RED HERRING: is a clue or information that is distracting and misleading -- it leads us away from the truth, confusing us ... preventing us from making good decisions. I reflected on where to find the truth on my substack this week: janettewatt.substack.com See you there? #truth #lies #redherrings

Manifesto written by Agnes Denes reminds me that I'm not alone in wanting to live this way. There are lots of us, aren't there? Yes. ... there always have been. from: "140 Artists' Ideas for Planet Earth" eds. Hans Ulrich Obrist and Kosta Stasinopoulos #Dreaming #Searching #Creating #Communicating

Desmond Tutu helped me understand truth is inseparable from justice, healing, reconciliation, and our one collective humanity. One of his quotes "We must be ready to learn from one another, not claiming that we alone possess all truth.." I reflect on truth: janettewatt.substack.com/p/where-do-w...

💔October 7th. Burned into my heart. None of us are each other's enemy. We never were. ❤️ In memory of my anam cara, Judih Weinstein Haggai. #judihweinsteinhaggai #gadihaggai #October7 #PEACENOW for #Israel for #Palestine for #Sudan and #Ukraine / #Russia #PROTECTInnocents #STOPtheTYRANTS #OneWORLD

EXCERPT FROM "WHERE DO WE FIND the TRUTH?": (4) If I ask you would you agree that we need others to help us see what we can not see sometimes or ever Based on your experiences, that’s the truth, isn’t it? Read more here: janettewatt.substack.com #truth #justice #equality #writers #society #poets

I took a selfie on our way to brunch on Sunday, October 5th 2025 (the Junction neighbourhood, Toronto) ... #selfies #walkingaroundourCity #Toronto #Canada

Living fully. I believe that as wonderful as it sounds, because we’re often not sure what it really is, we are left feeling the opposite — that alot of us live feeling empty, or at least half-empty and not half-full. Please stop by my substack to read more… janettewatt.substack.com/p/from-empty...

Truth is talked about a lot. especially the fact that we don't know what the truth is anymore. Why's it important? Because we can not exist without trust. My substack on Monday explores truth. This week's post is about "living fully". It's all connected. Find me here: janettewatt.substack.com #Truth

Sometimes it feels like life wants to empty us. In those times we need to find ways to LIVE FULLY. Maybe dance? sing? or? "You were wild once. Don't let them tame you." - Isadora Duncan www.youtube.com/watch?v=EdHi... I reflect on living fully here: janettewatt.substack.com/p/from-empty...

As I research and write about LIVING-FULLY I see the same names again and again. When I dig I'm able to find some "others" BUT how many voices were erased? Are being erased? We can never LIVE-FULLY until NO ONE is silenced! That's part 2, part 1 is here: janettewatt.substack.com/p/from-empty...

As I worked to understand "living fully" I consulted Poets. Four stand out for me. Each seems very different, their life experiences and what they choose to write about. One poem is in the image below, the other three I give in the reply below. Read more at janettewatt.substack.com/p/from-empty...

Having considered “living fully” I think: it’s a driving force at our core that can help carry us forward. The problem is it's often equated with always feeling good and that leaves us feeling empty. And, you say to me: "a lot of us have figured that out, so now what?" I have some ideas CLICK IMAGE.

I have a paragraph long goal statement for my writing. In one sentence it's: I want to write simply and honestly, with kindness - and also unafraid. I just read something from Ada Limón that's enough like mine that I once again feel less alone (see below). Find me here: janettewatt.substack.com

TITLE: TO FEARLESS YOU NEED DREAMS. Living in fear will not be my story. Instead, like Langston Hughes — I’ll continue to dream. All the while I see the world for what it is — but dreaming means I can fearLESS. -jw. September 27, 2025 11.11 am. (also see reply) MORE here janettewatt.substack.com

... from here in Toronto, Canada --- to you wherever you are in the world ... #ONEworld #PEACE

Nothing but gray skies for days. Almost no sun, just rain and fluctuating temps. And yet this plant bloomed -- in Fall, when no one was expecting anything more from it. Another reminder. This one? How we're really not that different from every other living thing around us. #ONEworld #inspiration

