Everything that needs to be said has already been said by your amazing community. So let me just tell you how grateful I am to have connected with you at the start of our RUclips journey. Your kindness, support and piss funny humour meant and still mean everything to me.
Thank you for leading by example Claire. That is such a powerful tool for so many of us. I know how much work goes into videos... the time, the stress... But also feeling like you have built such a community along the way. I'm so thankful I get to call you friend ❤
Claire, I'm looking forward to seeing what you do or come up with next, even if that's a little report on the festivities at Casa Del Claire and family! 🎄🎄❄❄ thank you for all the effort and energy you've put in to help folks understand autism better. -Mike 🧡
Aww, Claire. You've done incredible work in both raising awareness and providing valuable information to the autistic community and you are *so* appreciated. Sharing can be really hard, and particularly over a long period of time, so I'm glad you've made the important decision to take care of yourself. It's of course sad news, both for yourself and the community, but it *is* ok to make that change and I look forward to seeing where your creative journey takes you after a much-needed rest. Take it easy, lovely! 🧡
Thank you for stickin' around for so long. I look forward to your future creations. You've made such beautiful beanies, scarves and one-off crochet pieces ... the enthusiasm when you introduce them is so infectious. Hope you get the energy back to continue your journey the way you feel most comfortable. 😊😺😺💚👽
It's very sad news Claire, but we all want the best for each other & you can see that support in all the comments so far. I'm taking a few weeks away dealing with a family crisis myself, but you know where I am & how to get in touch if I can be of help in any way💜
Hi Claire, it has been joy to watch your videos. I like the example of you reorganizing life in order to set sustainable limits to what you do. This is inspiring for me. Thank you.
*hugs* We all love you Claire. Thank you for all of your sharing and for helping us all along the way. Take care of you. Watching your journey from "A New Beginning" has been inspirational, with so much to learn along the way.
Hey Claire, having only received my diagnosis last year at 37, I’m so grateful for all your videos. You’ve given a lot. Yourself, Orion, Taylor and Jen are incredible and have helped me a lot. You need to do what is right for you. I send a great big hug from Scotland to you and hope you feel better soon. I’m going through a lot with my own health so understand your challenges. You take care and get some rest ♥️
You have helped a lot of people (I presume , I obviously can only speak for myself) but you don't have to do so at the expense of what is right for you. You're appreciated and I hope you'll find the right balance of what you can and want to do. Thanks for always being so open and transparent about how you're feeling!
I’ve learned that “dropping demands” from my life is ultimately freeing and healthy. But it takes humility and a willingness to let things go. I’m very proud of you for doing what is best for you. I want you to know you’ve helped me in ways that are immeasurable and irreversible. You can drop the mic in the personal journey content. You leave it a champion. ❤ Oh, and isn’t it fascinating that just being really good at something doesn’t mean it’s right for you? I’m learning that for myself too.
4 o'clockish in Stockton, California. Me on my couch with coffee and my journal and RUclips. Again. I see a Porch Coffee video.. Monday? Monday! She's owning changing? Good for her! May we all fare well in truth. 🎉🎉🎉 Thank you for sharing your work. 🎉🎉🎉 P.S. I loved seeing the mug collection ❤
Sending you LOVE. The #1 priority is your well-being, and I support you in making the changes that help you thrive. Thank you for sharing your journey. Be well!
Thanks for everything Claire! You have helped us in so many ways…! I think you are a beautiful person and wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide to do. ❤ Take care!!
Thank you for sharing, Claire, and thank you for your honesty. It is very courageous to make such a hard but necessary decision that is best for you. I totally respect your decision and understand when these steps need to be taken in situations and seasons of change. Honestly, I will miss Porch Coffee and your autism videos very much. But I understand. ❤ And I will be here for your craft/sewing videos if you go in that direction. I love seeing people showing creativity. Thank you for helping me on my autism journey. I came to your channel a year after my diagnosis, and your channel was one that got me through many rough spots. Thank you so much! ❤
Thank you for being a huge part of my journey Claire and for allowing me to be a part of yours. Much Love and take lots of care of yourself. You should be very proud of all you have done for so many of us in the autism community 💕💕
Claire, I will miss your channel but I completely understand. Thank you for everything and I hope that whatever the future holds it brings you joy and happiness.
Wow Claire what a brave and brilliant decision. Know that even in your absence you will be loved and respected by your community. My scheming with Mike @ autistic AF for your miniature in a porch coffee mug will always bring me joyous memories which I hope you can treasure too. I will miss Monday with you loads but as my friend I want you to protect yourself as you are doing...God bless you ❤️
From one autistic Claire to another, thank you for everything you've done for our community by being so vulnerable publicly. Completely understand and respect your decision. Take care of yourself.
Much love Claire. RUclips, like the rest of the human created systems are not created for us so it’s hard. You have been so amazing and brave and I’m so appreciative of everything you have done for and with the autistic community. We will still be here if you need us and it’s awesome to know that you are doing your thing.
