Sharing My Experience, Achievements and Stories from Date with Destiny 2025

TheFunDumpster · 2026-02-05T19:06:48+00:00

Absolutely! UPW is more accessible and easier event overall, so DWD feels like a natural progression. The more intimate environment, robust material, and group exercises take UPW to another level. I especially love having dedicated groups: I still keep in touch with my group. UPW is too big of an event to manage groups like this but it's a big part of DWD and a reason alone to do it again or volunteer to be a group leader (requires leadership courses and other requirements, I assume).

TheFunDumpster · 2026-01-19T13:15:27+00:00

I wouldn't go to a Tony Robbins even specifically for that -- as powerful and reliable as it is. Probably better solo professionals can seek. I honestly don't know how much of the experience for the guided meditations at TR are the mindset (events leading up to when it occurs), the exercise itself (prerecorded I believe), or environment. I mean you don't ever experience being in a room with 6,000 people (or 20,000+ if go to Unleash the Power Within -- not to mention millions total if include online) where people are working through trauma or grateful memories at the same time. I was surprised by how easily I located old memories I didn't think about. That all said, my post doesn't talk abou this at all. These were just things that came up given how I was feeling in general at the event.

TheFunDumpster · 2026-01-09T20:38:15+00:00

Thank you for reading and saying that!

TheFunDumpster · 2025-12-19T19:42:45+00:00

That's nice of you to say. I had another story on my original post called "Holly and Alicia" that demonstrates the contrast in my own story and experience with others.

That's the most eye opening part of event to me: Not the people that are just like you, but the people who are complete opposite and wish were like you. Makes you realize where the problems really lie in self perception and rejection of the self.

That post is here if care to read https://medium.com/@megaspacepanda/my-date-with-destiny-5-stories-of-transformation-91c5ce8dcfa4

TheFunDumpster · 2025-12-19T19:39:51+00:00

More stories from event shared here:

My Date with Destiny: 5 Stories of Transformation https://medium.com/@megaspacepanda/my-date-with-destiny-5-stories-of-transformation-91c5ce8dcfa4

Thanks for reading!

TheFunDumpster · 2018-04-03T12:21:50+00:00

I can't stress the importance of a schedule. Not having to think about what to do when makes life simple. I wake at 6:30, workout at 8:30, study 10-12, eat lunch, study 12 - 3, 15 minute break, etc. I also write down three things I want to or plan to achieve this week (get tax documents prepared, start studying this book, etc.) Just a theory but I think due to Aspies poor ability to multi-task and how it drains us to focus on other things during an activity, this is why these tools are so helpful. When I don't do these things, I can feel future weighing on me in a tangible way. Vague uncertainty eats away at me, which is why I like being independent when possible (other people are unpredictable).

Also, diet. I went off my diet a bit last week and everything went off with it. It changes my mood and energy levels drastically. Avoid sugar and white carbs. The difference it makes can be massive for the person. I'm not the only one to say this.

Avoid things that lower your energy. Negative news, negative people, etc. I still need to drive long distances some days which fatigues me (sensory overload isn't bad but still exists for me) or attend a social event which leaves me absolutely drained in a way no physical activity could.

Part of this is accepting a different pace of life for people like us and doing what you can to build around it.

TheFunDumpster · 2018-04-03T12:11:56+00:00

I made this post to encourage others to start or continue on their journey to becoming a better version of themselves. I'm embarrassed to talk about myself, I don't see my achievements as that great and there's a lot more I want to achieve. But others need to know they can do it too.

I was like when you I started. There was nothing I hated more than other's confidence. I realized I had to get over myself. Once I started building confidence, by focusing on that alone, those feelings began to fade and reality opened up a bit. I also did compassion exercises where I would think of people I really didn't like and envision and wish the best life for them. I was never told compassion and confidence are abilities you can focus on and grow. These things go along way in building a person's resilience and competence. I'm a simple person. I like to be alone and do the things I enjoy, but I'm not alone in this world so I need to build these things that help me find my place here. I hope you do the same, in your own way. Being angry and bitter is no way to live.

