Janette Watt (she/they)
@janettewatt.bsky.social
Janette reflects on issues affecting us all. A career as a lawyer, academic, and a government policymaker - what has always driven her is a passion for a better world for everyone.
SUBSCRIBE: https://janettewatt.substack.com/
SUBSCRIBE: https://janettewatt.substack.com/
As I try to find ways to connect and understand, I've been gathering up some things that have turned into something REALLY FUN!! I'M SHARING IT IN MY next substack post this coming Monday. Find what I write on my Substack -- I write for you janettewatt.substack.com
#Writers #Poets #Artists #CREATE
#Writers #Poets #Artists #CREATE
December 5, 2025 at 6:15 PM
As I try to find ways to connect and understand, I've been gathering up some things that have turned into something REALLY FUN!! I'M SHARING IT IN MY next substack post this coming Monday. Find what I write on my Substack -- I write for you janettewatt.substack.com
#Writers #Poets #Artists #CREATE
#Writers #Poets #Artists #CREATE
✨️ We can ALL still imagine. WE CAN!! We just need to take the time -- and it can be fun!! ... and it's also REALLY important for our heads and hearts!! 🙂 More about why we need to keep imagining here: janettewatt.substack.com
AND YES those are some of my books and my polka dot ukulele 😀 #IMAGINE
AND YES those are some of my books and my polka dot ukulele 😀 #IMAGINE
December 4, 2025 at 3:57 PM
✨️ We can ALL still imagine. WE CAN!! We just need to take the time -- and it can be fun!! ... and it's also REALLY important for our heads and hearts!! 🙂 More about why we need to keep imagining here: janettewatt.substack.com
AND YES those are some of my books and my polka dot ukulele 😀 #IMAGINE
AND YES those are some of my books and my polka dot ukulele 😀 #IMAGINE
Once upon a time, as children, we imagined ourselves all the way into a better world. The greatest thinkers in history believed that if we keep imagining anything is possible! Read more on my Substack this week ... please imagine ... for you and me and ... well, posterity. janettewatt.substack.com
December 4, 2025 at 1:32 AM
Once upon a time, as children, we imagined ourselves all the way into a better world. The greatest thinkers in history believed that if we keep imagining anything is possible! Read more on my Substack this week ... please imagine ... for you and me and ... well, posterity. janettewatt.substack.com
Took this photo just now. May look like I'm taking a break from writing, but its all part of the same intention: finding ways to reach out and connect. I love my family, friends ... and as the childhood poem goes, I also love... "the friends I haven't yet met". I write here: janettewatt.substack.com
December 3, 2025 at 6:08 PM
Took this photo just now. May look like I'm taking a break from writing, but its all part of the same intention: finding ways to reach out and connect. I love my family, friends ... and as the childhood poem goes, I also love... "the friends I haven't yet met". I write here: janettewatt.substack.com
From Aristotle to Hume to Einstein, so many great minds figured out the importance of IMAGINATION! If we can imagine it - it is possible! Take flying! So let's get to it again - let's all of us (re)imagine our world!
I wrote about (re)learning to imagine here: janettewatt.substack.com Come visit!
I wrote about (re)learning to imagine here: janettewatt.substack.com Come visit!
December 2, 2025 at 4:19 PM
From Aristotle to Hume to Einstein, so many great minds figured out the importance of IMAGINATION! If we can imagine it - it is possible! Take flying! So let's get to it again - let's all of us (re)imagine our world!
I wrote about (re)learning to imagine here: janettewatt.substack.com Come visit!
I wrote about (re)learning to imagine here: janettewatt.substack.com Come visit!
✨️ ... we can all still imagine if we try,
I know this to be true ... that's part of what I'm contemplating ahead of completing the reflection I'm working on for next week. Please stop by and find my thoughts and share yours too. I am here: janettewatt.substack.com
Kind Regards,
- jw. ✨️
never far.
I know this to be true ... that's part of what I'm contemplating ahead of completing the reflection I'm working on for next week. Please stop by and find my thoughts and share yours too. I am here: janettewatt.substack.com
Kind Regards,
- jw. ✨️
never far.