Claire, long time lurker first time commenter, but I just wanted to let you know I will miss you, but I am so proud and excited for this big new step for you!! It can be really hard sometimes to truly recognize when things things need to change. I also did a big life change recently (changed jobs, moved countries), and I'm really proud of myself for it. My one piece of advice (and I'm sure you'll do this so much better than I did) is to make sure you find a good routine! I got really depressed after my life change, and I think it's partly because it took me a lot longer than expected to get a good routine. So life got really hard for a bit. Or, more accurately, it became apparent just how difficult life is and how many systems I had in place to deal with it all. But it's all just growing-pains. I think I've grown a lot and growth isn't always easy. Recently I've been also recognizing the power of weekly routines, like porch coffee! So I really appreciate you for doing this for so long! I'm trying to get more weekly routines with different friends in real life too now. Best of luck to you! And get well soon!
I have just started my journey to diagnosis and have not long found your channel. I am so grateful for the wealth of lived experience you have left for me and those who will walk the same path after me. Thank you ❤
I'm gonna leave my comment around 8:40 before you explain yourself because you don't need to explain. As somebody who has been trying to figure out how much of myself to share with my (as of yet unused) autism channel, and its tough. It's hard to be vulnerable, especially on the internet. I think you're amazing for everything you've done already and I'm so happy that I got to be here for almost the full ride. I learned a lot watching you grow with your channel and I want you to know you should be proud. I'm sure I can speak for your entire community when I say that we wish you nothing but the best. Should you decide to release a video, you know we'll be here, but we want you to do what is best for you.
Aweeee Big Hugs from Texas to you Claire! I too have a YT channel and a Podcast, and other social media platforms. I have been thinking of dumping them ALL in the New Year. The demands required to successfully run them are too much! I admire your decision! I love crafting videos. So if you post as you feel I will watch them. In past years I tried to dump FB. and have my friends write letters old school style... Yah they never wrote back. Thank you for sharing with us. again Big Hugs and mugs of coffee! Oh yah and my appointment for my assesment is today... EEEKKKKKK
I totally understand! I'm just a casual subscriber, usually just quietly watching your videos. They have been calming and friendly to me. I am glad I'll still have the opportunity to watch videos I may have missed since I don't keep up with RUclips very well all the time. I look forward to seeing occasional craft content from you in the future as well.❤ Thank you for being brave and sharing your journey with us and also for being brave to make a change. I know it's important to check in with ourselves to see how things are working. Have a great week!
Aw, you’re an amazing person. I’ve really enjoyed finding your channel recently and watching Porch Coffee and the interviews and you other autism content.❤ Like many other commenters, I want to encourage you that personal growth means change is inevitable. I’m so proud of you for leaning into it, doing the hard things, and sharing your heart. Hugs💗
Thank you for connecting us with other autistic people. Subscribers should start there own Porch coffee series. You've done your bit. Take your time, much love 💕
Wow, you are enormously courageous, Claire! This is a perfect example of self-care we all should do more. I´m writing just to give a little bit of support and empathy in your decision.Thank you so much for sharing your stuff with us until now. You are unique, and part of that uniqueness is this big authenticity that you are prioritising right now. So thank you, thank you, thank you ♥
Man I will miss the porch coffees and the podcasts, but I think you are making the right choice. Do what is best for you!! I feel you on the crafts. They have a special place in my heart. I mentioned this before but I used to sew a lot. I stopped but I want to get back into it. I have been so busy working that I haven't had time for any crafts. I want to use part of my winter vacation to make a craft area in my house so I can get back into it. I hope you get to start doing more of what you love too! Thank you for all you have done and shared! Stay safe.
I appreciate you too Claire! I'm truly grateful for the huge impact you did on my life and I'm so happy that I got to be a part of it.. 💜✨️ I'm sad that this is changing for me but I'm excited for you and your path going forward.. Thank you so much for everything you've shared with us about your autism journey and thank you for being such a great role model on changing your way when things aren't working, even if it's so hard to do.. I'm 100% that this will make it easier for others to take the needed step they need to better their lives as well.. I'm a big fan of your energy, thoughts and expressions so I will definitely continue to follow you on your other path and I'm excited to see you return after your break with autistic art and joy.. 💜🧚♀️✨️ Thank you for being you, I'm forever grateful for having crossed paths with you! 🥰⚘️
What a beautifull and honest declaration. What a wonderfull decision. You cracked a nut and did it so well. Gonna miss you too here. Autistic greets from Holland
I'm so proud of you!! What a great role model you are for the rest of us to listen to our intuition on what's right for our personal journey! I support you and your decision for your journey! I understand 110% of how it can weigh on you! I'm excited for whatever adventure you go on! Love you beautiful!
This porch coffee is one the best, bravest things I've watched in a long time. Thank you for setting the example of how to listen to our bodies and make the changes we need. You have my warmest good wishes for your health, and for the most nourishing of your porch coffee friendships to continue. Much love, and much gratitude to you, Claire.
