I’m in an uncomfortable state of shifting thoughts and feelings lately. I’ve written in the past 6 months about learning to live better with an increased understanding of my needs. But writing about it is easier than the doing of it. It is one thing to process these things as thoughts, and another entirely to live it. Continue reading
“Labels are for cans, not for people”.
But why? Continue reading
When I was in primary school, I went to stay with my grandparents one night that I have not forgotten, even 30 or so years later. Last week I received a message on my blog that I doubt I will ever forget. The two events are separated by decades, but remembering the first just after the occurrence of the second started a chain of thoughts that brought me to a place of realisation I was not expecting. Continue reading
When we meet someone new, it is expected that we get to know each other to some extent. The context of the meeting tends to dictate the sorts of questions that are typically part of the conversation. Where are you from? What do you do? Do you have any children? There are also some answers that are typically considered to be appropriate, and some answers that will generally attract a negative reaction. Continue reading
I know we can’t change the past. I know that things in our past help us become who we are, and that is often a really positive thing. I know hindsight gives clarity and we probably shouldn’t spend too much time looking back with regret. But I have to admit I’m feeling angry about something that has happened, and happens to lots of people, that has meant I missed out on something really good for a long time. Looking back could be dangerous if we dwell there and don’t move on, but if we are willing I think there is something to be learned from it. Continue reading
There is something about growing, changing, identifying parts of yourself that you had not recognised, that is deeply unsettlingly liberating. I have been struggling to put words to it. Then today, this beautiful butterfly sat in my path. Continue reading
A while back I wrote an article about my experience when The Mighty approached me requesting to republish one of my blog posts, and it has experienced a surge in views recently as the social media reaction to The Mighty amongst disabled advocates and activists has played out.
Shaping an expanded identity gives opportunities not many other situations give. Looking back over my life through a different lens adds perspective and dimension to my experience. Continue reading
So here I am, becoming autistic. Not literally, of course. I have been autistic my whole life. But I am figuratively becoming autistic as I learn to recognize in myself the things I do to move through the life I want. Continue reading
