I see you. And I hope you know that you do not need to earn your place in the world; none of us do. I mean I know we're trapped in late-stage capitalism and we have to earn our living, but we DON'T have to earn our life. We are worthy, even on the days when we do absolutely nothing at all.
I often look out for you when I pass, you always say hi, with a beaming smile, and let my dog explore your scooter.
You're bimblings are always thought provoking reads. They give me a little break from the chaotic world that develops in my head.
I have many struggles with mental health and your page gives me space, clarity and validation.
I often look out for your photographs, almost a game I play, seek out Josies' photography piece.
Actually, it inspired me to start an Instagram page to record things I see on my dog walks.... helping me be more mindful on my walks, so thank you for that too.
I know I always say it, and I mean it, if you need anything, let me know.
I read this yesterday and it stuck with me , I have been chronically unwell for a while , drastically more so since two covid infections March 2020&2023 . I’ve never felt so unseen than in the last three years ,by some medical professionals and then owning a business in a small town being in the public eye and being semi housebound and unable to work. I miss the interaction and conversations ,thank goodness for social media , never thought I would say that .It’s a regular occurrence for people I’ve known to walk right past me on the odd time I’ve made it out the door or stop me and say “ Oh you’re out “ ( you must be better). My short slow daily walk is now my barometer of how I am actually doing,some days are easier than others , it involves a rest before and a radical rest when I get home ,again back to being unseen.Friends try their best but are busy with their own lives and it can be months between visits , so I am more than grateful for my twenty year old daughter,who has her own issues but still lives at home and the little things we can do to bring a bit of joy each day .
Grateful for seeing your writing and thoughts thank you x
I find all of your pieces (and your amazing book) offer rare insight, wisdom and also, always, some form of hopefulness. I live in a rural village and can relate to the sense of isolation you suggest in such precise and tender terms. For months at a time it can feel as if no-one else lives here when I step outside for a walk or go back and forth to work, the only human presence the occasional dogwalker and the drivers of cars passing through. But your affecting words give you a real presence in the wider world and the art you offer to it through your self-expression is a valuable and special thing.
Im so happy to read that your Observer is intact and high functioning. Lovely to hear from you . Thanks for an immensely helpful piece. It's like a map i can follow. 💚
Hi Josie, you are still in my thoughts when I go about my mini-life...although it is not how we would wish it to be. Thank you for voicing these things out loud because it is so easy to stay unseen and unheard. You have reminded me how to see the little moments of perfection in the midst of everything mundane and tiring and I thank you for that. A lot of love coming your way and hope that each day brings you something to make the way shine a little brighter. X
I love what you say about the unseen acts of courage that you wish others could see, Josie. It's true that so much of who we really are gets enacted in private. You pay close attention because there is nobody else to do so, and that makes it all the more remarkable. I think of all the people who are isolated in prisons of various kinds and how few manage to school themselves to focus on making every action count as you do. Thanks, as always for the words of wisdom you share.
I see you. And I hope you know that you do not need to earn your place in the world; none of us do. I mean I know we're trapped in late-stage capitalism and we have to earn our living, but we DON'T have to earn our life. We are worthy, even on the days when we do absolutely nothing at all.
You are seen. You are heard.
I often look out for you when I pass, you always say hi, with a beaming smile, and let my dog explore your scooter.
You're bimblings are always thought provoking reads. They give me a little break from the chaotic world that develops in my head.
I have many struggles with mental health and your page gives me space, clarity and validation.
I often look out for your photographs, almost a game I play, seek out Josies' photography piece.
Actually, it inspired me to start an Instagram page to record things I see on my dog walks.... helping me be more mindful on my walks, so thank you for that too.
I know I always say it, and I mean it, if you need anything, let me know.
I read this yesterday and it stuck with me , I have been chronically unwell for a while , drastically more so since two covid infections March 2020&2023 . I’ve never felt so unseen than in the last three years ,by some medical professionals and then owning a business in a small town being in the public eye and being semi housebound and unable to work. I miss the interaction and conversations ,thank goodness for social media , never thought I would say that .It’s a regular occurrence for people I’ve known to walk right past me on the odd time I’ve made it out the door or stop me and say “ Oh you’re out “ ( you must be better). My short slow daily walk is now my barometer of how I am actually doing,some days are easier than others , it involves a rest before and a radical rest when I get home ,again back to being unseen.Friends try their best but are busy with their own lives and it can be months between visits , so I am more than grateful for my twenty year old daughter,who has her own issues but still lives at home and the little things we can do to bring a bit of joy each day .
Grateful for seeing your writing and thoughts thank you x
I find all of your pieces (and your amazing book) offer rare insight, wisdom and also, always, some form of hopefulness. I live in a rural village and can relate to the sense of isolation you suggest in such precise and tender terms. For months at a time it can feel as if no-one else lives here when I step outside for a walk or go back and forth to work, the only human presence the occasional dogwalker and the drivers of cars passing through. But your affecting words give you a real presence in the wider world and the art you offer to it through your self-expression is a valuable and special thing.
Im so happy to read that your Observer is intact and high functioning. Lovely to hear from you . Thanks for an immensely helpful piece. It's like a map i can follow. 💚
Hi Josie, you are still in my thoughts when I go about my mini-life...although it is not how we would wish it to be. Thank you for voicing these things out loud because it is so easy to stay unseen and unheard. You have reminded me how to see the little moments of perfection in the midst of everything mundane and tiring and I thank you for that. A lot of love coming your way and hope that each day brings you something to make the way shine a little brighter. X
I’m so glad for the parts of your life that I do see. Your writing feel like a mirror that allows parts of me to feel seen too. Thank you.
I love what you say about the unseen acts of courage that you wish others could see, Josie. It's true that so much of who we really are gets enacted in private. You pay close attention because there is nobody else to do so, and that makes it all the more remarkable. I think of all the people who are isolated in prisons of various kinds and how few manage to school themselves to focus on making every action count as you do. Thanks, as always for the words of wisdom you share.
I love your fabric collages!