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Two stories (with prompts), and some news…

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This month, I took a trip to my home state.I stayed at my childhood home where clues of my neurodivergence in adolescence still linger. Specifically, a silly sensory story, plus my deep need to create and express.

1 - I used to FREAK OUT if there was a hair in the bathtub (someone else’s).

I’d refuse to get in the tub or I’d get out of it until my mom came to remove it.

So today hangs this small “hare in the tub” art print in my childhood bathroom in honor of my former meltdowns. :)

Story Prompt:

→ What sensory stories do you have from your childhood, adolescence, and adulthood?

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2 - At 15, my parents let me take over the upstairs by painting a mural in the “sitting room” and painting my bedroom with (awful) clouds on the ceiling.

Considering my drawing skills were never nurtured, much less painting skills, today I sincerely appreciate them saying “yes” to doing this to their home!

Story Prompts:

→ Would your parent(s) have allowed you to do something like this?

→ Would you allow your kid(s) to do something like this?!

→ What are the wildest things your parent(s) said "yes" to?

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The irony of those stories is that this was my first visit back to that home since my parents divorced last year (after 40 years of marriage). I don't have a relationship with my mom at this time either.

With many stories that weren't healthy or supportive in my memory bank, it was cathartic to have noticed the bits where they (my parents) did really well for their neurodivergent daughter.

Story Prompt:

→ If you have any extra tender or tumultuous relationships in your life, existing or that have ended, have you been able to identify what that relationship has given you?

It's so easy to hold the mental filing cabinet of hurt above the good stories, but I've found that identifying those good stories helps soften my perspective and raise my compassion, both of which have been healing tools.

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Now for some news...

Last fall, I crossed paths with neuropsychologist Dr. Michelle Livock and psychologist Monique Mitchelson, hosts of The Neurodivergent Woman Podcast.

What is it? The podcast aims to be a free resource for adult neurodivergent women, gender diverse, and nonbinary individuals. It's wonderful. Awhile back, the show hit 400,000 unique downloads—it's making a real impact!

So, while listening to their episode on Exceptional and Unusual Abilities in Neurodivergence, I questioned if they'd secretly lived in my closet while I grew up! It was that spot on to my lived experience.

Well, remember the Mini Mags from the Intentional Documentary podcast that I created?

I noticed Monique & Michelle didn't have episode transcripts available, so I pitched a collaboration idea to create something better than a transcript.

Nearly six months later, I've been spending much of my work time creating PDF podcast "articles" for the show. With 36 episodes prior to season 4 (which is rolling out now), it's been a huge, exciting, and aligned project!

Last month, we hit a milestone as the ND Woman Pod store opened with the first batch of PDF articles and a glossary of neurodivergence words + phrases. 🎉

Hint: When you visit the website and join the mailing list, you'll be emailed a code to download the PDF of Season 1, Episode 1: What is Neurodiversity? for free.

​Click here to get your copy.​

This collaboration is out of left field from anything I've done in the last ten years, but something I feel called to pursue right now.

Neurodivergent women are STILL often overlooked and misunderstood in the wider professions of medicine and mental health, something I was awakened to through my experience and even my children's.

What's really cool is that people can purchase these PDF's (only $5 each) and then share them with their doctors, family, or whomever they need help communicating with. Plus, educators of neurodivergence can purchase a professional-use license to share these pieces with their students. That contribution to professionals makes me beyond proud.

It's amazing what we can do with our hard stories, hey?!

The best part: people are buying and loving them.

I wanted to share, because 1) many readers here are also neurodivergent and I can't keep this podcast to myself. So, check it out!

Second, this wouldn't be complete without tying this news into story work...

We made an "introducing our new team member" post on social recently.

​Click here to see on Instagram​

​Click here to see on Facebook​

I shared a real story about my experience in neurodivergence, in case you'd like to know more there.

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Notice your stories and respond boldly,

Marie Masse

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P.S. Our stories permeate every part of our lives.

Here's to taking the little truths of your stories and turning them into potential opportunities and assets. ✨

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