Intensity Community. Links: Embracing Intensity Community Thrive with Intensity Thrive with Intensity Facebook Group Thriving with Complexity Webinar Series for Parents

For the past ten years, Brigit has been facilitating personal and professional development for women alongside her practice as a painter.  As the founder of WE, Brigit believes the quality of our relationships determines the quality of our lives.  She has a passion for developing Relational Mindfulness to help people have thriving relationships.   For full show notes visit: theupandcomersshow.com/episodes/brigit

If you’re an intense person, then you’ve probably known feelings of being out of control,  unvalued in relationships, and being unable to set boundaries. My guest today has a wonderful story about how she came to a place of self-love, so she could then ask for what she wants and needs to be her best self in the world. Melissa Snow is a certified life coach who specializes in helping women improve their lives by learning to like, love, and value themselves more. She understands firsthand what it’s like to feel out of place and “not good enough.” She also knows the dramatic effects this has on ALL aspects of your life. She loves helping women get from where they are to where they want to be, by increasing their self-esteem and recognizing their inherent worth. Melissa is the author of Ten Secrets to Having the Love You Want, and has recently been featured on The Inspired Women podcast with Megan Hall. She’s also frequently featured on Bustle and Mind-Body Green. Show Highlights: How Melissa grew up as a gifted kid in the 1980s, going to an integrated school where she felt like she didn’t belong and wasn’t as good as others How her passion developed for helping women realize their value and harness their power How her intensity is manifested in her being overly emotional and sensitive to other people and to beauty in nature How she felt intensity when growing up, but not knowing how to harness it and what to do with it The effects of ADHD and giftedness as Melissa grew up Feeling like she didn’t belong and needed to be “fixed” How there weren’t opportunities and the level of understanding of giftedness that we see today How she felt like she had to tone herself down and tune herself out How we expect other people to like and love us when we don’t even like and love ourselves In early adulthood, Melissa’s self-worth was tied to whatever others thought When you don’t have self-esteem or self-worth, you don’t feel like you have the right to set boundaries, and you become a needy, desperate, jealous, and clingy person How Melissa got to the point where she felt at rock bottom, and there was absolutely nothing in her life that she liked How she got her intensity back under control, harnessing the power, and using it for good and not destruction How she harnessed the power of her intensity by becoming a life coach and learning to accept herself and her quirks How keeping “things” under control helps Melissa keep life under control Being her best self by learning to schedule downtime, using time-blocking techniques, and setting a routine to be grounded and at peace Not allowing negativity to infiltrate the rest of her life How Melissa helps others use their fire, by helping them in figuring who they are and who they want to be Your own thoughts and beliefs about yourself are usually the biggest obstacle in being who you want to be Why it’s NEVER too late to change your story Resources: Melissa Snow  Embracing Intensity  Join our community! Three upcoming events:   April 1--Ignite Your Power: Self-Empathy April 13--Guest call: Connecting with Nature April 27--Quarterly Potluck in the Portland area

“We don't want to simply bounce back, we want to bounce forward.” This week, on Embracing Intensity, Silver Huang shares her wisdom on the topic of resilience. As both a profoundly gifted and autistic individual, her perspective is simultaneously unique and universal. She lays out concepts that can be hard to grasp in a very tangible and actionable way. Plus, she’s just really fun to listen to! In this talk, Silver will share: Working definitions of adversity, resilience, and adaptability. The importance of perspective. How shifting our respective can change outcomes. 6 practical templates to help shift your perspective and improve outcomes. Links: Embracing Intensity Community Silver's Website  

This week on Embracing Intensity, I'm sharing the first lesson of my Ignite Your Power Course. In this lesson, we will observe our own powers, get clear on how to harness them and develop a “power toolkit” to help harness them more. You can find the full group discussion and other materials related to the lesson in the Embracing Intensity Community!  In this episode, I discuss:  The 5 types of excitability. How do your excitabilities look when suppressed, out of control and harnessed? Tips for harnessing each excitability. Improving your self-regulation skills. What it looks like when you are "in the zone." Developing a Power Toolkit. Links: Firmina Foundation Ignite Your Power Course Embracing Intensity Community

