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HushFest is on the horizon. Cornwall’s festival of quietness, shaped by our community. |
This post was shaped within the Quiet Connections community. Some pieces are written anonymously; others come together through gentle collaboration. Either way, they come from lived experiences and quiet reflections from quieteers like you.
Our articles are here to offer understanding and encouragement to quieteers finding their way with confidence, connection, or a sense of belonging. If something here feels familiar or reassuring, you're warmly welcome to read more, join our Facebook Community or come along to a Meet Up whenever you're ready.
We long for gentle relationships. To feel safe and seen with others, and to offer that same safety in return. Whether it’s a partner, a friend, or a colleague, we hope for connection that feels kind, consistent, and nourishing. But even when that desire is strong, we might still find ourselves showing up in a…
Trying something new without losing yourself in the noise Last week, a ‘hush’ of Quieteers –18 of us in fact– found ourselves ‘Locked In’ a room together. The kind of room where the only way out is by solving a series of clues and puzzles. Yup, Locked In Escape Room. A place that might seem…
When we think about courage, our minds often turn to the bold and dramatic. Leaping into action. Taking centre stage. Speaking loudly and leading from the front. But that version of bravery isn’t the only kind that exists. And it’s not the kind that many of us see in ourselves. There’s another form of courage…
The experience of menstruation unfolds in rhythms often unseen and unspoken. Quietly, yet powerfully, our menstrual cycles influence how we feel, think, and show up in the world. And for those of us who identify as quieter, more sensitive, or who experience social anxiety, these changes can feel particularly profound. This is not just about…
Have you ever felt yourself suddenly stop in place—unable to speak, move, or even think clearly—in a moment that felt intense or too much? Maybe it happened in a group, during a conversation, or when you were asked to do something that felt exposing. Perhaps your body felt heavy or numb, like it was far…
There’s a quiet kind of courage that often goes unnoticed. It’s not the sort that draws attention. It doesn’t shout or demand to be seen. It’s the gentle bravery that stirs in someone’s chest as they allow themselves to be real with you—perhaps for the very first time. It’s the pause before they speak, the…
If you’ve ever been told “just think positive,” “don’t dwell on it,” or “stop overthinking,” you’ll know it’s not that simple. Thoughts have a way of appearing in our minds whether we invite them or not. Some feel warm and encouraging. Others feel unsettling or intrusive—popping up unexpectedly, even when we’d rather not think about…
Step into a classroom, a workplace, or a social gathering, and you’ll often see a pattern: those who speak the loudest, the fastest, and the most confidently tend to attract the most attention. Success is frequently tied to visibility. Job descriptions ask for ‘confident and outgoing’ individuals with ‘strong communication skills’. Schools praise students who…
Social anxiety is a deeply human experience that affects people from all walks of life—students, professionals, and everyday individuals alike. It’s not just about feeling shy; it’s an intense fear of social interactions, rooted in a concern about being judged, embarrassed, or misunderstood. This fear often leads to avoidance, creating a cycle of isolation and…
When we think about connection, we often picture deep conversations, shared stories, and words of affirmation. But connection isn’t just about talking. Some of the most profound moments of closeness happen in silence—when words are unnecessary, and presence speaks for itself. For those of us who are quieter, the pressure to fill silence can feel…
There’s something about days like this—St George’s Day—that can stir up all sorts of feelings for some of us. Even though it’s not a big celebration for most of us in England, the date still sits quietly in the calendar, like a gentle nudge. An invitation, perhaps, to pause and reflect on where we’re from……
There’s a phrase you may have come across before: “Choose your hard.” The idea is that life presents us with challenges no matter what path we take. Engaging in personal growth—whether through therapy, counselling, coaching, or deep self-reflection—is hard. But not engaging in it is also hard, just in a different way. For those of…