My Nervous System Is Not for Public Debate

Yes, I’m venting. But also? I’m done pretending chronic illness is a polite little inconvenience. And you shouldn’t downplay your pain either.

Sudden Shutdowns & Strange Snapbacks

MS and sudden sleepiness? I’m opening up about my strange new episodes, what they might mean, how they’re affecting my life, and how I’m (eventually) navigating another round of scans, fears, and frustrating medical limbo.

I’ve Run Out of F*cks: A Listicle of Petty Grievances

TOWANDA!
I’ve entered my IDGAFEra™. Powered by hormones, chronic pain, and an utter lack of patience, I’ve made peace with the fact that some things (and people) just don’t deserve my energy anymore.

This listicle is my middle finger to loud chewers, unsolicited health advice, and every beige Instagram mom who pretends her toddler doesn’t throw forks.

Kathy Bates rammed a car in a parking lot once, and I’ve never felt more spiritually seen. My time has come.

Rust-en-Vrede Is Under Threat. And So Is Everything It Stands For.

The City of Cape Town is cutting support for Rust-en-Vrede Gallery in Durbanville. Learn what’s happening, why it matters, and how you can help save this historic cultural landmark.

How I Turned Into a Pot Plant and Suffered My Own Neglect

How I turned into a pot plant and suffered my own neglect™ 🌿
This month’s mood: blanket burrito. This month’s sponsor: definitely not SheWee™ (but it should be).
Bugsy ate something he shouldn’t have. I avoided the dishes and my soul is on a hunger strike.
But hey, the plants are thriving.

Popcorn: Your Low-Key Weight-Loss Weapon?

Discover how plain air‑popped popcorn is a sneaky weight-loss ally; low in calories, high in fiber and antioxidants, with tips on healthy home prep and flavour ideas.

Ubuntu: The Village House

A personal adoption story becomes a parable for South Africa’s unfinished rainbow, spiced with an Ubuntu stew anyone can share.

Why Do We Keep Needing Permission to Rest?

We live in a culture where burnout is a badge of honour. Where busy-ness is virtue, exhaustion is currency, and rest is treated like dessert, a sugary reward after you’ve swallowed the meat and bones of your suffering.

But here’s the uncomfortable truth: rest is not a reward. It’s a right.

Multiple Sclerosis and Self-Love

Written by -N. Collins, RN A journey of learning to embrace life with compassion and care for myself. When I was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in January of 2023, my focus was anything but myself. Providing for my household, caring for my children, caring for...

Coming Home for Autumn: Rest, Reconnection, and the Joy of Slowing Down

After time apart, we’re finally back together — cozying up through chilly mornings, late-night laughter, and slow weekends that remind us to rest. A journal entry on love, burnout, and the quiet healing of coming home.

Profile image of Kate from Kate + Ginger.

Kate

I’ve spent two decades navigating chronic illness, mental health, and self-recovery. This blog is where I share what’s real—no perfection, just honesty, growth, and community. You’re not alone here.

Alone Together: The Loneliness Crisis No One Wants to Admit

Alone Together: The Loneliness Crisis No One Wants to Admit

It’s 2:47 a.m. and I’m scrolling through Instagram, watching strangers toast champagne in Santorini, cuddle golden retrievers, and post “raw” captions that somehow still feel filtered. I’m not sad, exactly. But I’m not okay, either. I’m lonely. And I know I’m not...

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When a Lupus Flare Lit My Creative Fire

When a Lupus Flare Lit My Creative Fire

Jonas, 32, Dublin I was halfway through my master’s in architecture, you know, living on coffee and blind optimism, when the rheumatologist slapped the words “systemic lupus erythematosus” on my file. Cheers, doc. Overnight my wrists puffed up like angry balloons, and...

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Fuel the rebel research, buy me a cuppa ☕

Editor's Journal

Fatigue, Bugs, and a Midday Nap I’ll Never Get

Fatigue, Bugs, and a Midday Nap I’ll Never Get

A doctor once explained it like this: if someone without a chronic illness wants to understand what MS fatigue feels like, they’d need to stay awake and upright for three days straight. Then try to function like a normal human. That’s the starting line.

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The Quiet Feels Different Without Bugs

The Quiet Feels Different Without Bugs

My dog, Bugsy, is at my mum’s this weekend. He’s being absolutely spoiled, no doubt about that. She’s probably made him scrambled eggs and is reading him bedtime stories while feeding him snacks off a Royal Doulton plate. He’s living the high life. I know he’s happy. I know she adores having him. And he loves her too.

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