In episode 72, Chris and Emma talked with Dr. Lil Jedynak—a memoir writing coach, multi-potential creative, and gifted adult—who helps people tell their life stories through the lens of autoethnography.

Lil shares her journey of self-discovery, from uncovering her giftedness at 60 to finding new frameworks for understanding her life, such as Dąbrowski’s Theory of Positive Disintegration. We explore how writing became a tool for her healing, integration, and personal growth and how she now guides others on their own storytelling paths.

We dive into:

* How early experiences of invisibility, perfectionism, and cultural expectations shaped Lil’s understanding of her giftedness.

* The role of autoethnography in making sense of one’s life story and deepening self-awareness.

* The interplay between tall poppy syndrome, perfectionism, and the fear of failure.

* The power of embracing past struggles as part of personal development.

* How creativity, intuition, and personal reflection help gifted individuals integrate their complex identities.

* Alternative ways to process and express self-discovery beyond writing.

This conversation is full of insight into the lived experience of positive disintegration and how we can turn our personal narratives into sources of strength. Whether you love to write or prefer other forms of self-expression, there are many ways to make meaning of your story. Join us for an inspiring discussion that celebrates authenticity, creativity, and the art of storytelling.

Resources from this episode

* Website: drlilconsults.com

* Substack: Lil’s Substack

* Lil’s session from DC2024 on YouTube: Fame and Fragility

Join us at the 2025 International Symposium on Autoethnography and Narrative

People mentioned:

Lotte van Lith — A Lot of Complexity & Episode 9

Jennifer Harvey Sallin — InterGifted & Episode 23

Sheldon Gay — I Must Be BUG'N Pod & Episode 63

Books mentioned:

* Living with Intensity – Susan Daniels & Michael M. Piechowski

* Personality Shaping Through Positive Disintegration – Kazimierz Dabrowski

* Bright Adults: Uniqueness & Belonging Across the Lifespan – Ellen Fiedler

* Writing as a Way of Healing – Louise DeSalvo

Connect with us

* Positive Disintegration on Substack

* Visit the Dabrowski Center website

* Facebook

* Instagram

* The Positive Disintegration YouTube Channel

* Adults with Overexcitabilities group on Facebook

* The Tragic Gift blog by Emma

* Email us at [email protected]

* Please consider donating to the Dabrowski Center, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.

* Find Positive Disintegration Merch

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