People ask me all the time why they never see me at markets, setting up a stall in town, or just out and about.
I’d love to tell you it’s because I’m mysterious and elusive…
But honestly?
I’m basically a rescue animal.
Approach slowly.
Don’t make direct eye contact.
Offer snacks.
Sudden movements may result in me disappearing into the nearest patch of bush.
I’ve been mugged by a cassowary that stole my sandwich and left me with ptsd as a child
I’ve been bitten by a disgruntled wombat because I wouldn’t let the little arsehole come inside and sit on my couch.
I’ve handled angry snakes and crocodiles
I’ve happily handled spiders that make most Australians question their citizenship.
Rescued wedge tail eagle from a fence with nothing but my bare hands
And despite all of that…
People are still the scariest part of my day. š
The funny part is, I don’t actually hate people.
I love people.
I love hearing your stories. I love that you enjoy my art, photography and weird little nature rambles. I genuinely appreciate and care for every person who supports Leaf & Lens.
I just can’t “people” the way most people can.
Living with ASD, ADHD, anxiety, depression and BPD means my brain has a habit of treating everyday social situations like they’re life-or-death emergencies.
Crowds are loud.
Small talk feels like a full-time job.
Eye contact can be exhausting.
Sometimes I’ll replay a 30-second conversation in my head for three days wondering if I accidentally made someone hate me. The struggle is real !
To make things even more interesting, I’ve always experienced the world very intensely. I would describe myself as a psychic empath, I feel other people’s emotions deeply, even certain places or objects seem to carry a feeling for me. Sometimes this is very intense. Whether you believe in that or not, it’s how I experience the world—and it can be incredibly overwhelming.
So over the years I’ve stopped trying to force myself to fit into places where my nervous system is screaming.
Instead…
I found my peace.
In the bush.
In the garden.
Collecting seeds.
Watching fungi appear after rain.
Talking to my chickens like they’re tiny feathered therapists.
Walking with my dogs.
Listening to birds instead of traffic.
Nature has never expected me to pretend to be okay.
Trees don’t care if I don’t make eye contact.
The birds don’t judge me for being awkward.
Even the wombat that bit me was at least honest about his intentions.
That’s why Leaf & Lens exists online.
Not because I don’t appreciate people…
But because this is the version of my business that lets me keep creating without burning myself to the ground.
The internet lets me connect with people one conversation at a time instead of a hundred all at once.
So if you’ve ever wondered why I’m not at every local market or why I seem a bit awkward if you bump into me in town…
Please don’t mistake my quietness for rudeness.
I’m just doing my best with the brain I’ve got.
Thank you for supporting this slightly feral bush goblin and her little online shop.
Every order, every comment, every message, every laugh and every bit of kindness helps someone who still feels more comfortable surrounded by chickens than crowds.
And honestly…
The chickens have set a pretty high standard for humanity. š
Megan āļø
Leafandlens.com.au