How does it feel to identify as broken and immensely different from all those around you? If these feelings continue and compound, then one ends up feeling mentally ill---doomed to be always on the outside of normal. Chris Wells joins us today from The Gifted Development Center in Westminster, CO. We met at the SENG conference, and then Chris’ name came up again in a conversation with Kate Arms, our guest from Episode 93. Chris has the knowledge and in-depth experience on the topic of positive disintegration. Her story is amazing--and you don’t want to miss it! Something new we’re doing here in the Embracing Intensity community is profiling different members of the community to share who we are, what we’ve figured out, and how we can get to know and understand each other better. I’m giving you a sneak peek of my interview with Javon Fernanders, and you can find out more when you join us at Embracing Intensity. Show Highlights: What Chris is intensely passionate about, in light of her history of mental illness and giftedness--and why she’s become an advocate What intensity looks like for someone who had “mental illness” since a young age Why it’s taken Chris her whole life to temper the way she is and to be able to move through the world without causing problems How intensity made everything more difficult because no one understood and she always felt alien and different How she spent 12 years on disability for bipolar and panic disorder, wondering, “What’s wrong with me?” Positive disintegration: a sign of strong developmental potential that says, “You are NOT broken.” What it means to be an empath and to no longer feel so alone The cultural factors that affected Chris and the messages she was raised with Why she wishes people would have encouraged her in the things she wanted to do How she “tuned herself out” and used her gifts to make adults’ lives difficult as a teen How Chris got on the path to “figuring things out”--after getting kicked out of high school, going to drug rehab, and writing a book Overexcitability and how it is misunderstood Chris’ younger life---”Intensity out of control” Why she felt like her personality wasn’t working anymore How she uses her fire for good, in studying positive disintegration in incredible depth Why she began studying Dabrowski’s Theory of Positive Disintegration What has helped in harnessing the power of Chris’ intensity and how “life flows more now” The best advice anyone ever gave Chris: From Linda Silverman, “Stop trying to fit in--and study Dabrowski’s theory.” Personal habits that help her use her fire in positive ways, like writing Books that have influenced Chris the most: Ordinary People by Judith Guest Mellow Out by Michael Piechowski Living with Intensity by Susan Daniels and Michael Piechowski How Chris helps others use their own fire Building community and connection with support and affirmation Resources: Chris Tane Wells Parents of Twice Exceptional Kids

We are super excited to have Heather Boorman, of the Fringy Bit Podcast, share her talk on Self-Compassion from the SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted) conference last summer! Self-Compassion has been proven to be an effective mindset and intervention toward more sustainable mental health and self-concept. This presentation will apply the work of Dr. Kristin Neff in the field of self-compassion to the gifted population and typical struggles faced by many gifted individuals. In particular, we will consider how Dabrowski’s super-stimulabilities and other typical psychosocial traits can lead to perfectionism, imposter syndrome, self-judgment, low frustration tolerance, depression, and anxiety. We will consider the ways in which society’s responses to giftedness and emphasis on self-esteem can also contribute to un-wellness in gifted children, youth, and adults. Self-compassion will then be defined and defended as an effective intervention toward increased wellness. Attendees will be introduced to, and participate in, exercises to increase self-compassion. The session will be a blend of lecture and interactive. Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to identify at least 5 psychosocial traits typical within the gifted population Participants will be able to explain how typical psychosocial experiences of gifted individuals may contribute to un-wellness in the forms of perfectionism, imposter syndrome, low frustration tolerance, self-judgment, and mental health issues. Participants will be able to define self-compassion and identify the 3 components that contribute to self-compassion Participants will be able to identify and implement at least 3 interventions to increase self-compassion. About the Author: Heather Boorman lives an intensely joy-filled and full life as a homeschooling mom to 3 fringy kids and the executive director and therapist with Boorman Counseling. She passionately advocates for differently wired kids and adults through her work as a national speaker, writer & podcaster at The Fringy Bit. Heather’s also the author of The Gifted Kids Workbook, which provides mindfulness-based activities to help kids reduce stress, balance emotions, and build confidence. About Embracing Intensity Group Calls: Each month on the second Saturday, we will have a guest speaker dive into a topic they love followed by a discussion with the group. The talk will be shared on the podcast, but the discussion will only be shared with Embracing Intensity community members and patrons. The calls will be on the Zoom platform, which allows you to interact at whatever level you'd like (video, audio or use photo and chat box). There will be an opportunity for further discussion in the Embracing Intensity Community. Links: Fringy Bit Podcast Embracing Intensity Community