If you don't follow and read Robert Reich you really should (his substack is free). While he mainly writes about what is going on in the U.S. -- his perspective is important for all of us. "Why are we so polarized? Why is democracy is such peril?" #FREEDOM #NOtoFASCISM #NOtoAUTHORITARIANS

These words anonymously framed in a meme are so important. We all need to try to fearLESS and express ourselves. I write on substack weekly. You may agree or disagree with what I write. Please tell me why. How will I know better without your voice too? Find me here janettewatt.substack.com #VOICES

Next week's post is me trying to answer how we can experience being fully alive. REALLY LIVE! What does that mean? Any thoughts? Maybe challenge mine? Either what I just wrote - or, what I write anywhere. DM or reply on here or here janettewatt.substack.com (Photo by me/Oscar hangs above our desk)

Responding to my weekly post, a follower shared (in part) "I’m carrying your line with me: LIVING IN FEAR WILL NOT BE MY STORY. A promise I intend to keep“ and then this quote "I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer.” Frank Herbert, Dune (1965). Find more by clicking on the image below. #fearLESS

I read to help understand why humans act the way we do. I don't always come away understanding much more than before, but I keep trying. Today, it's a return to Arendt's "On Violence" as I seek ideas about the potential for peace for all of us. Later, I'll try to write here: janettewatt.substack.com

We may not be wise people who light up the world but as Dylan urged, let's do everything possible so that when our stories end those who knew us will say "their stories were not about fear." Read more here janettewatt.substack.com/p/living-in-... and here www.instagram.com/p/DO_SALijrz1/ #fearLESS

Tommie Smith and John Carlos, one with a gold medal, the other a bronze raised their black-gloved fists to protest racial injustice and for human rights. I remember. I remember their shoe-less feet - their black socks and the human rights badges they wore. More here: www.instagram.com/p/DO83mLqjk8k/

🌿 ... may there be peace for all of us, everywhere, NOW -- #onehumanity #oneplanet

"Let me tell you 'bout a place Somewhere up-a [Toronto] way Where the people are so gay Twistin' the night away Here they have a lot of fun Puttin' trouble on the run Man, you find the old and young Twistin' the night away... " Join us wherever you are! www.youtube.com/watch?v=zTAr...

It is foolish to say "Don't be afraid!" Fear can keep us safe, as long as we don't allow it to steal our lives. I write about that and invite you to say this with me: LIVING IN FEAR WILL NOT BE MY STORY. It's on my substack - click on image. #fearLESS #courage #StandTogether #OneWorld #braveACTS

The image is one I just took, and I've overlayed words about believing in a moment where so many of us are struggling ... - jw. September 21, 2025 (the last day of summer) Toronto, Canada #believe #indifficulttimes #hope #kindness #ONE (go here to read text www.instagram.com/p/DO3pDLvjh5d/ )

THANK YOU to ALL who read what I write! This week's post is meant once again to be encouraging and includes words from wise people that have gone before us. The link to my substack is in my bio. Read for free/please subscribe! Art is by Alisa Smith Williams here: www.instagram.com/alisasmithwi...

In difficult times it's not that we're without fear, it's how we manage it. It's feeling the fear without letting it paralyze us, it's how we use the fear to spur us on and it's about what and how and most of all WHO we stand up for! janettewatt.substack.com #UnstoppableSpirits #CourageChallenge

In difficult times we MUST pay attention. Wise people like Toni Morrison can lead us to ways that we can make this world a better place for all of us. More about that this week and next in my reflections on my Substack here: janettewatt.substack.com #betterworld #askingwhy #askinghow #makingitnow

Like #LeGuin, I have always been seeking #adifferentstory. A long time ago now, with the help of people like LeGuin, I came to understand that it's #uptome to write a story for myself, and maybe help with other's too. It #maynotbeperfect, but I'm going to try. -jw. #carrierbag #stories #writers

We become what and who we pay attention to. I've learned that from my own life and wise people like #SusanSontag who said: "Pay attention. It's all about paying attention. Attention is vitality. It connects you with others. It makes you eager. Stay eager." #creatives #philosophers #activists #CARE

❤️ My very short memoir (see below). Other reflections and stories I've written in a raw form are here: janettewatt.substack.com When you visit and read, I am always grateful! That's also the truth! #memoir #life #poets #poetry #writers #nonfiction #micrononfiction #lost #onbeingHUMAN #culture #us

