Thoughts, Stories & Reflections by Stephen Mitchell
Observations on Being a Weekend Father, Creating New Memories & Figuring Life Out
I've reached an age where I spend more time reading about foods that are good for me than I do reading restaurant menus. Twenty years ago, I was more interested in whether a meal came with chips. These days, I'm standing in the supermarket wondering whether garlic improves circulation and if dark chocolate counts as... Continue Reading →
I've been using WordPress for nearly 20 years. During that time I've redesigned my own blog more times than I care to admit, tinkered with themes, broken the odd thing, fixed it again, and generally learned by doing. Even after all these years, I'd still be the first to admit I haven't explored every corner... Continue Reading →
When I was about ten years old, I quietly made a promise to myself that I never wanted to say goodbye to anyone ever again. At the time, it seemed like a sensible promise. Goodbyes hurt. They leave an empty space where someone used to be. So as a child I simply assumed that if... Continue Reading →
This thought hit me out of nowhere today: I don't need a partner anymore. Not in a bitter way. Not because I've given up on relationships. I simply realised I'm actually and genuinely okay. Life isn't perfect, yet I am going to be okay. A year ago, I wasn't sure I'd ever say that. After... Continue Reading →
Recently I stumbled across a word that stopped me mid-scroll – otrovert. It’s not in any proper psychology textbook as yet, and you won’t find it neatly defined in the Oxford. It seems to be one of those modern, internet-born labels. Yet the more I read, the more I thought, “Hang on… this might be... Continue Reading →
I’ve got a funny story to tell. Mostly it about recycling. Funny but practical. Recently I bought this leather round ottoman. Problem was, it didn’t come with any stuffing. The instruction pamphlet said you could fill it with beans, foam blocks, or 'material squares'. So I looked that up. Turns out, they mean cutting fabric... Continue Reading →
Over the last few months I have compiled an interesting and life-changing list of the many things in my life I SHOULD be, COULD be and WILL be thankful for: Things I should be thankful for: These are the solid, already-in-my-hands realities. The stuff that’s quietly doing the heavy lifting. I am alive, functional, and... Continue Reading →
I’ve never followed a god. Never felt the need to kneel or pray to something unseen. But I’ve always admired the quiet simplicity found in Buddhist teachings - not the ritual or the robes, just the way they live. There’s something deeply human about it. For me, spirituality isn’t about worship or belief. It’s about... Continue Reading →
Over the past week (1-6 Feb 2026) , I barely left the house. Partly because I could afford to - a decent window cleaning job bought me some breathing room - yet mostly because I didn’t have the energy to be anywhere else. I lay on the lounge, eyes open, staring into space while the... Continue Reading →
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GzZWSrr5wFI Whenever this song comes on the radio, I crank the volume up to 20. Pity they never play anymore than 3 minutes of it. It is over 7 minutes of amazing U2 music that I grew up listening to constantly.
Some will remember that I was in the AAMI grandstand in Adelaide for the 2006 U2 concert! That was a grant night with lots of interesting moments, the least of them being the car-park afterwards. In an attempt to revitalise my U2-roots, today has been spent viewing U2-documentaries on YouTube. I always find it fascinating... Continue Reading →
If you haven't heard: I am exhibiting twenty framed photographs of sea-scenes around Kangaroo Island. They are on display at Shop 141, upstairs in Adelaide Arcade. Please visit, I am there most days as an 'artist in residence'! On Friday night we had the grand launch where approximately 150 people complimented, critiqued and commented on... Continue Reading →
Thoughts, Stories & Reflections by Stephen Mitchell 
[…] with XXY, and alone now, has taught me that my brain is wired differently to most – yet I…
[…] Living with XXY, and alone now, has taught me that my brain is wired differently to most – yet…