Belonging can be found far from home, by Morgan Harper Nichols
Mar 4, 2025
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Morgan Harper Nichols, a talented songwriter, poet, and artist diagnosed with autism as an adult, shares her inspiring journey of self-discovery. She reflects on feelings of isolation while studying abroad and how stepping into the unknown opened doors to finding her place in the world. Through personal anecdotes, she explores the complexities of cultural identity and connection, revealing the power of storytelling and poetry in fostering belonging. Her experiences illustrate how embracing one’s uniqueness can lead to transformative growth.
Morgan Harper Nichols explores the journey of self-discovery through creative expression, finding strength in embracing her unique identity abroad.
Her experiences of alienation and cultural differences highlight the challenges of belonging, ultimately leading to meaningful connections within a supportive community.
Deep dives
Embracing Identity and Culture
Morgan Harper Nichols shares her journey of self-discovery and cultural appreciation following her move to Birmingham, England. For the first time, she feels a connection to her identity and culture, sparking a desire to express herself creatively through writing and art. This newfound understanding of who she is catalyzes a significant shift in her perspective, enabling her to acknowledge the strength that comes from embracing one’s identity. As she navigates her experiences abroad, she learns the importance of discussing identities, which fosters connections and helps her feel less isolated.
Challenges of Belonging and Community
Morgan reflects on her feelings of alienation while grappling with cultural differences and personal challenges in a new environment. She experiences moments of discomfort, like facing unsupportive hairdressers who dismiss her curly hair due to unfamiliarity. These experiences underscore the difficulties of finding a sense of belonging in an unfamiliar place, intensified by her unique identity. Despite these challenges, she gradually finds solace in a diverse group of friends who provide a sense of community and acceptance.
The Power of Creative Expression
Morgan's journey leads her to harness the power of creative expression as a means of connecting with others and articulating her experiences. Through writing poetry and music, she channels her feelings and stories, ultimately gaining confidence and a stronger sense of belonging. This artistic outlet not only represents her personal growth but also serves as a bridge to communicate her identity and views with the world. As her passion for writing flourishes, she discovers that sharing her truth has the potential to inspire and connect with others on similar journeys.
Morgan Harper Nichols is a songwriter, poet, artist, and musician who was diagnosed with autism as an adult. Growing up, she yearns to see the wider world outside her rural home, and to embark on adventures like Bilbo Baggins. When she spends a semester studying abroad, she finds herself surrounded by the unfamiliar — and feeling rejected and lonely sometimes. But by stepping into the unknown, she begins to discover what is most important to her — and finds a new path to belonging.
Each episode of Meditative Story combines the emotional pull of first-person storytelling with immersive music and gentle mindfulness prompts. Read the transcript for this story: meditativestory.com