This is a Huffstickler poem. He wrote about what he paid attention to in a way that is good for our soul. I reflect on paying attention in my substack this week, grateful if you visit janettewatt.substack.com Do you see the shadow in the photo? It's my hand "like a living shadow" #poets #observing

I've been reflecting on and wrote about who and what we pay attention to, sharing wise words from great thinkers. Excerpt: "Your life is too short and you have important things to do. Be discriminating... choose what thoughts [and people] you expose yourself to..." (click on image). #discourse

Oh... technical difficulties *sigh* ...waiting for my Monday post to be published on substack and then sent out to subscribers... but it seems the site is down? ...nothing to do but wait, I guess. And as I do -- I'm sending good vibrations out into the world! ...kindness and empathy. -jw.

Another tough week but I won't give up. I sometimes use collages to guide my thinking. The one below helped me write about where we put our attention: Monday's Substack post. I'm sending you kindness and empathy vibrations! Find me here: janettewatt.substack.com #kindness #empathy #peace #writers

I want us to be okay. I want us to know peacefulness, even in difficult times ... I hope you read my letter to you, from my heart. Find here: janettewatt.substack.com/.../when-lif.... With KINDNESS and EMPATHY! -jw. (grateful to whoever originally created and shared this meme)

I'm thinking about what each of us sees around us--what we see the same or different. And, how that affects what we value and how we treat one another and our planet. Also, did you know that there's a philosophy of attention? I continue to learn. Photo by me/at home #OneWorld #peace #bekind #write

❤️... reading and writing, and ...more of the same. -jw. #peacefulness #writers #poets #creatives #activists #advocates

Whenever I reconnect to even the smallest part of nature, what has me afraid begins to fall away. I'm reminded that the strength at my core is part of something bigger, solid and that it's why I've already made it this far. More here: janettewatt.substack.com Photo taken by me #culture #reconnect

In difficult times our bodies crave nature. Just by being in it we can feel less lost. Poet David Wagoner encouraged us to stand still and once again find ourselves rooted. I wrote about being part of the symphony of nature here: janettewatt.substack.com/p/when-life-... #lost #found #difficulttimes

I’m writing to you in what are difficult times for so many of us — and while I hope you’re well and not in need of the words I’m going to share, I wanted to send them to you now, for whenever you might need them. Read more here: janettewatt.substack.com/p/when-life-... #difficulttimes #carryingON

🌿... I needed to breathe, so, I've returned to my trees, and also, to my sky. jw. with photo proof, September 2025. #life #balance #joy #nature #poets #writers

In her poetry like "Elegy in Joy" (fragment below) Muriel Rukeyser wrote about war. But she didn't stop there, she was another person who walked her talk, seeking a more just world. I reflect on how we go can about it here: janettewatt.substack.com/p/disobedien... Art by Catrin Welz-Stein "Harmony"

That's a photo of Pete Seeger's banjo. He was often civilly disobedient - on his own and also with others. He wasn't superhuman. He was VERY MUCH human in the very best ways. I strive to be like a Pete Seeger…and I wrote more about here: janettewatt.substack.com/p/disobedien... #civildisobedience

Many of us continue to write about the NEED for DISOBEDIENCE. Quoting Maria Ressa "fighting back goes from the personal to the political, from individual values to a pyramid for collective action." WE CAN, TOGETHER! More here: janettewatt.substack.com #CIVILdisobedience #Justice #Equality #PEACE

My substack post this week is about the NEED for Civil Disobedience -- "Disobedience: Among the Best of Us. And the Rest of Us TOO!" Read here: janettewatt.substack.com Climate change Protesters pictured -- read here: newint.org/features/201... #climateaction #justice #peace #CIVILDISOBEDIENCE

While trying to keep many balls in the air I made some last minute edits to a post and forgot to delete something. It's corrected now and I'm relying on Bob’s words of wisdom to be gentle with myself. That's so important isn't it? The last part I mean? Find my posts here: janettewatt.substack.com

I was disobedient and stood up to a tyrant as a child. If I could do it then, alone-I know we can do it now, together. If we don't--there's nothing preventing the destruction of our world. I echo Maria Ressa: I believe in us. More in my latest post (click image below) #civildisobedience #justice