Skye Bothma
Founding member
Bio
Skye is a freelance editor and writer living in rural New Zealand, where she writes about life, love and what it is to be human. She is also the author of one novel and working on her next book. Visit her website at www.skyebothma.nz
Stories (34/0)
The Problem with Autism
Last year, at the age of forty-eight, I discovered that I have autism. While it explains some of the difficulties I’ve had in life relating to people, especially my father, and my low tolerance for sensory overload, I have struggled to accept the label: autistic.
By Skye Bothma3 months ago in Psyche
The Case of the Disappearing Bottle Cap
It might come as a surprise that as an atheist and follower of logic and reason, I believe in the spirit realm. I’ve never been able to accept the idea of God, an all-powerful all-loving being that supposedly created all living things and yet allows so much suffering, despite having the apparent power to prevent it. But, I’ve also never been able to accept that this is all there is.
By Skye Bothma7 months ago in Futurism
Why having chronic illness is like being a knight in armour
For many of us with chronic illness it can be difficult to explain how our illness limits us, especially when on the outside we may appear perfectly healthy and able-bodied. There are many useful metaphors and analogies, like Christine Miserandino’s famous Spoon Theory, that help to explain how living with chronic conditions uses up the energy most people use on things they take for granted.
By Skye Bothma3 years ago in Psyche
I Forgive You, Dad. Top Story - January 2022.
I had a difficult relationship with my father, but not for same reason as other kids. I was not a rebellious rule-breaker and he was not overly strict or neglectful. He did not abuse me or my mother. He was always attentive, generous and ready to help. On outward appearances he was the kind of father my friends wished they had, yet I felt ashamed and guilty for wishing I had a ‘normal’ dad.
By Skye Bothma3 years ago in Humans
Why I reported a lewd text to the police
Today I went to the police to report an incident of sexual harassment. I wasn’t going to at first. I was going to accept his apology that the lewd text he sent me was an error of judgement during a moment of intoxication. But then I thought about it. This wasn’t going to go away. It might be forgiven and forgotten but there would be another incident.
By Skye Bothma3 years ago in Viva
Dreaming of Egypt
Last night I was in Egypt. It was early morning, the sun just beginning to rise, painting the base of the pyramids a liquid gold. There was a chill in the air – making me wish I'd brought a sweater, even though I'd have no use for it in only an hour or so, once the morning sun had fully awakened. I stood at the base of the world's most iconic ancient wonder, arms wrapped tightly round me to stop me shivering, feeling the dewy air wet my hair. I strained to see the top which seemed to disappear into the clouds forming from my own breath. I felt the excitement of finally getting to see something I've wanted to see all my life and so unexpectedly. After all, only a few hours before I had climbed into bed and switched off the light with no travel plans for the immediate future.
By Skye Bothma4 years ago in Poets
The secret to true love
As an incurable romantic who longs to find the kind of love that defies logic, defies the odds, I have struggled with everyday relationships that have gone nowhere and left me feeling hurt and betrayed. I’m always trying to make sense of this elusive emotion, always trying to understand why love works for some and for others it is one heartbreak after another. Is the secret compatibility? Is lasting love built on friendship rather than attraction? Are there forces at play that can predict its success, like the forces needed to keep an aircraft airborne?
By Skye Bothma4 years ago in Humans