Hey there Claire, I am glad to see you looking a little brighter than you were last week, here's to a continued recovery. 😊 I think that change is a good thing, if something isn't working for you as it was then you would only be doing yourself an injustice not to change it. I love your channel, you have been a big part of my journey so far. I think that the crafts is an excellent way for your channel to progress and as a hobby, takes the pressure off. I will miss porch coffee but I will still think of you as an Internet friend. 😊 The kittens are 5 months old now and growing fast, racing around like nutters. I hope I still bump into you in the YT streets from time to time. Take the time you need to process and do life the way you need to. 😊
Thank you Claire, for the effort and care you've poured into the Porch Coffee videos and this decision. (+not to mention the other helpful content you share) 🧡🧡🧡 You are a great example. You are very strong for doing this, and sharing your thoughts behind your decision with so much care now. Hoping this is not unsolicited advice, but if you miss the part of porch coffee that is essentially "video journaling", you can do private porch coffees with no intention of uploading (and don't!!). I've always found it hard to write journals, and sometimes when I feel the need to, I will just record some video journals instead. Sending you much love, and I'm grateful for your content and you making good decisions for yourself. Will miss seeing you pop up in my feed every monday, but I have your podcasts and other videos to catch up on anyway, and am looking forward on what else is to come! The sadness I feel is miniscule in comparison to the happiness I feel from you doing what's best for you. 🧡🌿☕
I forgot to share my week! Well, my message was long enough anyway, haha. But this weekend has been rough, I've been in sensory overload/migraine/idk for days. Constantly on the brink of meltdown, can't stand brightness, I think the dry air of Swedish winter is making me extra sensitive. But the good that it brings is a bit of a forced rest, and much like you are doing I need to have a good look at my life and cut the corners that seem to steal my spoons all the time. Good thing that happened this week is that my psychiatry place is going to make a referral for an autism assessment!! I've had my anxieties and ADHD/ADD diagnosis for a few years, but it's becoming apparent to me that there's more to it. In the meantime, I'm trying to self accommodate to the best of my ability, with the help of wonderful autistic creators such as yourself, and by reading books to better understand myself. 💙
We support you! You've had quite a full plate for so long. I was amazed at how long you were able to sustain it! But we keep coming back because of YOU! You have a special spark that draws us in. And we are just happy you're with us.
My week has been a mess. But I’m getting through! Finding strength and joy where I can. One of the biggest lessons you taught me is how important autistic joy is. I’m thrilled to follow your channel, wherever it goes, and I hope you have less pressure and more room for joy going forward.
You’re wonderful Claire. The things you say and do are always so intelligently thoughtful. You’ve always been a great example and this is just another occasion. Thank you so much for all that you’ve given. Looking forward to seeing you share your creative joy with the world xx
Thank you for being an example and following your intuition and your heart and doing what resonates for you right now. It's OK to take a step back and reevaluate. It will pay off with new opportunities. Thank you for all you've done for the autism community, Claire. Sending love! 💛💛💛✨✨✨
Definitely get this, Claire. You need to do what is best for you. We all must look out for our mental health first and foremost. Just wanted to say thank you so much for the encouraging light you have been in my own autism journey. You truly have been one of the first that really made me feel welcome and a part of a community. You inspired courage in me to open up in a way I had not in a long while. I will certainly appreciate the videos and podcasts still to come. Transitions are hard but easing out this way is such a kindness on your part. Your caring heart shines through. Wishing you all the very best, dear friend. ❤
I’m newer to your channel, but I want to say I really appreciate you sharing your feelings and decision. Your videos have been very helpful to me on my own path of neurodivergent self-discovery and I’m so grateful to you for your generosity in sharing your experiences as much as you have. I’m happy for you in discovering what works for you and for prioritizing your needs and your own journey. I wish you all the best going forward! Thank you for setting such a good example by living out your story the way that feels right to you!
Thanks so much for all you've shared! I've enjoyed watching and hanging out with you online, including your crafting. I'll miss you, and look forward to watching any more videos you do share. Best wishes on your future endeavors, whatever they are!
I'm going to miss Porch Coffee! But, I feel like I'm witnessing a cool, rare thing in nature. Can't wait to see what happens! I'm pretty new to the channel, so maybe I should watch some earlier videos of your podcast. I wish you clarity, Claire!
I think it’s a great decision Claire. The things I enjoy the most of your channel at this point is your art process. I love that you shared some of your personal experience because it helped to connect with you and other people, so you’ve made a wonderful job building a safe community.
Thank you for being a good role model in all the ways! I have been considering making a channel since about when you started yours, and this helps with that. ❤ I have loved your weekly checkins and am a maker myself. I would love watch a little checkin even if only now and then just about the projects that you have, "in the can," as it were. My own jouney of asd lead me here, and do think you make well thought-out, whole hearted content. Thank you for that. All the best on your journey!
Your videos were among the first I found when I was "diagnosed" at age 65 and started researching what that meant. Thanks for your hard work and I wish you the best in your future journeys.