Are you a humanitarian? Today's episode is with Jaiden Love, a healer, educator, and humanitarian and the author of the book Saving My Life. Jaiden is a very spiritual person who has been passionate about serving and helping others for all of his life. He has been running his own business for the last ten years, and although it has continually morphed and changed over this time, it has always been about helping people to live their truth. Listen in today to find out about Jaiden and the way that he helps people to become the very best version of themselves. Jaiden has a really huge heart and wonderful energy that radiates right through the screen and microphone. As a healer, he is passionate about helping others to do their own inner work, so that they can learn to live their truth and their happiest life. As an educator, Jaiden strives to give people the tools to treat others with more compassion and respect. The combination of the two allows him to create and hold a safe space for people to reach the ultimate goal of greater connectedness and love in the world. Listen in to find out what Jaiden has to share in today's episode. Show highlights: How politics helped Jaiden to realize that he is actually a humanitarian. Jaiden discusses the mindset block that he has always had towards being political, even though he now sees that being a humanitarian is a type of political stance. The impact that Jaiden's intensity, sensitivity, and creativity had on him while growing up. Jaiden has been putting other people's needs and happiness for most of his life. Now he knows that he needs to first take care of himself, in order to really be of help to others. Jaiden is black and he was adopted and raised by a white family in a small, mostly white town, so there were a number of cultural factors that affected the way he expressed himself while growing up. The difficulties that most people have with expressing their truth to themselves and to others. Jaiden worked as a high-school counselor for about five years and listening to the students talking to him about their troubled home-lives had a deep impact on him, both emotionally and physically. Jaiden is really passionate about nutrition and he sees that most people just don't realize how much the things they put in and onto their bodies actually affects them emotionally. Jaiden started out as an energy healer and he explains why he combined spiritual coaching with that. Jason explains that everything that is experienced on the physical level starts on the emotional and spiritual level. Giving people the tools to cope with issues of gender identity. The odd reactions that people tend to have towards the words 'God' and 'spirituality'. Living your own truth, regardless of who and how you are. The importance of feeling safe, and having love and support in your life. What Jaiden's book, Saving My Life, is all about. The book is available from Amazon. Links: Jaiden's website: Held And Heard Jaiden's email: jaiden@heldandheard.com Jaiden's phone number: 503 757 1454 Jaiden is on Linkedin To receive a 45-minute free consultation from Jaiden, contact him and tell him that you listened to this podcast. Resources: Books: Saving My Life by Jaden Jemel Love Siddhartha by Hermann Hesse The Disappearance of the Universe by Gary Renard The Abundance Book by John Randolf Price A Course In Miracles The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz Our Find Your Power Zone Tool-kit Challenge starts on the 14th of January, as a way to kick off the growth of our new Embracing Intensity Community. Go to Embracing Intensity to find out more about the challenge and about our new community.

Today, we’re talking to Aurora Remember Holtzman. Aurora is a school psychologist, host of the “Embracing Intensity” podcast, and a twice exceptional mother of a twice exceptional son. They both have ADHD and giftedness.  In today’s episode, we’re talking ADHD and giftedness through the lens of someone who’s living it.  We explore growing up gifted, impulsiveness vs impulsiveness, the value of teachers who “get” your kid, and the importance of learning to self-regulate as a parent.   Guest Links: Aurora's Website: http://www.auroraremember.com Embracing Intensity Podcast:  http://www.auroraremember.com/embracing-intensity    Shameless Plugs:   Go to https://www.adhdrewired.com/events/ for details about the monthly Q&A with Eric Tivers. Learn about The ADHD Essentials Online Parent Coaching Groups! Or register at https://www.adhdessentials.com/sign-up/ Join the ADHD Essentials Facebook Community   In Today’s Episode We Discuss: Growing up Gifted with ADHD High achievers will achieve regardless of supports Gifted kids struggling with Executive Function of Social Skills need support The value of growing up with a foundation of acceptance and love Adulting can be a challenge Aurora’s son being too distractible to nurse The effects of missing meds Missing meds is not an excuse for poor behavior Looking for the off-kilter reasons for behavior Compulsive or Impulsive? Looking at behavior through the lens of Dopamine Relationships with teachers affects engagement Exponential reactions to stressors “Self Reg” by Stuart Shanker It's hard to not escalate when your kid is melting down The importance of learning to self-regulate as a parent Weaknesses as the flipside of a strengths  

