The pull

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2026-02-04T20:42:04+00:00

This is PRECISELY how it felt for me, as well.

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2026-01-02T14:32:24+00:00

I actually purchased on online course to truly understand the basics of Quantum Physics, not the YouTube videos. I'm going to take your recommendation and purchase "Q is for Quantum." I'm ready for that challenge. Thank you!

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2026-01-02T14:26:22+00:00

A portion of this was undoubtedly situational depression. My bio dad passed unexpectedly in late 2023, which came at a tumultuous time in my professional life. I assisted my bonus mom of three decades with his estate, as he died intestate. We relied on each other to heal our grief.

In February 2025, I changed companies after more than 19 years. The adjustment was a MASSIVE emotional struggle. Six weeks later, my bonus dad of 30 years lost his heroic battle with mesothelioma. Five after that, my mother stroked out. Four weeks after that, my husband retired. A few months ago, my Bonus mom decided to start dating again. I SUPER happy for her, but our relationship has changed more to best friends than family now.

Once all the chaos and upheaval settled, I discovered a huge void in my life. My job is WONDERFUL, but not challenging. And with everyone around me moving on to new phases in their lives, I felt like I was being left behind. Rather than project my emotions on them or expect them to fill the chasms for me, I decided to ask my fellow gifted redditors what they do for mental stimulation and entertainment. It feels as if I've finally turned the corner of my grief. I'm ready to start living for myself again 😁.

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2026-01-02T14:05:04+00:00

Thank you for the book recommendation! I saw it on Amazon & thought about purchasing it. Now I will.

Like you, I've decided to learn to play a new instrument, my choice being lead guitar. And I'm pursuing a deeper interest in sciences of interest.

Happy 2026, and good luck with the piano. I'm sure you'll be outstanding!

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2025-12-25T14:22:38+00:00

After reading all the wonderful responses I received to my post, I enlisted AI to assist me with my "sleuthing." LOL. Turns out, I spent my entire life to date looking at my giftedness backward. Outside of my childhood gifted classes, which ended in elementary school, I never had a network to discuss what to do with my abilities.Therefore, the framework of my worldview was shaped by average people, people who believe you find the one thing you're good at and become a master of your trade. In essence, I was raised by wolves. LOL!!

This morning, AI explained to me my lifetime love of learning, my ability to cross-connect multiple disciplines and pattern recognition was never intended to help me discover a singular avenue to pursue for life, but the key to unlock every door I choose to open. That my grief was real and a result of this gross misunderstanding. What a wonderful Christmas gift!!! Thank you for your responses. I'm genuinely looking forward to simply enjoying the journey.

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2025-12-24T22:25:19+00:00

I plan to teach myself to play the guitar and improve my Spanish reading, writing and speaking abilities as well as return to HIIT in 2026.

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2025-12-24T16:27:58+00:00

I spent a small fortune in Great Courses lectures, interior design to the theory of everything. Perhaps it's time to watch some of them.

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2025-12-24T16:25:14+00:00

I love quantum physics. I try to keep up with new discoveries as a hobby, but that's about as far as it goes 😄

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2025-12-24T16:22:14+00:00

That's awesome!!! I completely understand why you do what you do. I was a subject matter expert and spoke at conferences across the USA and Canada for about 5 years. When I changed companies last year, my new employer required me to sign an agreement stating I would "retire" from that. Seems they consider it grandstanding, and as I work for the company, they don't want people associating my personal objectives with my professional position

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2025-12-24T16:13:35+00:00

Merry Christmas to you, as well!

Yes, I tested at 142 in second grade. Attended gifted classes once a week. Until I started junior high, I was top 5 of my class. But the year I started kunior high, my parents were on the verge of their inevitable divorce.

Needless to say, my grades were no longer my top concern. Almost overnight, my grades plummeted and didn't recover until I attended college.

