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Bear's avatar

Buying myself a hot chocolate this morning in a cafe opposite the hospital where I have been all-night with my daughter. Worried for her and feeling sorry for my tired self. A perfect stranger asked if I needed some company, surprised by such empathy and kindness I told her thank you but I'm so tired. In truth, I did want company but I was ashamed that she would see my tears. So used to armouring up and soldiering on, my highly sensitive self wept for the empathy she gave me. I understand. I too feel so deeply that I fear I will be swallowed up by it. I too wonder how other people can just carry on with normality knowing that the Earth and so many beings are suffering. Some days are worse than others and some days are wonderful. Blessings to you & to all.

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naomi shimada's avatar

so touched to read your words here bear, so moved. i just want to reach through the screen and give you the biggest hug. it's not easy to be a feeling being. I am sending you and your daughter so much love and healing. What a thing it is to be alive <3

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Bear's avatar

Thank you Naomi, for your kind thoughts & words x.

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RachP's avatar

Thank you so much for sharing this. I relate so deeply to the shame and loneliness you name. I've sometimes doubted my neurodivergence because it seems like "everyone is neurodiverse these days." I love your interpretation: maybe the earth is creating more of us sensitive, neurodiverse beings so we can help shape the change.

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Ishani's avatar

i love what you said! perhaphs the earth really is making us more neurodivergent, because it needs more of us.

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naomi shimada's avatar

Rach, thank you for reading and for your reflections. they really mean so much! and yes i really believe it somehow <3

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cole's avatar

feel so seen + held reading this. thank you so much for sharing <3

"We are the artists, writers and activists trying to name what’s broken in the hope of creating something better." – perfectly put

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naomi shimada's avatar

<33333333333

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léa grandi's avatar

Reading this is a balm for my heart. I recognize so much of myself through your words, and despite this sentiment of loneliness that you describe so well i find myself at peace in this moment of connecting over a shared experience. Thank you 💕

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naomi shimada's avatar

lea, im so so so touched and glad to hear. you are not alone! much love

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Sherio's avatar

Sweet read x

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Georgie's avatar

thank you for writing this. l I was diagnosed with adhd in october last year and had not realised how much i was used to hiding, how i felt like i was constantly carrying around a massive, heavy secret, how much my sensitivity impacted how i could exist in the world. i love the way that you frame sensitivity as a tool for vision and growth, and multiplicity as one of resiliance. it can feel so hard to find your place in the world as someone who is hypersensitive. i believe that we are on the cusp of a societal change - because we have reach hyper capitalism and we have had enough... it is hard to be neurodiverse in such a money-oriented, corporate world. i have hope for the future but at the moment i find the world a scary, confusing place to exist in. your post made me feel so seen and less alone <3

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naomi shimada's avatar

wow - thank you so much for this beautiful share georgie. I wish you nothing but nourishment and softness on this journey of unravelling and becoming! <3

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Brittany Deckard's avatar

This is so so beautiful. Both beautifully written and insightful and incredibly comforting to read your words that I so deeply relate to. I love the connection you’ve made to Octavia and Lauren. Thank you.

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naomi shimada's avatar

TY to you Brittany for reading and for your reflections! sending so much love

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Dani Mercury's avatar

a balm 🤍 thank you

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naomi shimada's avatar

<3333333

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Amanda's avatar

Listened to this while walking through the park and it was beautiful. Thank you for your gorgeous work 🩷

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The Rest with Isabelle Spray's avatar

Thank you for this 💛

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