This week we celebrate Embracing Intensity's 100th episode! Join Aurora, past guests and audience members as they share, "What does Embracing Intensity mean to me?" In this episode: Xpress Your Power Store Embracing Gifted Facebook Page Embracing Intensity on Patreon League of Excitable Women on Facebook

Have you ever heard the term twice-exceptional? In this episode of Embracing Intensity, I share what it means and why it's important.  Including: My own story of twice-exceptionality.  Why twice-exceptional people often don't get identified.  What happens when some skills are super high and others are "average." When difficult things seem easy, yet easy things can be really hard. 

In this episode we are joined by Aurora Remember Holtzman, school psychologist and host of the podcast Embracing Intensity. We talk about what twice exceptionality is, why hard work can be more important than IQ, and the intersection of gifted children and mental health. Aurora talks to us some of the challenges of the twice exceptional community face, the perfectionism of giftedness, and how the gifted piece can often get overlooked when the mental health diagnosis gets all the focus.To apply to work with us, or more information on Being UnNormal check out our website at www.beingunnormal.comFollow us on social media!Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/beingunnormalInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/beingunnormalpodcastSupport the show (http://www.pateron.com/beingunnormal)

On this week's episode of Embracing Intensity, I'm sharing my talk from the SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted) conference in San Diego on The Embracing Intensity Journey I share insights gained from interviewing gifted and outside the box thinkers on my Embracing Intensity Podcast including overarching themes and what tools and habits have helped them to use their fire in a positive way. The participants will then have the opportunity to share their practices that have helped embrace their own intensity. Get access to the full talk with discussion on Patreon! In this episode: Childhood Sensitivity Messages of "too much" Toning Down & Tuning Out Living Within The Lines Catalyst Using your fire for good! Links: Patreon Talk Slides

If you are a multipotentialite, do you prefer to cycle through interests or do a whole bunch of different things at once? In this week's episode of Embracing Intensity, I discuss my own tendencies when it comes to pursuing multiple passions and why I'm moving from a lot of varied activities at once to focusing on just a small few.  In this episode, I discuss: Rainbow people vs. specialists. Where I'm a specialist. Learning about our learning.  How you can join our upcoming group call on the Embracing Intensity Journey! Related Links: Find Your Superpower Course Upcoming Group Call 

Have you ever felt yourself changing in order to fit in? This week on Embracing Intensity, I talk about experiences of past guests and myself of being social chameleons and examine when it becomes a problem and when it can be a positive thing.  In this episode: I share about my experience at the SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted) conference where I spoke last weekend. 3 Types of social chameleons I've observed. Thoughts on the difference between "fitting in" and "belonging" Resources: Find me on Patreon Find Your Superpower Lesson

This week on Embracing Intensity, I head to the SENG (Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted) conference in San Diego! I also discuss what's coming up in the next couple of months. In this episode, I share: An overview of my upcoming talk, which I will share on a call in August. Topics for the next two group calls for Patrons. Why next week's interview episode is notable. 

Do you have a message to share with the world? Rukshana was once unable to share her message, but she now not only sharing her message but is paving the way for others to do so, as well. Rukshana shares what it is like to be a former refugee and immigrant from Mozambique. Tune in to this week’s episode to hear Rukshana’s story. Rukshana is CEO of her women’s coaching business where she is able to help women overcome their rough pasts and create their desired, beautiful lives through nature retreats and various online coaching programs and communities. This week’s Embracing Intensity show is one you will not want to miss!  More in this episode: Learn what Rukshana experienced in a refugee camp. Rukshana shares how she turned the negative experiences of abuse in a refugee camp to positivity. Rukshana shares what prompted her to speak up for herself. Move beyond unresolved issues and love yourself. Rukshana tells us how having children made her closely examine her life’s purpose. Learn how Rukshana improved her overall health, including getting off prescription medications. Rukshana shares how it is ok to be vulnerable. Understand your body! Meditation can be used as an important tool. Learn how personally experiencing nature can change your life. Rukshana shares how she helps others find their passion and helps them verbalize it to others. Rukshana shares how simplifying your life can benefit you.  Links: The Miracle Morning, by Hal Elrod, was a helpful book for Rukshana. Rukshana’s Facebook Page A Women’s Lifestyle Community, Rukshana’s group on Facebook Rukshana’s Website Instagram Page Twitter Page