November 28, 2025 at 8:44 PM
✨️ ... we can all still imagine if we try,
I know this to be true ... that's part of what I'm contemplating ahead of completing the reflection I'm working on for next week. Please stop by and find my thoughts and share yours too. I am here: janettewatt.substack.com
Kind Regards,
- jw. ✨️
never far.
I know this to be true ... that's part of what I'm contemplating ahead of completing the reflection I'm working on for next week. Please stop by and find my thoughts and share yours too. I am here: janettewatt.substack.com
Kind Regards,
- jw. ✨️
never far.
Survival of the fittest is a phrase that was always flawed - from the beginning. It never reflected reality. YET, it's been used to prop up injustices, inequalities, and every "ism" that hurts and divides us. Read more on my Substack this week: janettewatt.substack.com
#justice #equality #TOGETHER
#justice #equality #TOGETHER
November 28, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Survival of the fittest is a phrase that was always flawed - from the beginning. It never reflected reality. YET, it's been used to prop up injustices, inequalities, and every "ism" that hurts and divides us. Read more on my Substack this week: janettewatt.substack.com
#justice #equality #TOGETHER
#justice #equality #TOGETHER
I seek out those who go beyond their own pain recognizing their experiences are part of broader struggles. Those who work to foster solidarity and understanding. People brave enough to take their voices into the streets alongside the rest of us who care.
More here: janettewatt.substack.com
More here: janettewatt.substack.com
November 27, 2025 at 4:56 PM
I seek out those who go beyond their own pain recognizing their experiences are part of broader struggles. Those who work to foster solidarity and understanding. People brave enough to take their voices into the streets alongside the rest of us who care.
More here: janettewatt.substack.com
More here: janettewatt.substack.com
YOU and I #SURVIVE and #THRIVE through acts of mutual aid AND NOT when we compete to see who's the "fittest". This isn't a new idea. Homer wrote "By mutual confidence and mutual aid - great deeds are done, and great discoveries made." A short reflection here: janettewatt.substack.com/p/a-dangerou...
November 26, 2025 at 4:58 PM
YOU and I #SURVIVE and #THRIVE through acts of mutual aid AND NOT when we compete to see who's the "fittest". This isn't a new idea. Homer wrote "By mutual confidence and mutual aid - great deeds are done, and great discoveries made." A short reflection here: janettewatt.substack.com/p/a-dangerou...
Einstein's words above are in the opening pages of Living Philosophies (1931). The book I hold in my hands was well-worn when I purchased it, even more worn now. I love books, especially books that carry forward the voices of people "upon whose smile and well-being our own happiness depends"... -jw
November 25, 2025 at 4:53 PM
Einstein's words above are in the opening pages of Living Philosophies (1931). The book I hold in my hands was well-worn when I purchased it, even more worn now. I love books, especially books that carry forward the voices of people "upon whose smile and well-being our own happiness depends"... -jw
Einstein understood that we need each other to survive, to thrive ... it has NEVER been about "survival of the fittest" ... it is "survival because we have one another" ... Read more on my substack this week titled: A Dangerous Lie: "Survival of the Fittest" here janettewatt.substack.com
#community
#community
November 25, 2025 at 4:42 PM
Einstein understood that we need each other to survive, to thrive ... it has NEVER been about "survival of the fittest" ... it is "survival because we have one another" ... Read more on my substack this week titled: A Dangerous Lie: "Survival of the Fittest" here janettewatt.substack.com
#community
#community
✨️ I learned very early in my life what people need to do to survive - it was never about competition. We need each other and we need to understand how to go about that...
- jw. Never far. ❤️ find more of what I think about, write about here janettewatt.substack.com
#humanity #culture #socialissues
- jw. Never far. ❤️ find more of what I think about, write about here janettewatt.substack.com
#humanity #culture #socialissues
November 21, 2025 at 5:15 PM
✨️ I learned very early in my life what people need to do to survive - it was never about competition. We need each other and we need to understand how to go about that...
- jw. Never far. ❤️ find more of what I think about, write about here janettewatt.substack.com
#humanity #culture #socialissues
- jw. Never far. ❤️ find more of what I think about, write about here janettewatt.substack.com
#humanity #culture #socialissues
Hannah Arendt wasn't known for her poetry but she carried her own poems with her, all of her life. I think I know why.
...when words fail the sharpest minds, what comes then?
first silence, then poetry ... - jw. More about this here: janettewatt.substack.com/.../tears-an....
