lift your head

The world that wonder | wander | women live in has been growing dark. There are times when a bone-deep weariness threatens to consume us, taking up all thought and energy. A thousand griefs come from all over the world, overwhelming us with our own small and personal grief.

View of St Paul and the Shard in London

When it feels like we're being shouted down by thousands of voices, that's when we should speak up. When we feel as if we're calling out into an infinite, silent emptiness and that nothing we do matters, we should find even more ways to express ourselves.

Whether it's a huge mural in a busy urban area, a tiny artwork hiding in the corner of a bricked-up window, a gallery exhibition or a sketchbook page full of doodles and scraps...pour out your feelings without fear. Be honest with your audience and yourself.

playing with watercolour pigments

When you feel like you're running out of fuel, try to get out of the house and walk. Taking a walk is not only good for your physical health. It's a great reset for your mind, and can also lead you to discover a new favourite hangout.

Camley Street Natural Park

When we are outside we like to look up and look around. Riding buses or taxis or just walking...we look up and stay alert. It keeps us safe but also we can catch details about our city that we might miss otherwise, like random street art or architectural quirks.

Collaged street art in Bern, Switzerland

There was a time when we weren't able to just stop by a nice cafe and sit outside for a while working. These days we are older and have the time, means and independence for the occasional treat. Little joys like these are so valuable and we really appreciate them.

At Mouse Tail Coffee with journal by CoffeeMonsterzCo

Even at home we like to set aside a little corner of our room - desk, bookshelf, living area - to show off our small treasures and things that are meaningful to us. Seashells, objets d'art, toys, cards from friends and family...when we feel low or full of confusing or dark thoughts, we rest our eyes on our treasure niche and remember what these things mean to us. We are loved, we are able to love and enjoy these little things.

This scary, sad world is still full of beauty. There are so many things to give us joy and be grateful for. We are warriors and we are resilient, but we are also sensitive. We would rather feel and be hurt than become callous people deprived of empathy. That's why we try to look after ourselves when we can. May all the people fighting for kindness in this world receive kindness and comfort for themselves too.