Thank you for telling us all your plans. 💚 I'll miss porch coffee, but I'd rather you do what's best for you - I will still consider us 🎶internet friends🎶
Thank you so much Claire, I'm so happy that you are trying to take better care of yourself. I learned I was autistic only this past year, and found your channel soon after, and it's been nothing but a joy to have been here with you, together. You have made such a big difference in our lives, and want nothing more but for you to be doing well, to be healthy, to be whoever you want to be, channel or not. We love you so much, you are so incredible! Sending you so much gratitude and love and support 💖💖💖
Dear Claire, I cried with you and could feel how hard this was for you to share. You know what is best for you and you need to do what is best for you! First! Only then can you show up for those you love and for anyone else you have room for. You are unique and no one can wear your "shoes" and walk in them. (Or live your life) Only you can walk in them comfortably - so please don't try to wear "shoes" that others force on you. They will hurt, give you blisters, bleed, get infected and soon you won't be able to "walk" at all. I have been enjoying your content and it has been helping me for over a year now! I'm grateful for all that you have provided for this community. So I want to give back what I can and give you grace and love for your decision! Please take care of yourself and do what is good for you. Whatever you decide to do and share in the future should be coming for a place of wellbeing and abundance and not a place of privation. Thank you for leaving your channel and contents up and maybe every now and then you will enjoy putting up a new video because you felt like it and not because youtube is demanding it to please the algorythm. Lot's of love and gratitude, your Ella 💝
Thank you so much for all your porch coffees and videos - they are awesome!! I am so grateful for your kindness and authenticity. You are truly loved and appreciated, and I hope the best for you during this next part of your life. Mostly I hope that your are feeling much better soon, and excited for whatever comes next. Life is precious, and an adventure. Most importantly, it is your life to be lived. Absolutely wishing good things for you Claire!! Thank you so much, porch coffee friend!! 🌿🌏
One of the things that I ❤ about you, Claire, is your being true to yourself! You were the first autistic RUclips channel I watched after my meltdown, research, and self-diagnosis. I have grieved, celebrated, and begun to understand myself because of you and others who have been brave and willing to share your personal experiences of being on the spectrum. THANK YOU for helping me to love and accept myself the way I have done my best to do for others. Well done, friend! 🎉 No matter where you are being led, keep being true to yourself. You are a positive role model, with or without sharing what I like to refer to as "our inside story" that we bless others with when we are called to do so - and keep inside when it's in our own best interest. I SO wish I would have known about my AuDHD brain many years ago. I wouldn't have been so critical and definitely more loving and respectful of how I was wonderfully created! I love US just the way we are - on most days! 😊
Makes a whole lot of sense, Claire! We need to follow those winds of change when they are howling. You have been instrumental in my journey of self-discovery and for that I will always be appreciative for what you've shared and brought into the world. Thank you, truly! 🧡 Go forth and blaze your new path - I'll be cheering you on 🤘
You’ve given so much to me these past years and I appreciate it SO much. You need to do what’s best for you and I understand that. Lots of love to you!
Claire, I will miss you so much on Mondays. However, you have to do what is right for you. You get to change your mind. You get to have different seasons of your life and do what it takes to make the most of those seasons. Take care & big hugs. ♥
My Dear Internet Friend: May God continue to Bless you and always remember that you have had a massive impact on so many lives. It is certain you will continue to do so in whatever capacity you forge your future path. You’re inspirational in taking this big step and so compassionate to your viewers which is amazing. 🤲🏾💜 Praying for your new beginning to be filled with more health, connection, love and growth.
Claire, thank you for sharing Porch Coffee with us all. Im glad you are doing what you need, you've given a lot to other people. We will miss you but I'm happy for you. If that makes sense? ❤
Hi Claire. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and not just disappearing! I understand. It is surprising to me that anyone wants to share personal stuff on the internet: I often struggle to share things with the few important and trusted people in my life, and the idea of showing my face on camera makes me very uncomfortable. It has been a privilege to follow your journey, and you've taught me a lot about autism. Here's wishing you well for your more private future. One of your many internet friends x
I was recently diagnosed with ADHD and have strong suspicions that I have AuDHD. Your podcast was very helpful as a jumping off point to see the various personalities and hear their stories. Thank you! This was the first porch coffee that I checked out. Bad timing I guess :) Good luck.- I hope that stepping back is helpful and healing.
I’ve enjoyed Porch Coffee and the podcast very much! You’ve done such a fantastic job on your YT channel … makes sense you want to change direction after 4 years. Making content is a lot of work and it’s def more fun when you feel the passion for it!
In the short period since I found your channel you have brought me some positive direction during a turbulent time of my life. I am glad you are taking steps to help keep your life positive as well. Thank you for being genuine with us!
Hi Claire, it is 1000% ok to make a change. I am cheering you on as you do what's best for you, and I respect you a lot for being brave enough to change course. Thank you for sharing your journey with autism and setting a good example.
Big internet hug from your internet friend! I will definitely miss your incredible content, but I fully support your decision. You have to do what is safe and healthy for you or you can’t truly pour into others, at least not for long. Thank you Claire for all the hard work you have put into your videos and podcast! I wish you all the best!
Big hugs Claire x I'll miss you but definitely I'd rather you were happy and not posting, than worn out overwhelmed and struggling to post. So may you find your peace and whatever you're needing and have a great time. Lots of (autistic) love from me xxx
Thank you Claire! ...so much from the bottom of my heart for all the hard work you put into this community. Looking forward to whatever creativity you decide to share. Hope your break is healing and restorative for you. Sending my love.
Thank you for all of your videos Claire, watching them and occasionally interacting with them helped me get through my own diagnosis. I hope these changes help you and you take care of yourself. I feel like I should say more, but I never know what to say to these announcements. I hope this was acceptable.
Dear Clair, many of your video have been very important to me, especially the first month after being diagnosed at 45. I'm very grateful. Thank you! Having said that I fully understand and support your decision. I wish for you the best.
I am so proud of you for recognizing what you need and want for your future and making the steps to realize that. Change is hard. Thank you for everything that you have done here on You Tube. Your content has helped me with my own autism journey.
Thank you Claire for all your beautiful content, I appreciate your openness with your journey. I used to be a yoga teacher before I got my adult diagnosis. I went into an extreme burnout and needed to stop teaching even though I loved it. I totally understand your need for more privacy. I hope you continue to make some kind of content, but most importantly I wish you well as you take care of yourself and your needs.
