I have been self-harm free for just over seven years (go me!), and if I’m being honest I must admit that I do sometimes still have urges. They used to scare me a lot, but I’ve come to view them as important information. Continue reading
Owning Your Truth
I believe strongly in the power of narrative to shape and heal. The stories we tell about ourselves hold the potential to empower us, and allow us to own our truths. Continue reading
Finding Solidarity in the Struggle
Having multiple disabilities can often be isolating, but I’ve found solace in solidarity. Learning about the rich history of movements fighting for civil rights gives me a context in which to put my own challenges, and empowers me when I feel most downtrodden. Continue reading
Being Empowered Through the Recovery Model
I’ve written frequently on my blog about movements and cultural models that have inspired me — the neurodiversity movement and the social model of disability, to name a few. Another movement that has been extremely helpful is the recovery model of mental illness. Continue reading
Embracing Queer Identity
For a long time, I shied away from using the word “queer.” In fact I wondered why anyone would want to use it. Wasn’t that traditionally a form of hate speech? But eventually I found the term to be an empowering one. Continue reading
The Double-Edged Sword of Creative Passion
I wrote earlier about the power of longing in fiction, and today I want to talk about the role of passion in writing. Continue reading
Why I’m Relishing the Opportunity to Republish My Backlist
I had the great fortune recently to receive the rights back to two of my out of print books, Necessary Madness and Letting the Body Lead. I’m absolutely thrilled to embark on a trial run of self-publishing, and here’s why. Continue reading
Celebrating Neurodiversity
Earlier this week I talked about how the social model of disability revolutionized my life. Today I’d like to talk about another concept that did the same: the neurodiversity movement. Continue reading
Making Manifestos
I’ve benefited a lot from the A to Z Blogging Challenge, but I think one of the best things it’s done for me is help me clarify my thoughts and express how I really feel about certain issues. Continue reading
Jenn Crowell 