Thank you both for this beautifully vulnerable and open conversation. So much of it spoke to me as a singer/songwriter living with chronic fatigue and AuDHD, such as this: "I guess my introverted, creative and spiritual self feels seen and heard in songwriting and my mind and direct lived experience feels seen and heard in long form. Combined, I feel seen and heard in a 360˚ manner." I was touched by the reminder to speak aloud the supportive, "I see you" words to myself, combined with loving arm-stroking. Sometimes, I get so stuck in loops in my mind that I cannot do the self-support effectively in my own head.
Thank you Morgana! I can also get so lost in thought loops. Honestly, I began with the arm stroking part before I could even change any of my self talk to be more kind. And at some point, eventually, even just that small kindness to myself made me able to shift into kindly speaking to myself when I would fall into depths of despair. It takes time, but the practice is so worthwhile. Now, I turn toward understanding first and it can help a spiral from falling too deep more times than not. I’ll try to identify what’s wrong and then whatever emotion it is, I say “that’s totally ok, it’s understandable that you feel that.” It’s not perfect, but it’s a good start. 🥹❤️🩹
Incredible conversation you two! You cover so much and articulate life with chronic and disabling illness so well.
I can relate to all you mention - the making space for feelings, validating emotions, self support, reparenting the self and the inner voice that tells you your work is no good, you’ve not done enough, everyone else is better.
So glad you are both here, showing up for yourselves, learning to prioritise your needs and balance what you can do with what you want and where your creative endeavours are taking you.
Finding meaning in creative limitation is a beautiful idea
💙🩷
Thank you for this interview! I really enjoyed reading it and felt so understood. <3
I’m so glad you felt understood 🩷💙
Thank you Gwen ❤️🩹🥹
Thank you both for this beautifully vulnerable and open conversation. So much of it spoke to me as a singer/songwriter living with chronic fatigue and AuDHD, such as this: "I guess my introverted, creative and spiritual self feels seen and heard in songwriting and my mind and direct lived experience feels seen and heard in long form. Combined, I feel seen and heard in a 360˚ manner." I was touched by the reminder to speak aloud the supportive, "I see you" words to myself, combined with loving arm-stroking. Sometimes, I get so stuck in loops in my mind that I cannot do the self-support effectively in my own head.
I’m so glad it spoke to you 🩷 And yes, self-witnessing has made such a big difference to my mental health.
Thank you Morgana! I can also get so lost in thought loops. Honestly, I began with the arm stroking part before I could even change any of my self talk to be more kind. And at some point, eventually, even just that small kindness to myself made me able to shift into kindly speaking to myself when I would fall into depths of despair. It takes time, but the practice is so worthwhile. Now, I turn toward understanding first and it can help a spiral from falling too deep more times than not. I’ll try to identify what’s wrong and then whatever emotion it is, I say “that’s totally ok, it’s understandable that you feel that.” It’s not perfect, but it’s a good start. 🥹❤️🩹
Beautiful! Thanks so much for sharing.
What a refreshing and heartening conversation. Thank you both for sharing yourselves and your insights!
Thank you so much 🩷💙
Thank you Steph! ❤️🩹
Incredible conversation you two! You cover so much and articulate life with chronic and disabling illness so well.
I can relate to all you mention - the making space for feelings, validating emotions, self support, reparenting the self and the inner voice that tells you your work is no good, you’ve not done enough, everyone else is better.
So glad you are both here, showing up for yourselves, learning to prioritise your needs and balance what you can do with what you want and where your creative endeavours are taking you.
Not many can say that - able bodied or otherwise.
Thank you so much, Amber! 🩷💙