Ever since #metoo broke I have tried to figure out how my story fits within the emerging narrative. When my social feeds flooded with stories of sexual harassment, heart breaking and harrowing, I did not see my experience. Read more
An open letter to teenagers
Navigating modern life is tricky. Pressure, being constantly “on”, consistently being bombarded, no gaps in knowledge or expectations. The gorgeous Pip wrote about the contrast between past and present here. But, if it’s hard as an adult and parent, it must be so much harder for those growing up.
I have some beautiful teenagers in my life. This one’s for you …
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11 things I learned when I didn’t buy clothes for a year
When I bother with New Year’s resolutions they seldom last past February. But last year I made a resolution and I stuck to it. I didn’t buy a single item of clothing all year.
My overflowing wardrobe and a nagging sense of guilt about my consumerism propelled me into action. Or inaction. It was the days following the minimalist’s documentary and there was a general air of “let’s make do with less”. After what felt like constant pressure to do more, make more, be more, “less” was an attractive proposition. A way off the hamster wheel.
I committed to buying no new clothes. Shoes and accessories were okay. I also allowed myself to make clothes or receive them as gifts.
I made do with less. But it hasn’t felt like less. In fact, it’s felt like I have gained something. Read more
Reflections
I haven’t written here in a long time. I wish I could tell you I have been hurling the words at my book. But I haven’t. Work swept me up and Christmas carried me along. Writing has fallen away.
Now, in the quiet days of nothing and all that matters in between Christmas and New Year, I have a small window to write. I thought I’d reflect on the year. All the things that have happened and where 2018 might lead. Read more
Nevertheless She Persisted – A wrap up
On Wednesday evening I was part of something incredible. A panel of three women sharing their experiences of resilience, their tender stories and their thoughtful advice.
I don’t get many places to share Xavier any more, but I did on Wednesday evening. Just as Bec Sparrow shared her little Georgie (born still) and Suzi O’Shea shared how her (living) daughter helped her out of depression. Read more
What it feels like to be “other”
I see versions of myself reflected all around me. As a white, cisgender, straight, healthy, educated woman who chose marriage, career, house and family. I do not presently live with a visible or invisible difference. Added to that, I’m a dedicated rule-follower, colouring nearly inside the lines. Typical. Generic even.
My life has lead to very few experiences of feeling other. But I did enter that way of being after Xavier died. Read more