My late mum was from Manchester and even though I was born and still live in Canada, I knew Old Trafford, Urmston and Salford to be important words in our house, early on. She passed on to me a kind of twisting homesickness for a place I'd only ever visited. I've read and re-read The Classic Slum by Robert Roberts and wept openly when the plane dipped over the row houses approaching Manchester airport. So I really appreciate reading your intelligent thoughts today on a few different levels. Here in Canada, it's been a frightening, wrenching time and especially since NONE of it is remotely necessary - or even true.
Hi Janette, I’m at home feeling a bit stuck mentally and creatively.
Finally, at 52 I have a degree, but where now?
Not many opportunities for a creative with ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia.
Research is expensive and that limits me with my writing.
I keep on going and writing, but without guidance, that’s hard for me.
I am still a work in progress, imperfections are now accepted.
I have had to fight all my life, judgment, isolation and finances with no family support. I’m alive and I’m funny after so many people laughed at me for being different. My mental health and peace is now a priority.
‘I embrace my differences now’
Spiritual feelings are both Jesus and my ancestors are with me.
Well said, all of that. I'm in Duluth Minnesota, at the beginning of my 64th year. I volunteered for the Harris campaign, and am so deeply troubled by the turn of events here. The daily mind f*ck is too much. I'm doing what I can, and feel very lucky to have found - at long last - an adoptee competent therapist. Just trying to do good work, while taking absolutely nothing for granted, about sums it up. I've had the awareness that all can be snatched away from the very beginning. Taking care of my community and myself comes first these days.
49, chronically ill, and in the U.S. Terrified is an understatement. Will my monthly benefits and medical care get pulled out from under me? It’s anyone’s guess, but the fear is big and real for so many of us. Thank you for your thoughtful posting and for not putting it behind a paywall 🙏
It must be incredibly scary living in America right now. My thoughts go out to you. Things are not easy for so many people here in the UK too but,at the moment, we have more welfare support and the NHS.
I am living on the shores of a lake in rural New Hampshire. It’s warm and raining today; the snow is melting and a dense fog fills the woods. With all of the uncertainty, insanity, cruelty, and vindictiveness being spewed by the oligarchs in office here, I am hunkering down on opening my heart and becoming as centered and free of fear as possible. I refuse to be a victim of the fear-mongering this tyranical administration wields in an effort to control us. I left home at 18 to escape abusive parents; I left a marriage at 22 with my baby, $20, and my dog to escape my drug-addict husband. Uncertainty is no stranger to me, but what is going on in this country now is beyond the uncertainty I felt when my own life fell apart. Witnessing devastating harm aimed at vulnerable people is infuriating. But instead of becoming angry, I support institutions that are doing all they can to help keep people afloat by volunteering and donating and emitting as much love as I can generate with this heart that’s been broken so many times it has finally learned that the more healed each of us can become, the better it is for everyone.
It doesn't matter where I am, my mind is always free. And if I get overcome by fear then I work to free myself once more. No one can control our minds.
Thank you. I am near Montreal, Qc. It’s been a whirlwind here in Canada lately. And I lost my Mum two weeks ago, to make my whirlwind also tip. But I’m still here, hoping the numbness of grief will subside but realize it’s along for the ride so I’ll have to accept it. And our ride as a country will continue to be a rollercoaster, although there is hope we can continue to draw together and see how strong we are. Onward.
Thank you for your wonderful writing, Jeanette, and for not having a paywall. I was born in Burnley, lived in Ireland and Australia, and am currently in my house in Oxford. I wish I could return to Ireland - the place of my heritage and the culture I was more generally raised in. However, this is unlikely, and I will soon move happily to Scotland, where I will agitate for Independence, Socialism and hope to know and welcome neighbours and strangers alike. I am restless and deeply unsettled in the South East of England, grief-stricken and enraged with the world that colonisers and capitalists have created. I would return to the Pendle villages around Burnley, but at this stage, I need my feet on a Gaelic land where my Christo-pagan soul thrives, and I will carry my three cats, chickens, books, rosary beads, resins and herbs with me.
Hello and greetings to you, Mark. Thank you for your kind suggestion; I do know Port Meadow and have often walked there and from there over to Godstow Abbey. A particular favourite place is the healing well at Binsey. Blessings to you also
Hello. Thank you so much for your kind hearted post and for creating community and life here amongst all of the thoughtful sharing. I could not have imagined this world, which may suggest a certain privilege. As someone working in a hospital, I have had moments of horror of trying to imagine how to keep people safe amidst the loss of sanctuary. Also, in thinking about service, the experience of being of service can be too much. I realize that I may be good at my job more often than not, but that the job is not healthy for me. I know that you speak to seeking some kind of balance but the word or concept of service can be tricky for me, especially with systems and people who take. I know that I am in process. Jeanette, please know that I have treasured your writing and that your writing has kept me going at times. Thank you for reading my post.
Thank you for this and for not having a paywall. Always loved your clarity, but it's needed more than ever now.
My late mum was from Manchester and even though I was born and still live in Canada, I knew Old Trafford, Urmston and Salford to be important words in our house, early on. She passed on to me a kind of twisting homesickness for a place I'd only ever visited. I've read and re-read The Classic Slum by Robert Roberts and wept openly when the plane dipped over the row houses approaching Manchester airport. So I really appreciate reading your intelligent thoughts today on a few different levels. Here in Canada, it's been a frightening, wrenching time and especially since NONE of it is remotely necessary - or even true.
