Lives Seen Differently
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Women's stories of identity & changed understanding
Lives Seen Differently explores how women reinterpret their lives following experiences that challenge previously held assumptions about who they are, where they belong and what their lives mean.
Sometimes this follows a discovery such as an NPE experience following a DNA test, adoption revelation, late diagnosis or family secret. At other times it emerges through bereavement, becoming a carer, relationship change, job loss or business failure.
Through personal stories and reflections, the project examines hidden truths, changing identities and the process of coming to new understandings over time.
AT THE HEART OF LIVES SEEN DIFFERENTLY
Exploring Identity, Belonging and the Stories We Tell About Our Lives
Lives Seen Differently grew from a curiosity about how women come to understand their lives differently over time as they look back.
Sometimes a discovery, diagnosis, loss, family revelation, caring role, relationship change or other life experience challenges assumptions about who we are, where we belong and what our lives mean.
As women reflect on these experiences, they may come to see their past differently, understand themselves in new ways, & rethink what they want for the future.
Why This Matters
Many of us live by stories about who we are. When new information, experiences or insights emerge, those stories can change. We may begin to see ourselves, our relationships, our past and our future differently.
Through stories and reflections, Lives Seen Differently explores identity, belonging, hidden truths and the changing ways we make sense of our lives.
The project asks a simple question:
How do women come to understand their lives differently?
Stories
A growing collection of women's stories and reflections
These stories explore how experiences, discoveries and changing perspectives can challenge assumptions about who we are, where we belong and what our lives mean.
Through sharing and reflection, Lives Seen Differently seeks to deepen our understanding of identity, belonging and the ways we make sense of our lives over time.
Why I Started Lives Seen Differently
For many years, I have been interested in people's stories, how we make sense of our lives, the identities we carry and the assumptions we hold about who we are and where we belong.
My professional work has focused on careers, neurodiversity, identity and personal development. More recently, my academic research has explored the concept of biographical disruption: the moments when an event, discovery or experience challenges our understanding of ourselves and our lives. My PhD is focused on a later life neurodevelopmental diagnosis.
A Journey of Discovery
Discovering during Covid via a DNA test that I was an NPE (Not Parent Expected) changed both what I knew about my family and how I understood my life. It raised questions about identity, belonging, family history and the stories we inherit about who we are.
Lives Seen Differently was created to explore these experiences. Through stories, conversations and reflections, this project examines hidden truths, changing identities and the process of coming to new understandings about ourselves, our past and our place in the world.
Key Themes
The project explores recurring themes that emerge when women come to see their lives differently, including identity, belonging, family, work, loss, caregiving, diagnosis, discovery and personal change.
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Identity
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Belonging
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Hidden Truths
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Family
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Diagnosis
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Discovery
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Loss
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Work & Purpose
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Relationships
Get in Touch
Has there been a moment when you began to see your life differently? You may have experienced a discovery, diagnosis, loss, family revelation, caring role, relationship change, career transition, or another experience that challenged how you understood yourself or your life.
Whether you have a story to share, a reflection to offer, or simply want to connect, I'd love to hear from you.