You need to do what you need above all else. You need to avoid that burnout!! Being sick may have been a blessing as it gave you time to think about what you need. I hope you will feel much better soon. I will continue to watch for you on RUclips, and in your etsy store. Please take care of YOU. ❤😊😢
The timing of this is amazing Claire. I only recently found out I was autistic and just learned about you and your channel. I had just started a channel around autism, and have been praying about whether or not it is really congruent with my heart to do it. And now, you've articulated your decision in such a way that I sense my own heart around this. Claire, even though I only just "met" you, I feel so proud of you for honoring your own soul. May you flourish in every way in this next phase of your journey... and I just know you will. You are a remarkable young woman, gifted, kind, creative, and generous. May you soar on wings like eagles in all your days to come!
I've only recently found this channel upon realizing that I'm likely autistic, but I'm definitely sticking around to see what you do with the channel! =3 Can't wait! Hope you are able to feel better soon, Claire!
Although I will miss porch coffee and your bright and gentle spirit here on youtube, I understand. Social media can be very rewarding but it can also be really challenging and stressful and some us aren’t made for it the same way others seem to be. I had to step away from my cat/dog instagram account after my dad and one of my dogs passed away because it just didn’t feel right for me anymore. Around the same time, the instagram algorithm had changed, reels were being pushed, photos were being hidden and my posts were getting lost in the ethers. Engagement plummeted and it didn’t feel like something I could continue to pour so much of myself into. I was no longer finding joy and connection in it because it was just a constant battle to try and keep up with what the algorithm wanted, all while trying to grieve a series of tremendous losses. With autism and chronic illness and mental illness, keeping up with the social media algorithms can be next to impossible. It hurt to let it go, but ultimately I had to do what was right for me. And you need to do what is right for you. I know it’s not exactly the same but I hope it helps to know that you’re not alone in this experience. I’m glad you are planning to get back to the things that truly bring you joy and I look forward to any future videos featuring your crafting projects. Sharing your joy is still sharing your autism, even if it’s not exactly the same. I applaud you for making the decision to put your needs first, thank you for leading by example 💛💛💛
I totally understand your decision. Four years of sharing your own journey, you really can only do so much before you burnout. I know some people who are also suffering through illness at the moment, and have had to take a break. One thing though, please don't be a stranger, reach out if you just want to chat.
Proud of you, Claire. I hope that’s okay to say and that it reaches you in the most positive way. Even and especially in stepping back, you’re still a wonderful role model for this community. I wish you the absolute best as you embark on this next part of your journey, whatever that entails. It’s funny, as I gear up to start (restart?) my own channel, I’ve foreseen potentially finding myself in a similar situation, potentially overextending and oversharing-even as a primary motivation is itself authentic expression and representation. And that has shaped how I intend to do things. I need to be careful, self-aware, and kind to myself. I’m more aware than ever at this point in my life that boundaries are an essential part of mental health, and your decision here is a well-timed reminder of that for me. So thank you for that, and for all you’ve done for the community these past several years.
Claire thank you for being your amazing self! I am a fairly recent viewer and have really enjoyed all the podcast episodes (you're an amazing host, even better than Orion 😉) as that is my special interest. Please follow your creative passion (not mine). Was thinking if you wanted to just before you are on a much needed break pre-schedule (if RUclips allows it) community posts of porch coffee highlights (ie post a link to a single porch coffee video at porch coffee time) and perhaps other highlights of other videos, that way your channel stays active while you are away and hopefully helps old subscribers enjoy the highlights and new subscribers discover something cool about Claire. Then when you return in whatever form might be you are ready to shine.
I think it's great! People evolve . There is always friction in movement at times if that makes sense for a lot of us. Im proud of you for taking control of your life. I wish I was in a position to do that myself. To be safe and secure is to grow to your fullest potential. I just saw these fabulous knitted silent stim fidgets. Twisty looking things that pull in and out of themselves. It would be great to buy those or know how to do that. Can't wait to watch you grow!
Thank you for your heartfelt honesty, Claire, I can't imagine how difficult this must be. I am super-duper proud of you for listening to your needs and not falling into the trap of people-pleasing, which must be hard when you clearly do care so much about everyone here. I admit, I am sad to not wake up to Porch Coffee every Monday, but I am also happy for you to get some much needed rest. Besides, who knows what creativeness will emerge, once you eliminate some "To Do's" off your schedule and can come out the other side rejuvenated! I look forward to seeing what those new-found creative juices come up with for you! Much love from Canada! 🥰
☕️ It might be the end of one era but it's the beginning of the next! While I'll miss Porch Coffee, I think it's great to take care of yourself, learn & set your boundaries, & do what you need to do to take care of yourself! That's important! Having a following & being a content creator on RUclips always looks like being a celebrity in my opinion & honestly I can only imagine the pull and demand. You definitely seem to soar when you're embracing your creativity & sharing your talents though. Thank you for sharing so much of your journey & your talents! I've been meaning to join for a bit so at least joining for December to hang as a member for the month! 😊 I hope you continue to feel better health wise and get to embrace your creativity while still taking care of yourself. Looking forward to the remaining content you have planned & of course what you're able to share moving forward. Sending all the good vibes & support!
Everything that needs to be said has already been said by your amazing community. So let me just tell you how grateful I am to have connected with you at the start of our RUclips journey. Your kindness, support and piss funny humour meant and still mean everything to me.
We love you too, Orion. From a star!!