Do you know, I teach WiB to my students every year as a masterclass in the form. I am glad you are good. You deserve to be x
Hi Janette, I’m at home feeling a bit stuck mentally and creatively.
Finally, at 52 I have a degree, but where now?
Not many opportunities for a creative with ADHD, dyslexia and dyspraxia.
Research is expensive and that limits me with my writing.
I keep on going and writing, but without guidance, that’s hard for me.
I am still a work in progress, imperfections are now accepted.
I have had to fight all my life, judgment, isolation and finances with no family support. I’m alive and I’m funny after so many people laughed at me for being different. My mental health and peace is now a priority.
‘I embrace my differences now’
Spiritual feelings are both Jesus and my ancestors are with me.
Lovely post, thank you. X
Still around at 84, so troubled by my country's would-be tyrant(s).
if you're american, you are already in a tyranny.
They're trying, but it is not a sure thing yet.
fear speaking. yes you're right. I have no crystal ball.
Well said, all of that. I'm in Duluth Minnesota, at the beginning of my 64th year. I volunteered for the Harris campaign, and am so deeply troubled by the turn of events here. The daily mind f*ck is too much. I'm doing what I can, and feel very lucky to have found - at long last - an adoptee competent therapist. Just trying to do good work, while taking absolutely nothing for granted, about sums it up. I've had the awareness that all can be snatched away from the very beginning. Taking care of my community and myself comes first these days.
You travel to us, Jeanette, through your extraordinary words, reminding us where to find our own courage. 💙
49, chronically ill, and in the U.S. Terrified is an understatement. Will my monthly benefits and medical care get pulled out from under me? It’s anyone’s guess, but the fear is big and real for so many of us. Thank you for your thoughtful posting and for not putting it behind a paywall 🙏
It must be incredibly scary living in America right now. My thoughts go out to you. Things are not easy for so many people here in the UK too but,at the moment, we have more welfare support and the NHS.
Scarier by the day. So much going all at once. And now it looks like the rule of law is truly gone as well.
Wishing you well! Sad that anyone in your situation has to worry about their healthcare. 🙏🏼❤️
"Knowing yourself is not selfish. It is the beginning of action." That. Outstanding piece. Beautiful table. Thank you.
I am living on the shores of a lake in rural New Hampshire. It’s warm and raining today; the snow is melting and a dense fog fills the woods. With all of the uncertainty, insanity, cruelty, and vindictiveness being spewed by the oligarchs in office here, I am hunkering down on opening my heart and becoming as centered and free of fear as possible. I refuse to be a victim of the fear-mongering this tyranical administration wields in an effort to control us. I left home at 18 to escape abusive parents; I left a marriage at 22 with my baby, $20, and my dog to escape my drug-addict husband. Uncertainty is no stranger to me, but what is going on in this country now is beyond the uncertainty I felt when my own life fell apart. Witnessing devastating harm aimed at vulnerable people is infuriating. But instead of becoming angry, I support institutions that are doing all they can to help keep people afloat by volunteering and donating and emitting as much love as I can generate with this heart that’s been broken so many times it has finally learned that the more healed each of us can become, the better it is for everyone.
It doesn't matter where I am, my mind is always free. And if I get overcome by fear then I work to free myself once more. No one can control our minds.
Thank you. I am near Montreal, Qc. It’s been a whirlwind here in Canada lately. And I lost my Mum two weeks ago, to make my whirlwind also tip. But I’m still here, hoping the numbness of grief will subside but realize it’s along for the ride so I’ll have to accept it. And our ride as a country will continue to be a rollercoaster, although there is hope we can continue to draw together and see how strong we are. Onward.
Thank you for your wonderful writing, Jeanette, and for not having a paywall. I was born in Burnley, lived in Ireland and Australia, and am currently in my house in Oxford. I wish I could return to Ireland - the place of my heritage and the culture I was more generally raised in. However, this is unlikely, and I will soon move happily to Scotland, where I will agitate for Independence, Socialism and hope to know and welcome neighbours and strangers alike. I am restless and deeply unsettled in the South East of England, grief-stricken and enraged with the world that colonisers and capitalists have created. I would return to the Pendle villages around Burnley, but at this stage, I need my feet on a Gaelic land where my Christo-pagan soul thrives, and I will carry my three cats, chickens, books, rosary beads, resins and herbs with me.
Hi Clare and greetings from a few miles away. Port Meadow was my go-to when I felt lost and overwhelmed. Do you know it? Blessings to you…
Hello and greetings to you, Mark. Thank you for your kind suggestion; I do know Port Meadow and have often walked there and from there over to Godstow Abbey. A particular favourite place is the healing well at Binsey. Blessings to you also
Hello. Thank you so much for your kind hearted post and for creating community and life here amongst all of the thoughtful sharing. I could not have imagined this world, which may suggest a certain privilege. As someone working in a hospital, I have had moments of horror of trying to imagine how to keep people safe amidst the loss of sanctuary. Also, in thinking about service, the experience of being of service can be too much. I realize that I may be good at my job more often than not, but that the job is not healthy for me. I know that you speak to seeking some kind of balance but the word or concept of service can be tricky for me, especially with systems and people who take. I know that I am in process. Jeanette, please know that I have treasured your writing and that your writing has kept me going at times. Thank you for reading my post.
Still here, J, still here. Much the same very happy me. Xx
I am in Melbourne Australia clutching my ticket to see you speak in May!