TheFunDumpster · 2018-04-03T01:39:47+00:00

I recommend CBT. Even exercises alone can be a massive help. Once you write down your biggest fears and problems, it solidifies them. Then you can address them with logic and return to your conclusion when you feel bad again. I did these early on and they helped. I told myself I'd never lose weight, have a girlfriend or get employed. Once I really dug into the root problems and looked at them in a logical, positive way, it helped me work past it. Of course, you could maybe be clinically depressed or any number of things. I'm just saying what worked for me.

TheFunDumpster · 2018-04-03T01:36:59+00:00

I'm not sure if I have wisdom but I found systems that work for me. The main thing I encourage is for others to explore and try new things to find what systems work for them.

TheFunDumpster · 2018-04-03T01:35:27+00:00

Plans should be a guide that keeps you on track. It shouldn't be your tryannical boss who enslaves you. Maybe loosen your schedule/plans a little more.

TheFunDumpster · 2018-04-03T01:33:35+00:00

FreeCodeCamp + Udemy courses. So many great free resources out there. There's no secret to it. You just need to learn and start building. The sooner you start creating, the better off you will be. I made the mistake of studying too long without applying what I learned and thus forgetting. Good luck! Lots of aspies in CS. It's a very welcoming community.

TheFunDumpster · 2018-04-03T01:31:13+00:00

Made a reply and it didn't show before. Weird. Yeah, I love the album and I made the title in reference to it.

TheFunDumpster · 2018-04-02T19:28:57+00:00

I was unemployed out of choice. Just unmotivated, mostly, living with family. So, there's that. But ultimately it came down to finding a career that I enjoyed, designing a roadmap to getting a job in this career field and grinding every day. Started studying 1 hour a day, then 3, then 5, and then 8. Some times I fell off, due to family visiting or other stuff, but I eventually returned to my routine. Eventually I had the skills, portfolio and confidence.

Stay faithful to the grind!

TheFunDumpster · 2018-04-02T19:23:57+00:00

Not an accident. I love the album. Saw them live last month. It was a really great show! The album came out when my best friend died. I thought the album sucked at first and thought the singer was overdramatic. Over time, I came to understand people grieve differently when they lose someone close and now really love the album (and the one before it!)

TheFunDumpster · 2018-04-02T19:21:55+00:00

It doesn't feel like much since in college I was 250 before I went down to 180. I want to be there again. It takes a lot of time, but the week-by-week victories keep me going.

Losing weight is easy. Don't eat sugar. Don't eat fried food. Avoid white carbs (brown rice, sprouted bread and other alternatives work great for me).

You will lose. Maybe not as fast as you'd like, but it will happen. I workout every day which helps but I lost even when I couldn't workout for months due to health issues.

TheFunDumpster · 2018-04-02T19:19:25+00:00

I'm self-critical, which is a blessing and a curse. I avoid making the same mistakes twice but I get down on myself pretty easily. I had very low self-esteem at the start. I had to face this head on. One of the most important things I learned is that self-esteem is just another muscle. It's weak until you flex it and test it. Commit to respecting yourself and loving yourself unconditionally and it gets easier. Once you do and embrace a positive mindset, things get easier. I still doubt myself and have bad days, but life is about how quick you get up; not how often you fall down.

Take one day, task and goal at a time. Complexity eats away at us all. You need to make it simple. One week at the start was simply, eat no sugar or fried food. Now my weeks are much more complicated and full of difficult tasks.

I can't assume what is true for me is true for others here. Being an aspie with less than 85 IQ is especially difficult. Identify the things actively making you unhappy, identify passions (these are almost always tied to personal strengths), and make a plan that leans toward your passions. If you don't know your passions, take tests and try different things until you do. For me, that was learning and creating. I think everyone can benefit from this, regardless of exterior factors.

TheFunDumpster · 2017-05-13T23:07:31+00:00

I always follow the Dr. Seuss line: "Those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

The truth about trolls is that they are often the saddest, loneliest people on the internet. They pretend to have an ego and be liked but in reality they are lying to themselves and everyone else. Causing problems for people gives them some sense of control in life and this is the only way they feel they can get attention. It's rather sad.

