Author Archives: outofthewell99

Education During COVID

Sweltering through the hot days of summer, school seems a long way off, but it seems to be on the minds of many. Parents, teachers, employers, and the general public are watching closely, waiting for news about what education will look like in the fall. There is no easy answer to the dilemma of howContinue reading “Education During COVID”

Is Racism Really the Problem?

Having read and listened to a host of articles and interviews on racism in the past few weeks, I am impressed by the strength, clarity, and passion of the voices I am hearing. I see acts of compassion. I hear impassioned pleas. I see and hear cogent arguments and a range of ideas on howContinue reading “Is Racism Really the Problem?”

To Speak Out or Hold Space?

A couple of years ago, I started a Master’s of Social Work program. I was shocked by what I found in the first few courses. More accurately, I was shocked that it had taken getting to a master’s level of education before I came across the information presented. How could this be the first timeContinue reading “To Speak Out or Hold Space?”

First Thoughts on Racism

I nervously step out into unfamiliar water. Nervous that I will say the wrong thing. Nervous that my words won’t matter. I know that they are not enough. But I refuse to stay silent. I will not continue to be someone who turns my head away and does nothing, claiming there is nothing I canContinue reading “First Thoughts on Racism”

Starting from a Place of Love

Parenting is hard. Beautiful, exhilarating, healing, and wonderful… but hard. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done. It is gruelling, dirty, emotional, frustrating, and unbelievably exhausting. But it’s getting easier. Not easy by any stretch, but I am beginning to feel like we could live through it. Like all of us – the whole family.Continue reading “Starting from a Place of Love”

Dreaming Bigger

So, we want to change the world… but where do we start? There are so many things that need changing. There are so many balls in the air. How do we balance the economy with the environment? How do we balance the fear of leaving our homes as we reopen amid COVID with the fearContinue reading “Dreaming Bigger”

The Neurodiversity Paradigm

Imagine believing there was only one ‘right’ way to be and that everyone had to fit into that box. One right race. One right sexual orientation. One right body shape. To be fair, it wasn’t that long ago when some of those WERE almost universally accepted. This is the basis of racism, homophobia, and sexism.Continue reading “The Neurodiversity Paradigm”

Neurodiversity Explored Through Thought Experiments

My son has struggled with traditional schooling for some time now. He finds it physically overstimulating, mentally understimulating, and emotionally overwhelming. For years we have tried different strategies to help him adapt to the realities of his circumstances. Kids have to go to school. Individuals have to learn to participate in non-preferred activities. We allContinue reading “Neurodiversity Explored Through Thought Experiments”

Post COVID Visioning

One month into the COVID-19 inspired shutdown, we have had plenty of time to adjust to ‘The New Normal.’ While there are differing opinions on how long this crisis will last, how severe the restrictions will get, and what might put an end to our current situation, most people seem to agree that we willContinue reading “Post COVID Visioning”