The hidden history of a small object with big meaning.
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Welcome back, friends. And here’s to Indigenous People’s Day.
When Girl, Groomed launched earlier this year, I hoped the book would spark conversation—but I couldn’t have imagined the many ways you’ve shared your own stories and reflections with me since then. To those who have been here from the beginning, thank you for continuing to walk with me. And to those who are just arriving—welcome.
These newsletters are my way of keeping the dialogue alive. They’re where I share what’s unfolding behind the scenes, the practices that help me heal, and the symbols that remind us we are not alone in this work.
In my last post, we explored the lessons of weeds—the resilience that can grow from what we’d rather pull up and discard. Today, I want to tell you about another unlikely teacher of resilience, this time from history: the humble paperclip—and the paperclip symbol it became.
The hidden history of a small object with big meaning.
I recently heard an inspirational story of resistance that I want to share here. It involves the lowly, underestimated paperclip.
Turns out the citizens of Norway during WWII, while their country was being occupied by the Nazi regime, started wearing paperclips. They displayed them on their lapels and shirt collars or made them into jewelry to demonstrate their opposition against the tyrannical regime.
I didn’t know this story, but what a brilliant show of non-violent resistance!
After all, the paperclip symbolizes unity—
the power of the paperclip symbol made visible.
It binds together.
It is accessible to all and strong in numbers—
and comes in diverse shapes, colors, and sizes.
When worn collectively, we can demonstrate our solidarity.
📩 Stay tuned for Part Two, where the paperclip becomes a symbol of resistance today.
Until then, thank you for standing with me in this work of resilience.
This post was originally shared as Part 1 of a two-part newsletter series.
Continue reading Part 2 → Good Trouble Through Paperclips — Part 2
is a therapist and author of Girl, Groomed, sharing her personal story of trauma and healing. Her work blends professional expertise and personal insight to guide readers on their own journeys to resilience.