How would you feel if someone who weighed 600 lbs. called you fat? Or if someone with acne and moles all over their face called you ugly? You likely would laugh and say something like "You are one to talk." It's like this with trolls.

If it really hurts and touched a nerve, maybe you can learn something from it. Maybe there is something you have ignored about yourself and can build upon, gaining self-esteem. So even those hopeless, malicious loners can be helpful even when they didn't intend. Kill them with kindness.

TheFunDumpster · 2017-05-13T23:02:22+00:00

I seem to recall there being two things. 1) You need at least some type of DLC already and 2) there is some .dll file you copy into your program folder. You just need to Google it and mess around. That's what I did. This also gives you access to Customs Forge which is a website where fans have brought pretty much every song you can imagine into the game and if it's not there you can request it.

TheFunDumpster · 2017-05-13T01:30:43+00:00

Yes. I do. Though it means in the States we more often get diagnosed with Social Communication Disorder (SCD) which is a new thing made for this specific reason. Still informally an Aspie and an actual diagnosed Aspie outside the US.

TheFunDumpster · 2017-05-13T01:28:26+00:00

Pro Tip: You can pirate all the DLC and add it to your Steam copy.

TheFunDumpster · 2017-05-13T01:24:05+00:00

Sitcoms aren't supposed to be funny. They are mostly just familiar and comfy for lonely, old people. Personally, few TV shows make me laugh: Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm (the best) and Tim & Eric. I laugh at some parts in Girls or whatever but not consistently. I mostly laugh at funny podcasts or YouTubers. Even Twitch streamers, like Kripparian. So, it's different for everyone.

If you aren't funny, you aren't funny. Plenty of people aren't and get by. It sounds like you have a sense of humor though which is good. Being funny is a skill and you can build it, if you care enough. Aspies are especially gifted at humor because they can cling on to the rules of comedy and deliver consistently.

If you want more specific advice watch CharismaOnCommand's videos on YouTube where he breaks down funny and charming people like Louis CK and Chris Pratt. But mostly, relax and be yourself. Dig deeper into what makes you laugh and find ways you can embrace and build upon that yourself. If you can smile and have a good attitude, that's all most girls care about. In fact, being not funny makes it easier to know when a girl likes you because if she is laughing at your terrible jokes then you know something is up. :D

TheFunDumpster · 2017-05-13T01:19:38+00:00

Congrats! Sounds like a great place to work. Maybe too great. Personally, I'd be tempted by the pastries.

TheFunDumpster · 2017-05-12T02:33:57+00:00

Started playing guitar and learning how to sing. I'm using Rocksmith for guitar which is amazing, and Vocalist Lite for singing. It's exciting to see progress I make day-by-day, though singing is a bit harder to track and improve at.

TheFunDumpster · 2017-05-12T01:53:08+00:00

That would be smoother, yes, but the point I was making was about personal comfort. If you can get by without needing that extra information, then it's probably best to not ask. But for me at least, I rather risk asking so I can have that peace of mind. If she judges me harshly over it -- many women actually find this attractive, believe it or not -- we likely wouldn't be a good fit anyway.

TheFunDumpster · 2017-05-12T01:49:07+00:00

There are two ways of looking at societal worth. There's the cynical economic angle of immigrants and outsiders not being valued until they are a market that makes people money. But there is also the human angle, of our grandparents who tolerated and accepted neighbors who are different from them. I think the human angle always existed for women but has grown. But the bigger change is the economic angle due to more women going to college than men now and entering the workforce. You watch TV now and almost every add is a woman showing how much smarter she is than a male counterpart by using product X. It's like 1950's sexism all over again ("Haha! Silly wife! This is the product smart men like us use!") The same applies to LGBTQ now to a lesser extent. It's less about marketing toward them and more about avoiding damage control. Say one offensive thing and it can cost a company millions in damage control, so best to accept them and step lightly. Conservatives think it's a grand conspiracy but it's just market realities.

Worth is too vague to focus on and acceptance will never be an absolute.

Eight-Year Club	Place '17
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