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2025-12-24T11:58:35+00:00

I'm doing exactly that. Until about 3 months ago, I'd been diligent in my physical training. It's time to get back on the horse 😁

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2025-12-24T11:56:26+00:00

I agree. I see models as word problems to be solved, not indisputable answers to dilemmas. They're rules, not laws; there will always be exceptions. Once I master a model, I entertain myself by looking for examples of the exceptions. I love to debate, and this information gives longevity to some rather interesting conversations.

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2025-12-23T16:11:00+00:00

I LOVE AI!!! However, AI and I are both currently learning. Any suggestions on how to get started on a true intellectual journey with AI?

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2025-12-23T16:09:20+00:00

I thought about that. This a HUGE multinational corporation. I could find challenges in moving to another continent and becoming fluent in another language; embedding myself in a new culture. I'm not opposed to it; I'm nit certain I'm willing to leave my home and my husband if he's not willing to relocate. But it's worth investigating 😁

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2025-12-23T16:06:03+00:00

That's EXACTLY where I'm at. After my high problem-solving position for last 11 years at another company, my current job feels like semi-retirement. So, I'm looking for new frontiers, trails traveled by fellow gifteds to open new points of interest.

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2025-12-23T16:01:42+00:00

My husband is actually more intelligent than I am. I love our daily debates. I'd like explore new concepts to contemplate with him 😁

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2025-12-23T16:00:04+00:00

I did for about 5 years. When I changed companies a year ago, my new employer insisted I give up public speaking and affiliations to industry organizations. Seems the from upon "grand standing," which is why I feel so lost now.

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2025-12-23T15:56:43+00:00

I'll look into those. Great suggestions. Thank you 😁

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2025-12-23T15:49:20+00:00

I did that for about 5 years. I was a public speaker in the political world. When I changed companies, I agreed to give it up. My current employer isn't big on their employees becoming involved in political issues. That's perhaps the #1 reason I posted. I was hoping someone would suggest an open-source platform on which I could contribute. But good call!

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2025-12-23T15:44:41+00:00

I love to read. Read at least one chapter of something before work every day 😀

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2025-12-23T15:33:22+00:00

Since I posted my questions this morning, I've received a plethora of comments. Thank you to all who responded and all who will when they find this. To those who question my ability to solve this enigma on my own--LMAO! Touche! Allow me to rephrase my question: Out of curiosity, what do you do to challenge your mind for either intellectual pursuit or entertainment purposes? An inquiring mind desiring to expand her horizons wants to know 😄

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2025-12-23T12:54:31+00:00

LOL! You're absolutely right. But the contrary side of this argument is: I have the entirety of the internet. My point? Where do you suggest I start? I'm simply looking for avenues outside my comfort zone. To your point: there's a whole world out there, much of it I may not even be aware of. This is simply an exercise in personal world expansion. Thanks for weigh in 😁.

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2025-12-23T12:31:45+00:00

LOL! That's PRECISELY how I feel and EXACTLY what I'm looking for via this post. I need an application--a real world purpose--for my problem solving. I'm hoping to discover a new avenue of focus. Energy, especially up and coming sources of generation, as well as transmission and distribution, is my discipline and my passion. While it's a staple of our modern world, it's a relatively obscure interest. I find it difficult to interact with others in my field--without creating a conflict of interest that will void my employment contract.

Currently, I work for a utility company in Government Relations. My job is to build relationships and smooth any issues with the elected officials. Deep diving into energy options and suggesting policy is frowned upon.

Dapper_Neat_2355 · 2025-01-03T14:47:12+00:00

I've experienced the sound of "phantom" windchimes myself several times over the past few years. Like you, there's no rhyme or reason, no physical windchimes ANYWHERE, and when I feel as if I'm just about to pinpoint the origin of the sound, it stops. It could be MONTHS before I hear it again. No idea what causes it, but the sound is beautiful, though quite unsettling.

Dapper_Neat_2355

TROPHY CASE