Thank you for leading by example Claire. That is such a powerful tool for so many of us. I know how much work goes into videos... the time, the stress... But also feeling like you have built such a community along the way. I'm so thankful I get to call you friend ❤
Claire, I'm looking forward to seeing what you do or come up with next, even if that's a little report on the festivities at Casa Del Claire and family! 🎄🎄❄❄ thank you for all the effort and energy you've put in to help folks understand autism better. -Mike 🧡
Aww, Claire. You've done incredible work in both raising awareness and providing valuable information to the autistic community and you are *so* appreciated. Sharing can be really hard, and particularly over a long period of time, so I'm glad you've made the important decision to take care of yourself.
It's of course sad news, both for yourself and the community, but it *is* ok to make that change and I look forward to seeing where your creative journey takes you after a much-needed rest. Take it easy, lovely! 🧡
Thank you for stickin' around for so long. I look forward to your future creations. You've made such beautiful beanies, scarves and one-off crochet pieces ... the enthusiasm when you introduce them is so infectious. Hope you get the energy back to continue your journey the way you feel most comfortable. 😊😺😺💚👽
It's very sad news Claire, but we all want the best for each other & you can see that support in all the comments so far. I'm taking a few weeks away dealing with a family crisis myself, but you know where I am & how to get in touch if I can be of help in any way💜
Hi Claire, it has been joy to watch your videos. I like the example of you reorganizing life in order to set sustainable limits to what you do. This is inspiring for me. Thank you.
*hugs* We all love you Claire. Thank you for all of your sharing and for helping us all along the way. Take care of you. Watching your journey from "A New Beginning" has been inspirational, with so much to learn along the way.
Hey Claire, having only received my diagnosis last year at 37, I’m so grateful for all your videos. You’ve given a lot. Yourself, Orion, Taylor and Jen are incredible and have helped me a lot. You need to do what is right for you. I send a great big hug from Scotland to you and hope you feel better soon. I’m going through a lot with my own health so understand your challenges. You take care and get some rest ♥️
You have helped a lot of people (I presume , I obviously can only speak for myself) but you don't have to do so at the expense of what is right for you. You're appreciated and I hope you'll find the right balance of what you can and want to do.
Thanks for always being so open and transparent about how you're feeling!
Don't worry, Claire, I understand. I'm naturally a private person, so I get it. Take care of you, that's the number 1 priority. 💞
Thank you so much for sharing Claire! I hope you're able to get the rest you deserve and come back with some awesome crochet videos 🎉
I’ve learned that “dropping demands” from my life is ultimately freeing and healthy. But it takes humility and a willingness to let things go. I’m very proud of you for doing what is best for you. I want you to know you’ve helped me in ways that are immeasurable and irreversible. You can drop the mic in the personal journey content. You leave it a champion. ❤
Oh, and isn’t it fascinating that just being really good at something doesn’t mean it’s right for you? I’m learning that for myself too.
Hugs. 🫶🏻 I respect your decision to do what you need to do. Feel better soon. We look forward to seeing the new Woodshed Theory! 😊 Happy Holidays!
4 o'clockish in Stockton, California. Me on my couch with coffee and my journal and RUclips. Again. I see a Porch Coffee video.. Monday? Monday! She's owning changing? Good for her! May we all fare well in truth. 🎉🎉🎉 Thank you for sharing your work. 🎉🎉🎉 P.S. I loved seeing the mug collection ❤
Sending you LOVE. The #1 priority is your well-being, and I support you in making the changes that help you thrive. Thank you for sharing your journey. Be well!
I have really enjoyed your content. Its important to take care of yourself first. Things change, and that's ok. 💗💗💗
Thanks for everything Claire! You have helped us in so many ways…! I think you are a beautiful person and wish you the best of luck with whatever you decide to do. ❤ Take care!!
Thank you for sharing, Claire, and thank you for your honesty. It is very courageous to make such a hard but necessary decision that is best for you.
I totally respect your decision and understand when these steps need to be taken in situations and seasons of change.
Honestly, I will miss Porch Coffee and your autism videos very much. But I understand. ❤ And I will be here for your craft/sewing videos if you go in that direction. I love seeing people showing creativity.
Thank you for helping me on my autism journey. I came to your channel a year after my diagnosis, and your channel was one that got me through many rough spots. Thank you so much! ❤
Thank you for being a huge part of my journey Claire and for allowing me to be a part of yours. Much Love and take lots of care of yourself. You should be very proud of all you have done for so many of us in the autism community 💕💕
Claire, I will miss your channel but I completely understand. Thank you for everything and I hope that whatever the future holds it brings you joy and happiness.
Wow Claire what a brave and brilliant decision. Know that even in your absence you will be loved and respected by your community. My scheming with Mike @ autistic AF for your miniature in a porch coffee mug will always bring me joyous memories which I hope you can treasure too. I will miss Monday with you loads but as my friend I want you to protect yourself as you are doing...God bless you ❤️
I'm looking forward to you crafty/sewing videos! It's lovely that you recognized what you want and are taking steps to get there.
From one autistic Claire to another, thank you for everything you've done for our community by being so vulnerable publicly. Completely understand and respect your decision. Take care of yourself.
Much love Claire.
RUclips, like the rest of the human created systems are not created for us so it’s hard.
You have been so amazing and brave and I’m so appreciative of everything you have done for and with the autistic community.
We will still be here if you need us and it’s awesome to know that you are doing your thing.
