Yey, you made it!

Thank you, I’m so grateful to have you here, because some of the stuff I’m trying to work through is big, and it’s nice to know we’ve got each other.

I’m currently writing a memoir about living in a human body, but because I’m writing around children and work, it’s taking bloody ages to finish. Sometimes I get lonely, and worry my writing will never see the light of day. That’s why I’m writing this Substack with a little-and-often approach.

My book tells the story of my ever-evolving relationship with my body, as we ride the rollercoaster through motherhood, disease, a visible difference, ageing, and life-changing liver transplant surgery. At times on this journey my body has felt like a gift – beautiful and valuable – and at others, invaded, unrecognisable, broken. Along the way, I’ve woken up to some of the conditioning that I’ve been bound by all my life, and bit by bit, I’m trying to break free.

Now, taking care of a precious organ gifted to me by a stranger, I have a new perspective on what it means to feel whole and at peace in my body. I’ll never miss an opportunity to encourage you to make friends with your own body, and perhaps try a little bit of yoga.

Creativity is a life force for me. Making and enjoying art has seen me through my scariest times and helped me feel safe and connected. I’m passionate about theatre, art, music, heritage, gardens and reading, so you can expect these subjects to come up here, too.

I definitely don’t have all the answers, but I hope my writing will speak to you in some way and that you’ll stick around so we can explore together. I recognise that my body size, skin colour and physical abilities afford me privileges that are not available to all, and I’m keen to learn from other people’s experiences and perspectives.

Clare x