I’m Jen and as a 55 year old neurodivergent introvert, mom to 2 adult children, and elementary educator for 26+ years, I’ve successfully lived the first half of my life and am preparing for Act 3.
In this community, you’ll enjoy personal insights, knowledge, connection, and compassion as I share with you my experiences growing into the person I am as well as journeying with me as I navigate my way into the next stage of my life.
With at least another 55 years to go I will share my current wisdom, new learnings, and my desire to stay relevant and vibrant in both body and mind.
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I’m so happy to see you at the beach. Hot pink docs sound amazing however I like you would love a pair of docs, new ones take a long time to break in and I don’t want to take the time while I’m uncomfortable in the meantime. RJ is the doc queen and maybe because she is young she makes it through the break in period. The birds! As a fellow so cal gal, I also didn’t really make it to the beach this summer to just sit with a book however most of my life, I would prefer an October days at the beach because summer crowds are not relaxing to me. Yay, you have a water color journal too. I have 3 more days in this 30 day challenge and can’t wait to dive into my journal next! Grateful for YOU Jen.❤❤
Nature is beautiful! It’s a blessing that you were able to make it to the beach! The waves and birds flying is beautiful. Life gets too busy. I don’t like bees or wasps either. Your lunch sounded wonderful! Sorry that the Doc Martens weren’t comfortable. Thanks for reminding us to be grateful. ❤
You are very blessed, I don’t drive due to my Chronic Illness but I love nature. Getting into nature is a huge blessing. The waves are beautiful in the background. Sometimes you need your bed, your body will let you know when you need to rest. I’m glad that you’re able to be at the beach. I can see the birds flying behind it. I love that you are unmasking and trying to find the style that makes you happy. Being quiet and enjoying oneself is awesome ❤❤ I love hearing your encouraging 😊
So glad you made it to the beach. 🏖️✨❤️ I went on a spontaneous adventure yesterday. Will upload it later today. Hugs to you and wishing you a really good day. 🤗🫶🏻
I love that you gave her the floor to express herself. Wow that’s an amazing message she shared. I am impressed and I wasn’t there. I think that was brilliant she’s a gem. Kids are amazing and they make us feel so smile especially when we allow them to express themselves.
I actually rewatched and took notes... Thanks for this, Jen. So much of what you touched on here resonated with me. And just tonight I was trying to explain to my nearly 88 year old father the concept of spoons ✨
Thank you, once again, for trusting us with your vulnerability. Youre a beautiful soul and I so admire you for putting yourself first. Another brilliant video!
That is awesome Jen. Yes the spoons can get used up quickly. I’m glad you are taking time for yourself, so important. I’m happy for you and I understand completely what you are saying about friends. You have one in me. ❤
You may occasionally lose your train of thought, but you are not losing me! I totally follow you and think that you explain things in such a clear and relatable way. I appreciate your insight, your transparency and your stellar communication skills. Thank you also for the resources (podcast about HSPs, etc.). I may come back to edit this post with more of my thoughts, as I am only about 1/3 of the way into the video. I am subscribing! Keep up your videos, love it. 😊 Btw, I found your video by searching in RU-vid “I’m not who I thought I was”, even though I’m not even entirely sure why this thought came to me. ❤
Beautifully and thoughtfully said, Jen. I, too, experience many seasons of my life where it's most important that I go inward in order to feel happy, safe, and content. I'm grateful to have friends who stuck around despite all the months and years that I went quiet! I wish you a wonderful season of making your inner peace a priority in your own unique and essential ways. 🥰
This is an interesting way to approach life from a perspective I have shared for a good portion of my life. I can see how you are reflecting on one of the aspects of what I would call Western ontological norms (ontology = study of being). It is very common to grow up being told and incentivized to meet as many people as possible and make as many friends as possible for various prospective benefits. However, as the premier capitalist mantra says: “the more one has, the less one wants it”. But let me be clear that there is nothing wrong with making more friends, but if you don't establish a personal hierarchy (i.e., from acquaintances to best friends), you risk diluting what friendship means to you. Not everyone can take up your time, so give precedent to the ones you enjoy most (as inherently discriminatory as that may be). I am also curious what you might think of the African ethical philosophy of Ubuntu. I was just reading this [ philpapers.org/archive/METUTG.pdf ] article from South African philosopher Thaddeus Metz. It's a good introduction to an underappreciated school of thought that may be insightful for what you are going through.
You really are a great teacher and explain things so well and make it easy for me to understand. Aren’t you so glad you are where you are now and you have an understanding of why or how friendships went in a certain direction? I can really resonate with the part you explain pouring in to others that it can leave us feeling empty. We count too. You remind me of this. That we need to also take care of ourselves. Your backdrop today is really pretty and peaceful. Enjoy your day off.
I hear you on so many levels. I hardly have energy for myself or family let alone others. I am a neurodivergent as well. Only found out about a year ago. ❤❤
Thank you for sharing your thoughts and insights. You demonstrate so much self awareness by realizing that you’ve shown up so much (maybe even a bit too much) for others and that it’s healthy for you to be there for YOU. It’s not selfish or narcissistic. I think it’s just good self awareness and respect for your own needs. Here for you if/when needed. ❤❤🤗🤗
Jane's message was beautiful. Thanks for sharing it with us. The other young students just needed to see things from a different perspective. Jane was brave and wise enough to show it to them. Well done!💗
Jen, you are making a difference for your city and your community. You might not see it now, but it is so important. My granddaughter teaches first grade here in Guatemala at an English speaking school and she has similar challenges. So glad you had this moment to encourage you!
Thank you so much for sharing that with us. One thing that strikes me is how brilliant these children are, speaking two languages. I know its easier for children, but it proves how remarkable their brains are. Im so glad Jane showed up for you, and you for her.
Sounds like Jane is going through the silent period. I used to teach ESL. People take a period of time to just listen and not speak as much when learning the language. Sounds like she had a breakthrough that day. How sweet that she stuck up for you and spoke so eloquently.