#Arendt #Wittgenstein
...when words fail the sharpest minds, what comes then?
first silence, then poetry ... - jw. More about this here: janettewatt.substack.com/.../tears-an....
#Arendt #Wittgenstein
November 20, 2025 at 4:55 PM
Hannah Arendt wasn't known for her poetry but she carried her own poems with her, all of her life. I think I know why.
...when words fail the sharpest minds, what comes then?
first silence, then poetry ... - jw. More about this here: janettewatt.substack.com/.../tears-an....
#Arendt #Wittgenstein
...when words fail the sharpest minds, what comes then?
first silence, then poetry ... - jw. More about this here: janettewatt.substack.com/.../tears-an....
#Arendt #Wittgenstein
Paintings inspired by poetry, poetry inspired by literature, literature inspired by paintings - all of it inspired by experiences that the ordinary placement of words just can't seem to capture ... I write about the poetry part (and silence too) here: janettewatt.substack.com/p/tears-and-...
November 19, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Paintings inspired by poetry, poetry inspired by literature, literature inspired by paintings - all of it inspired by experiences that the ordinary placement of words just can't seem to capture ... I write about the poetry part (and silence too) here: janettewatt.substack.com/p/tears-and-...
It wasn't Russia Adrienne Rich wrote about (she said so) and she could be writing this now if she were still here with us. Gratefully she left her words behind.
Find Poem in: Dark Fields of the Republic: Poems 1991-1995 or online @The Poetry Foundation.
#poetry #writers #HOPEevenNOW #AdrienneRich
Find Poem in: Dark Fields of the Republic: Poems 1991-1995 or online @The Poetry Foundation.
#poetry #writers #HOPEevenNOW #AdrienneRich
November 18, 2025 at 5:04 AM
It wasn't Russia Adrienne Rich wrote about (she said so) and she could be writing this now if she were still here with us. Gratefully she left her words behind.
Find Poem in: Dark Fields of the Republic: Poems 1991-1995 or online @The Poetry Foundation.
#poetry #writers #HOPEevenNOW #AdrienneRich
Find Poem in: Dark Fields of the Republic: Poems 1991-1995 or online @The Poetry Foundation.
#poetry #writers #HOPEevenNOW #AdrienneRich
- jw.
Life. Mine.
Not the whole time,
When I hit bottom --
I start climbing again
(Photo by me, "The Junction" Toronto)
#life #contemplation #KEEPgoing #struggles #HOPE
#writers #poets #creatives #thinkers #philosophers
Life. Mine.
Not the whole time,
When I hit bottom --
I start climbing again
(Photo by me, "The Junction" Toronto)
#life #contemplation #KEEPgoing #struggles #HOPE
#writers #poets #creatives #thinkers #philosophers
November 16, 2025 at 3:46 PM
- jw.
Life. Mine.
Not the whole time,
When I hit bottom --
I start climbing again
(Photo by me, "The Junction" Toronto)
#life #contemplation #KEEPgoing #struggles #HOPE
#writers #poets #creatives #thinkers #philosophers
Life. Mine.
Not the whole time,
When I hit bottom --
I start climbing again
(Photo by me, "The Junction" Toronto)
#life #contemplation #KEEPgoing #struggles #HOPE
#writers #poets #creatives #thinkers #philosophers
✨️ ... today is nothing fancy... everything so far at least.
I'm sending love-vibes out, skirting between raindrops ... on their way to you 💕 - jw.
(Photo by me of our home as we finished brunch. November 15th 2025)
#grateful #peace #peacefulness
#writers #poets #thinkers
#culture #kindness #atHOME
I'm sending love-vibes out, skirting between raindrops ... on their way to you 💕 - jw.
(Photo by me of our home as we finished brunch. November 15th 2025)
#grateful #peace #peacefulness
#writers #poets #thinkers
#culture #kindness #atHOME
November 15, 2025 at 8:47 PM
ANNIVERSARY! 🍾 A year ago I began to post reflections on Substack meant to capture our shared experiences and help us to keep going. My (now weekly) reflections can garner over a 100 views which may not seem a lot by some people's measures but every view means the world to me. A HEARTFELT THANK YOU!
