My new way of understanding neurodiversity is that it’s like biodiversity: necessary for a healthy ecosystem.
We’re different in the way that cedar, birch and ponderosa pine are all different kinds of trees. When you cut down cedar and birch and turn them into lumber they have a lot of value. But ponderosa isn’t as easy to use…

Let’s start with what it’s not. The difference between work and play isn’t effort. Anyone who’s had a hobby (skateboarding, marathon running, golfing, knitting) can tell you that much. Exerting yourself doesn’t make your play feel less playful. Quite the contrary.

And it’s not merely about money either. Making money from play doesn’t automatically turn it into work.

It’s not about what you add. It’s about what you take away.

Self-trust is knowing and inhabiting yourself and owning your abilities. It’s respect for yourself as you are, and the natural drive of curiosity that motivates you to grow. It’s also the humility to understand that we are interdependent, and the ability to build trust with others. It’s an open-ended belief in our ability to grow.

Being an imposter often means we’re breaking trail. It’s a feeling that accompanies exploration, cross-pollination and innovation. It’s disruptive and uncomfortable because change is disruptive and uncomfortable. It means we have something to share and something to learn.

This isn’t a sermon on going outside (but also, go outside! It’s nice there! There are cool things like moss and small birds and rivers). But I want to point out the blind spots we have because of our values. I know this is good for me. I believe in it. I espouse it. So it must mean I do it. Only, does it?

I’m forever amazed at how quickly people expect to bounce back after a big life change. I often hear my clients say: “I left my corporate job/my marriage/school/moved across the country/retired a while ago, but I don’t feel any desire to work on my business/dive into studies/get creative in the studio. What’s wrong with me?”

Recently I’ve noticed people don’t always make decisions in the way they think they do.
It looks like they are deciding. They’re talking about it, they’re weighing pros and cons. They’re hesitating. They’re doubting themselves. But ultimately, The decision has already been made, They’re just convincing themselves of it.

When I was embarking on my un-schooling journey I read account after account of other people’s journeys. I was looking for inspiration, permission, but mostly the comfort of seeing that I might be able to take this wild leap into my own path and be ok.
So, in the spirit of solidarity, here is part of my story.