Super thankful to have found your channel on this crazy journey called life ☘ I like to think that this is not the end, but merely a transition 🌈🦄🥔
Thank you for your super chat, that is so kind of you. I agree with you that it is a transition
Claire, long time lurker first time commenter, but I just wanted to let you know I will miss you, but I am so proud and excited for this big new step for you!! It can be really hard sometimes to truly recognize when things things need to change.
I also did a big life change recently (changed jobs, moved countries), and I'm really proud of myself for it. My one piece of advice (and I'm sure you'll do this so much better than I did) is to make sure you find a good routine! I got really depressed after my life change, and I think it's partly because it took me a lot longer than expected to get a good routine. So life got really hard for a bit. Or, more accurately, it became apparent just how difficult life is and how many systems I had in place to deal with it all. But it's all just growing-pains. I think I've grown a lot and growth isn't always easy.
Recently I've been also recognizing the power of weekly routines, like porch coffee! So I really appreciate you for doing this for so long! I'm trying to get more weekly routines with different friends in real life too now. Best of luck to you! And get well soon!
I have just started my journey to diagnosis and have not long found your channel. I am so grateful for the wealth of lived experience you have left for me and those who will walk the same path after me. Thank you ❤
I'm gonna leave my comment around 8:40 before you explain yourself because you don't need to explain. As somebody who has been trying to figure out how much of myself to share with my (as of yet unused) autism channel, and its tough. It's hard to be vulnerable, especially on the internet. I think you're amazing for everything you've done already and I'm so happy that I got to be here for almost the full ride. I learned a lot watching you grow with your channel and I want you to know you should be proud.
I'm sure I can speak for your entire community when I say that we wish you nothing but the best. Should you decide to release a video, you know we'll be here, but we want you to do what is best for you.
Aweeee Big Hugs from Texas to you Claire! I too have a YT channel and a Podcast, and other social media platforms. I have been thinking of dumping them ALL in the New Year. The demands required to successfully run them are too much! I admire your decision! I love crafting videos. So if you post as you feel I will watch them. In past years I tried to dump FB. and have my friends write letters old school style... Yah they never wrote back. Thank you for sharing with us. again Big Hugs and mugs of coffee! Oh yah and my appointment for my assesment is today... EEEKKKKKK
Thanks Claire, I'll miss seeing you. Wishing you happiness and good health.
Proud of you looking after your needs
I'm really proud of you, you're setting an amazing example for all of us. we frekin love you and will miss you
I understand. I really appreciate you and all you've done! You've changed lives! You need to do what is best for you!
I totally understand! I'm just a casual subscriber, usually just quietly watching your videos. They have been calming and friendly to me. I am glad I'll still have the opportunity to watch videos I may have missed since I don't keep up with RUclips very well all the time. I look forward to seeing occasional craft content from you in the future as well.❤ Thank you for being brave and sharing your journey with us and also for being brave to make a change. I know it's important to check in with ourselves to see how things are working. Have a great week!
Aw, you’re an amazing person. I’ve really enjoyed finding your channel recently and watching Porch Coffee and the interviews and you other autism content.❤ Like many other commenters, I want to encourage you that personal growth means change is inevitable. I’m so proud of you for leaning into it, doing the hard things, and sharing your heart. Hugs💗
Thank you for connecting us with other autistic people. Subscribers should start there own Porch coffee series. You've done your bit. Take your time, much love 💕
Sending internet love and hugs. Thank you for sharing your life with us. You are loved and understood.
Wow, you are enormously courageous, Claire! This is a perfect example of self-care we all should do more. I´m writing just to give a little bit of support and empathy in your decision.Thank you so much for sharing your stuff with us until now. You are unique, and part of that uniqueness is this big authenticity that you are prioritising right now. So thank you, thank you, thank you ♥
Man I will miss the porch coffees and the podcasts, but I think you are making the right choice. Do what is best for you!! I feel you on the crafts. They have a special place in my heart. I mentioned this before but I used to sew a lot. I stopped but I want to get back into it. I have been so busy working that I haven't had time for any crafts. I want to use part of my winter vacation to make a craft area in my house so I can get back into it. I hope you get to start doing more of what you love too! Thank you for all you have done and shared! Stay safe.
I appreciate you too Claire!
I'm truly grateful for the huge impact you did on my life and I'm so happy that I got to be a part of it.. 💜✨️ I'm sad that this is changing for me but I'm excited for you and your path going forward.. Thank you so much for everything you've shared with us about your autism journey and thank you for being such a great role model on changing your way when things aren't working, even if it's so hard to do.. I'm 100% that this will make it easier for others to take the needed step they need to better their lives as well..
I'm a big fan of your energy, thoughts and expressions so I will definitely continue to follow you on your other path and I'm excited to see you return after your break with autistic art and joy.. 💜🧚♀️✨️
Thank you for being you, I'm forever grateful for having crossed paths with you! 🥰⚘️
What a beautifull and honest declaration.
What a wonderfull decision. You cracked a nut and did it so well.
Gonna miss you too here.
Autistic greets from Holland
I'm so proud of you!! What a great role model you are for the rest of us to listen to our intuition on what's right for our personal journey! I support you and your decision for your journey! I understand 110% of how it can weigh on you! I'm excited for whatever adventure you go on! Love you beautiful!
This porch coffee is one the best, bravest things I've watched in a long time. Thank you for setting the example of how to listen to our bodies and make the changes we need. You have my warmest good wishes for your health, and for the most nourishing of your porch coffee friendships to continue. Much love, and much gratitude to you, Claire.
