A broad space for

Creative Writing & Self-Expression

Creative Writing & Self-Expression, Disability & Accessibility, Mental Health & Society, Personal

Seeking Validation in a World That Doesn’t Understand My Disability

It’s been over a year since I’ve been able to walk unaided. For short distances, I rely on two walking canes, but for almost everything outside of the house, I need my mobility scooter or wheelchair. Despite this, I’ve been denied a disability parking permit time after time, because what...

Creative Writing & Self-Expression, Guides & Tips, Mental health

Art as Therapy: Expressing Emotions Through Creativity

In the journey of managing mental health, we often hear about therapy, medication, or mindfulness practices as effective tools. While these are undoubtedly important, there’s another powerful resource that often goes underappreciated—art. Art, in all its forms, can be a therapeutic outlet for expressing emotions, processing experiences, and finding peace...

Creative Writing & Self-Expression, Guides & Tips, Mental health, Mental Health & Society

Communicating Your Needs Without Apology

It’s easy to get caught up in people-pleasing and forget that our needs matter too. This can lead to feelings of resentment and burnout. Learning to communicate what you need clearly and without apology is an important part of setting healthy boundaries. Why is it so hard? Society often teaches...

Creative Writing & Self-Expression, Disability & Accessibility, Pain & Chronic Illness, Personal

My Not So Great Experience in Pain Management Group and What I’m Going To Do Next

To be effectively managed, pain must be met and acknowledged. While I often bring lessons from my personal journey, I must admit I am always learning myself. Today, I’m reflecting on a recent experience that didn’t quite hit the mark for me. I decided to partake in a group therapy...

Creative Writing & Self-Expression, Mental health

Sometimes Your Heart Needs More Time to Accept What Your Mind Already Knows.

Sometimes, there is a peculiar discord between the mind and heart where the heart lags in accepting what the mind has long understood. This dichotomy forms the basis for internal struggles that many individuals face, particularly during periods of change or loss. The mind is often portrayed as the seat...

Creative Writing & Self-Expression, Mental Health & Society, Pain & Chronic Illness, Personal

Breaking the Chains of Internalized Ableism: Embracing Mobility Aids

Living with a disability can be a journey marked by continuous adaptation and self-awareness, especially when it comes to the use of mobility aids. The decision to use a wheelchair, scooter, or power chair is often shadowed by the whisperings of internalized ableism — a form of discrimination that can...

Creative Writing & Self-Expression, Mental health

Control: A Double-Edged Sword Within Ourselves

Control serves as a crucial aspect that each of us possesses within ourselves. It offers a sense of power and stability, guiding us through our everyday lives. While having control in certain areas of our lives proves essential, it can also become harmful when we cling to it excessively The...

Creative Writing & Self-Expression

Drawing : Weight of Pain

Creative Writing & Self-Expression

Poem: Path of Pain

Pain, a constant companion,A shadow that never leaves,It lingers in the bones, the muscles,Reminds me what I can’t achieve. I try to push through pain,To live my life, to feel desire,But frustration can’t be tamedAs the body fades and tires. I long for relief from the pain,For a moment of...

Creative Writing & Self-Expression

A Poem About Guilt

I apologize for taking up space,For existing in this time and place.For every breath I take, every step I make,I feel guilty for the room I take.I try to shrink myself to be small,To make myself invisible to all.It feels so wrong, it feels so tough,Can’t shake the thought “I’m...