a life less conventional
Who am I?
Does anyone really know?
Does anyone really care?
Above all I am dog lover & plant mother.
I am delighted to report that I have much more success with the former than the latter.
Below that I am a neurodivergent creative, doing my best to survive mentally and financially while avoiding a conventional 9-5 at all costs and with mixed success …
I tried living a conventional life, but it was a lifeless one.
The hardest part of surviving a life less conventional is the financial part.
A wise man (Dad) once (repeatedly) told me that ‘money doesn’t grow on trees’ and I’m shocked and appalled to find out that this is, in fact, a fact.
Previous conventional methods of income (a job) felt unbearably claustrophobic, so I have turned to more varied, less reliable, more enjoyable and less ample income streams.
The bottom line is: I need variety, flexibility and autonomy.
I also need money.
But for now I have learned to live frugally af until these cash cows inevitably take off.
How do I live a life less conventional?
Animal Care
For financial and emotional benefits, I look after people’s dog and cats.
A lunchtime walk, popping in for a cuddle or a week-long stay in their home, it fills my heart to look after other people’s fur-babies until I can accommodate some of my own.
Get in touch to find out more about my animal care experience and book services.
Woodwork & Upcycling
Practical tasks are a great forms of ADHD-friendly “meditation” - I use that term lightly.
Call it productive mindfulness.
Attending a weekly woodwork course at the awesome Bristol Women’s Workshop, while also upcycling furniture in my spare time is one of the best things I do for my mental health.
And it makes me (some) money.
Check out my latest upcycling projects.
Digital Services
I love learning new skills, so why not try and make some money out of the things I learn?
Some.
I have proofread three novels and am currently working on website design and blog writing for two independent business owners (portfolios to follow).
I also create unique artwork which will one day be for sale. One day.
This is a blog about being neurodivergent.
Blog: A Life Less Conventional
It’s about how fucking great it can be.
It’s about how fucking debilitating it can be.
You might even learn something.
Read along as I navigate the joy, freedom and fuckery that is a life less conventional, trying to carve out a new way of living, while also learning to truly understand myself, my brain and my disorderly emotions.
Half-cooked thoughts & epiphanies, what's not to hate? Let's see if anyone can relate.
If any of this absolute drivel rings true to you then I’d love to hear from you.
Love,
a life less conventional