I have worked with gifted and multi-exceptional individuals for almost 30 years and have developed a comprehensive understanding of their unique needs. One of the common elements of my work is preparing these persons and their families to navigate life's unpredictable journey. In all phases of life; whether starting school, graduating, finding a career, or planning your golden years; highly intense people may struggle to find their true purpose. Far too often, we get stuck in the weeds of life and struggle to find our way out. This workshop, a parody of the famous Dr. Suess book, Oh, The Places You'll Go, focuses on how gifted/2e individuals can develop a successful path forward by building the following skills:
Session 1: Finding Your True Self:
Understanding giftedness/2e, building positive metacognition, the neuroscience and anatomy of neurodiversity, designing a path to achievement and actualization
Session 2. The Bumps in the Road:
Dealing with and overcoming anxiety, intensity, depression, disillusionment, inertia, criticism (external and internal), school issues, job issues, and more
Session 3: Means of Communication:
Developing a way to positive communication with those around you: family, friends, relationships, colleagues and bosses
Session 4: The 2e Factor:
Navigating potential issues with having multiple exceptionalities while embracing them as unique strengths
Session 5: Executive Functioning:
Developing the skills that will make you successful in all environments from school to the workplace and beyond
Session 6: Finding Purpose:
From establishing core values to utilizing your talents, finding purpose is the key to happiness and productivity however you define it
Meet Dr. Mike Postma:
Hello! I'm Dr. Mike Postma, an educator, speaker, author, consultant and coach residing in beautiful Bellingham, WA. Together with my wife, Julie, we have raised our own 4 gifted/2e children and know how difficult this journey can be. That is one reason I have dedicated my life work to the holistic development of the gifted/2e community. In my 25+ year career, I've served as a Gifted Teacher in the classroom, as an Administrator of gifted schools, as a professional developer of gifted programming and curriculum and as Executive Director of the SENG organization (Supporting the Emotional Needs of the Gifted), and now leading our company Gifted & Thriving, LLC. I look forward to spending time together with you to learn how we can best teach and support this exceptional community so we can all move from a place of just surviving to THRIVING! I look forward to the journey with you!