Thoughts, Stories & Reflections by Stephen Mitchell
Observations on Being a Weekend Father, Creating New Memories & Figuring Life Out
One of the stranger lessons I've learnt since separating my wife is simply this: Just because a marriage ends doesn't mean my responsibilities end with it. I don't mean financial obligations or legal arrangements. Those have their place. I'm talking about something less tangible. The wellbeing of our children and their mother still matters to... 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 →
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 →
Since 2020, awareness around neurodiversity has broadened. It’s no longer hidden behind clinical jargon or whispered confessions. More people now recognise that Autism exists on a spectrum that touches nearly everyone in some way. That shift has helped me drop the shame and instead embrace the idea that understanding ourselves is a strength, not a... Continue Reading →
I’m confident there’ll be another relationship in my future. Not in a rushed or desperate way, just a steady belief that connection comes around again when you’re ready for it. And when it does, I’ll be walking into it with a clearer idea of what matters most. For me, that means keeping communication up front... Continue Reading →
It sometimes seems so easy to say "I got this." I read the post below - and realised I still have more to do to fix and find myself. https://iceprincess7770.wordpress.com/2024/11/23/self-compassion/
A thought crossed my mind last night whilst listening to Jimmy Carr chatting with Stephen Bartlett about his reflections on life, particularly about all of us wanting more, yet less discontent in the moment, and enjoying the moments we have the chance to live. A few months ago, after a life-changing moment, I culled over... Continue Reading →
In case you hadn’t heard, I severely sprained my right wrist nearly four weeks ago. It wasn’t broken, but it might as well have been for how much it slowed me down. For the first two days, my wrist was in plaster to help reduce the swelling. After that, I wore a neoprene brace for... Continue Reading →
As a dedicated Trekkie, I’ve always been captivated by the depth and vision that Star Trek offers. The tales of loyalty, friendships, and the connections between different species are what truly resonate with me. Portrait of Captain Archer, Star Trek Enterprise As such, I’ve always found something deeply moving in the way the characters, especially... Continue Reading →
If you’re a Star Wars fan (or even if you’ve just popped it on once or twice), you’ll know the magic of those opening words scrolling across the movie screen: "A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away … " As that epic theme kicks in, those words set the stage for adventure,... Continue Reading →
In my ongoing exploration of religion and belief systems, I found myself pondering the vast array of deities and moral codes that have shaped humanity. To better refine and expand my thoughts, I enlisted the help of an unlikely collaborator - ChatGPT. This partnership allowed me to tap into an extensive reservoir of knowledge spanning... 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…