Do you often find yourself questioning your own gifts? This week on Embracing Intensity, I talk about how many of the most gifted are often the ones most full of doubts.  In this episode: I share different ways imposter syndrome manifests itself.  How many of the most unhappy people I know are gifted people who did not have their needs met.  Why it's important to talk about giftedness so that others can connect and learn about themselves.  Resources: The Fringy Bit Podcast with Me Find Your Superpower Course Retreat Planner

Heather & Jon welcome Aurora Remember to the podcast this week!  Together we chat about managing our intense personalities as adults, differences between intense men and intense women, and enjoy a few laughs along the way.  A quick note - we recorded this interview pre-concussion and apologize that we weren't able to air it before the fall challenge mentioned in the podcast.  Be sure to check out her site for other great resources! Mentioned in this episode: Aurora Remember Self Reg 7 Habits of Highly Effective People Overwhelmed Talk Like Ted The Explosive Child How to Be an Adult   “Keeping our cool is freezing our aliveness — David Richo

142 | Embracing Intensity with Aurora Remember This Week’s Guest: Aurora Remember is on a mission to help people embrace their intensity and use their fire without getting burned.  With a background as a school psychologist, Aurora just launched a new podcast called, . In this conversation, you will hear Aurora explain the traits and tendencies of a highly excitable person.  While she shares some of her personal traits, we also talk about Aurora’s most popular blog post, .   In the hot-seat portion of the discussion, we talk about Aurora’s struggles with social media.  She struggles with being consistent and staying focused in this area.  We talk about some strategies she can implement to help herself in this area.  At the end of the episode, Aurora calls back to follow-up after her hot seat session.  Aurora tried using Fiverr for delegating some social content.  She also talks about using Buffer to help her streamline social posting. Connect with Aurora Remember: Website - Podcast - Facebook - Twitter - You’ll Learn: [03:35] - Aurora talks about the personality traits of a highly excitable person. [06:37] - Aurora shares how being highly excitable impacts her, personally. [09:02] - Aurora talks about the history of how high excitability is perceived and defined. [13:51] - Aurora talks about her popular blog post, . [22:45] - Aurora talks about labels and the shades of grey in individuals, including a self-diagnosis. [25:30] - We discuss the possible connection between chronic pain and ADHD because of an overactive nervous system. [27:55] - Aurora talks about using your intensity and fire without getting burned through her coaching. She also shares her personal strategies and struggles. [37:30] - Aurora Remember sits in the ADHD reWired Hot Seat. Aurora struggles with her social media, from consistency and staying focused. We discuss some ways for Aurora to stay on track, including mind-mapping, my two sticky-note strategy, and delegation. [1:07:20] - Aurora follows up after sitting in the ADHD reWired Hot Seat. Resources: - Michael Gerber - Chris Ducker Use my Audible.com affiliate link for your favorite titles: ADHD reWired Coaching and Accountability Group! We have dates for our winter sessions for the group.  The winter session will start on January 16th.  Early registration will be from November 16th-22nd!  Learn more at . The CHADD of Northern Illinois If you are in the northern Illinois region, my local CHADD group will be doing a panel of experts on November 21st in Grayslake, IL.  More information can be found on our or . ADHD Friendly Guide to Understanding Insurance Go from “WTF!” to “Done!” with our three-part series.  Jessica Stillwell will be presenting the information and answering all of your questions. Go to to register! Want to be a guest? Hey! What about you?  Do you have a story?  Are you a Coach?  Are you an ADHD Clinician?  If you answered yes to any of these questions and you’d like to be a guest, schedule a pre-interview call .    

Paul and Dave are in the final stages of their shared gig prep, but take a detour today to talk about all the other projects they each have going on and the value of embracing intensity. Then it's time to look to the pros and learn some lessons about requests and stage presence. As if we thought honing our craft on our instruments was enough, that's only the beginning!