"For certain neurodivergent folks who struggle with a diffuse or fragile sense of self, writing can be a profound tool for regulation, orientation, and expression."
Beautiful. "It’s an activity that helps me locate myself—emotionally, physically, existentially. I’ve always felt like I can see myself more clearly on the page than I can in real life... writing can be a profound tool for regulation, orientation, and expression." Yes!!
I am just starting to get a grip on how I’m neurodivergent in my 50s. I really appreciate this article. It helped me understand why writing has always been a mental health necessity for me. It’s almost as if I don’t know what I’m thinking or feeling or needing unless I’m writing. And I always have to imagine there’s an audience. That’s the strange part. I’m always writing to God, or a lover, or a friend.
I’m late to the party, I’m diagnosed late in life, have spent my life as a musician, composer and manager, many of your comments and thoughts resonate deeply with me. I’m currently writing a proposal for PhD by publication examining career duality, creativity and what it means to be a musician. I discuss my own career journey as something that I felt, emotionally experienced as opposed to chose, or planned, your words and thoughts made me smile as you explain that emotional connection so well. Cheers from Liverpool
Beautiful. "It’s an activity that helps me locate myself—emotionally, physically, existentially. I’ve always felt like I can see myself more clearly on the page than I can in real life... writing can be a profound tool for regulation, orientation, and expression." Yes!!
Ahh, Lindsay, I'm so glad that landed for you <3
Such a powerful truth right? I love when we read something that resonates so much with our own experience.
I am just starting to get a grip on how I’m neurodivergent in my 50s. I really appreciate this article. It helped me understand why writing has always been a mental health necessity for me. It’s almost as if I don’t know what I’m thinking or feeling or needing unless I’m writing. And I always have to imagine there’s an audience. That’s the strange part. I’m always writing to God, or a lover, or a friend.
I'm so glad this found you when it did! <3
You articulated that so well and it resonates!
this conversation is simply beautiful
thank you, I'm glad you found us here!
It is not exaggerating to say that *everything* in this interview resonates with who I am and have been--as a creator and as a human.
I feel in such good company :)
I truly felt that with every word Sarah shared with me. So glad you connected.
Kathryn, you have articulated so much of my experience of writing before I ever figured it out that way. This is a gift of an essay. Thank you
So glad that you have found the connection here!
I’m late to the party, I’m diagnosed late in life, have spent my life as a musician, composer and manager, many of your comments and thoughts resonate deeply with me. I’m currently writing a proposal for PhD by publication examining career duality, creativity and what it means to be a musician. I discuss my own career journey as something that I felt, emotionally experienced as opposed to chose, or planned, your words and thoughts made me smile as you explain that emotional connection so well. Cheers from Liverpool
Thank you for sharing that! And congrats on your PhD work!!
Thanks Kathryn and all the best for New Year