It’s been a while since I’ve written about Functional Neurological Disorder (FND), and I’ve been reflecting on how often people—friends, family, even professionals—ask the same questions. Not out of ignorance, but from a place of confusion, concern, or curiosity. So here’s a gentle guide to the most frequent questions I hear, shaped with clarity and… Read More What People Ask About FND: A Gentle Guide
There’s a particular kind of charm in noticing what doesn’t quite match. In my cottage, the skirting boards tell their own story—three of them in quiet agreement, and one that’s decided to go its own way. The wall with the wallpaper (post-four readers) hosts a skirting board of a different species entirely. Taller, with a… Read More post five: skirting the norm-a tale of nails & mismatched boards
Foldable stool tucked into a corner—used for decorating, showering, and quiet adaptation. Not designed as a disability aid, but repurposed with care. In my cottage studio, adaptation often begins with small, practical choices. This folding stool—originally designed for household tasks—has quietly become part of my daily rhythm. I use it for sitting when decorating, showering,… Read More quiet adaptation: a stool that works
This cottage doesn’t always make sense. The wallpaper doesn’t quite meet the ceiling. The cabinet doors don’t fully align. The paint peels below the window, and the light fitting still hangs unfinished—wires exposed—waiting, like a sentence left unfinished. They’re part of the rhythm I live with and they remind me that comfort isn’t about control—it’s… Read More post four: the quirks of the cottage
Image Credit: Mesut çiçen via Unsplash Series Introduction In a world that often feels overstimulated and overcomplicated, the pursuit of calm is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Beginning on the 4th October, this six-part series explores how design can be a powerful tool for cultivating calm—not just in our homes and cities, but in… Read More designing for calm: a sensory approach to sustainable living
Before and after images rebuilding with filler Living with a fluctuating neurological condition and navigating neurodivergence means that decorating isn’t a straightforward task. It’s a layered process shaped by sensory thresholds and emotional pacing. I don’t decorate quickly. I decorate slowly, with care and consideration, because it’s important to me. The process isn’t just physical—it’s… Read More post three: decorating as emotional labour
One wall painted with help, one still waiting. These images show the pace I’m working at—and the care I’m trying to hold. Painting the main wall with my daughter was difficult. The smell of paint, the texture, and the physical effort were uncomfortable for me—but having her there made it easier. It was a moment… Read More post two: decorating when it’s hard
These two images show the painting before and after. Living with a fluctuating neurological, and mental health condition alongside navigating neurodivergence means that my creative practice doesn’t follow a predictable path or rhythm. I experience fatigue, pain, sensory overwhelm, and emotional shifts that shape how — and when — I can make, decorate, or even… Read More Post ONE: A QUIET RETURN
Living with Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) is incredibly frustrating, especially when episodes leave you questioning what’s happening in your body. Recently, I had an episode that left me homebound for a week, and it’s been a challenging and confusing experience. What Happened? The episode began with severe pain on my right side. At first, I… Read More Coping with the Frustrations of FND: My Recent Experience
I haven’t written a post about FND for a while and I want to keep the awareness going of Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) which is a complex condition that affects the normal functioning of the nervous system and can lead to neurological symptoms which don’t have a clear structure or organic cause. Although the brain’s… Read More How Does Functional Neurological Disorder (FND) Cause Problems for People with the Condition?
Rachel Bakewell 