November 14, 2025 at 7:33 PM
ANNIVERSARY! 🍾 A year ago I began to post reflections on Substack meant to capture our shared experiences and help us to keep going. My (now weekly) reflections can garner over a 100 views which may not seem a lot by some people's measures but every view means the world to me. A HEARTFELT THANK YOU!
Started today again with writers who are thinkers, feelers - who try or tried to understand, experience, and express but not always in that order. I've learned that understanding doesn't always come first. Writing can sometimes allow for understanding and experiencing while creating. I think. #write
November 14, 2025 at 4:25 PM
Started today again with writers who are thinkers, feelers - who try or tried to understand, experience, and express but not always in that order. I've learned that understanding doesn't always come first. Writing can sometimes allow for understanding and experiencing while creating. I think. #write
I have a story in progress inspired by this image -- the art of Colin See-Paynton* ... my story is about creatures who meet and who are too different to be friends -- but who learn to co-exist in harmony ... jw. #poets #writers
*the art of Colin See-Paynton can be found here: www.see-paynton.co.uk
*the art of Colin See-Paynton can be found here: www.see-paynton.co.uk
November 13, 2025 at 5:45 PM
I have a story in progress inspired by this image -- the art of Colin See-Paynton* ... my story is about creatures who meet and who are too different to be friends -- but who learn to co-exist in harmony ... jw. #poets #writers
*the art of Colin See-Paynton can be found here: www.see-paynton.co.uk
*the art of Colin See-Paynton can be found here: www.see-paynton.co.uk
Some TROLLS show up as a group to harass and overwhelm discussions. Many are just bored, others think they're maintaining social justice (from their perspective), and still others - in the extreme, are callous sadists. Some can be ignored, some can't.
Please read more here janettewatt.substack.com
Please read more here janettewatt.substack.com
November 12, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Some TROLLS show up as a group to harass and overwhelm discussions. Many are just bored, others think they're maintaining social justice (from their perspective), and still others - in the extreme, are callous sadists. Some can be ignored, some can't.
Please read more here janettewatt.substack.com
Please read more here janettewatt.substack.com
... ✨️✨️ ... express yourself ...
photo by me, about an hour ago ... in our home, a spot where I read ... one expression of me.
#ExpressYOURSELF #FREEDOM #DIVERSITY #EQUALITY #briefREFLECTIONS
photo by me, about an hour ago ... in our home, a spot where I read ... one expression of me.
#ExpressYOURSELF #FREEDOM #DIVERSITY #EQUALITY #briefREFLECTIONS
November 11, 2025 at 10:19 PM
... ✨️✨️ ... express yourself ...
photo by me, about an hour ago ... in our home, a spot where I read ... one expression of me.
#ExpressYOURSELF #FREEDOM #DIVERSITY #EQUALITY #briefREFLECTIONS
photo by me, about an hour ago ... in our home, a spot where I read ... one expression of me.
#ExpressYOURSELF #FREEDOM #DIVERSITY #EQUALITY #briefREFLECTIONS
🔥TROLLS behind screens can have a very real effect "out here". A mere annoyance OR something much more serious. What do we do with these TROLLS? I wrote about two of my experiences - the first were annoying trolls - the second were DANGEROUS.
Read it here: janettewatt.substack.com/p/what-to-do...
Read it here: janettewatt.substack.com/p/what-to-do...
November 11, 2025 at 4:07 PM
🔥TROLLS behind screens can have a very real effect "out here". A mere annoyance OR something much more serious. What do we do with these TROLLS? I wrote about two of my experiences - the first were annoying trolls - the second were DANGEROUS.
Read it here: janettewatt.substack.com/p/what-to-do...
Read it here: janettewatt.substack.com/p/what-to-do...
Mostly we can ignore TROLLS but when TROLL behavior threatens our lives they can't be ignored. We need better ways of tracking them and holding them accountable. We haven’t come far enough in the 20 years since it happened to me and my students. Read here: janettewatt.substack.com/p/what-to-do...
November 10, 2025 at 5:32 PM
Mostly we can ignore TROLLS but when TROLL behavior threatens our lives they can't be ignored. We need better ways of tracking them and holding them accountable. We haven’t come far enough in the 20 years since it happened to me and my students. Read here: janettewatt.substack.com/p/what-to-do...