Hey there Claire, I am glad to see you looking a little brighter than you were last week, here's to a continued recovery. 😊 I think that change is a good thing, if something isn't working for you as it was then you would only be doing yourself an injustice not to change it. I love your channel, you have been a big part of my journey so far. I think that the crafts is an excellent way for your channel to progress and as a hobby, takes the pressure off. I will miss porch coffee but I will still think of you as an Internet friend. 😊 The kittens are 5 months old now and growing fast, racing around like nutters. I hope I still bump into you in the YT streets from time to time. Take the time you need to process and do life the way you need to. 😊
Claire ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤ so generous of you to have shared your authentic self over this while. It’s meant a lot to me personally. Best wishes
Thank you Claire, for the effort and care you've poured into the Porch Coffee videos and this decision. (+not to mention the other helpful content you share) 🧡🧡🧡
You are a great example. You are very strong for doing this, and sharing your thoughts behind your decision with so much care now.
Hoping this is not unsolicited advice, but if you miss the part of porch coffee that is essentially "video journaling", you can do private porch coffees with no intention of uploading (and don't!!). I've always found it hard to write journals, and sometimes when I feel the need to, I will just record some video journals instead.
Sending you much love, and I'm grateful for your content and you making good decisions for yourself. Will miss seeing you pop up in my feed every monday, but I have your podcasts and other videos to catch up on anyway, and am looking forward on what else is to come! The sadness I feel is miniscule in comparison to the happiness I feel from you doing what's best for you. 🧡🌿☕
I forgot to share my week! Well, my message was long enough anyway, haha. But this weekend has been rough, I've been in sensory overload/migraine/idk for days. Constantly on the brink of meltdown, can't stand brightness, I think the dry air of Swedish winter is making me extra sensitive. But the good that it brings is a bit of a forced rest, and much like you are doing I need to have a good look at my life and cut the corners that seem to steal my spoons all the time.
Good thing that happened this week is that my psychiatry place is going to make a referral for an autism assessment!! I've had my anxieties and ADHD/ADD diagnosis for a few years, but it's becoming apparent to me that there's more to it. In the meantime, I'm trying to self accommodate to the best of my ability, with the help of wonderful autistic creators such as yourself, and by reading books to better understand myself. 💙
We support you! You've had quite a full plate for so long. I was amazed at how long you were able to sustain it! But we keep coming back because of YOU! You have a special spark that draws us in. And we are just happy you're with us.
so so **so** proud of you for listening to your gut && doing what best suits your soul. all the support for ya
My week has been a mess. But I’m getting through! Finding strength and joy where I can.
One of the biggest lessons you taught me is how important autistic joy is. I’m thrilled to follow your channel, wherever it goes, and I hope you have less pressure and more room for joy going forward.
You’re wonderful Claire. The things you say and do are always so intelligently thoughtful. You’ve always been a great example and this is just another occasion. Thank you so much for all that you’ve given. Looking forward to seeing you share your creative joy with the world xx
Thank you for being an example and following your intuition and your heart and doing what resonates for you right now. It's OK to take a step back and reevaluate. It will pay off with new opportunities. Thank you for all you've done for the autism community, Claire. Sending love! 💛💛💛✨✨✨
You have given many of us the greatest gift, which is a place of genuine understanding, acceptance and appreciation.
*Take care of YOU, Claire!*
Definitely get this, Claire. You need to do what is best for you. We all must look out for our mental health first and foremost. Just wanted to say thank you so much for the encouraging light you have been in my own autism journey. You truly have been one of the first that really made me feel welcome and a part of a community. You inspired courage in me to open up in a way I had not in a long while. I will certainly appreciate the videos and podcasts still to come. Transitions are hard but easing out this way is such a kindness on your part. Your caring heart shines through. Wishing you all the very best, dear friend. ❤
I’m newer to your channel, but I want to say I really appreciate you sharing your feelings and decision. Your videos have been very helpful to me on my own path of neurodivergent self-discovery and I’m so grateful to you for your generosity in sharing your experiences as much as you have. I’m happy for you in discovering what works for you and for prioritizing your needs and your own journey. I wish you all the best going forward! Thank you for setting such a good example by living out your story the way that feels right to you!
Thanks so much for all you've shared! I've enjoyed watching and hanging out with you online, including your crafting. I'll miss you, and look forward to watching any more videos you do share. Best wishes on your future endeavors, whatever they are!
I'm going to miss Porch Coffee! But, I feel like I'm witnessing a cool, rare thing in nature. Can't wait to see what happens! I'm pretty new to the channel, so maybe I should watch some earlier videos of your podcast. I wish you clarity, Claire!
I think it’s a great decision Claire. The things I enjoy the most of your channel at this point is your art process. I love that you shared some of your personal experience because it helped to connect with you and other people, so you’ve made a wonderful job building a safe community.
Thank you for being a good role model in all the ways! I have been considering making a channel since about when you started yours, and this helps with that. ❤
I have loved your weekly checkins and am a maker myself. I would love watch a little checkin even if only now and then just about the projects that you have, "in the can," as it were. My own jouney of asd lead me here, and do think you make well thought-out, whole hearted content. Thank you for that. All the best on your journey!
Your videos were among the first I found when I was "diagnosed" at age 65 and started researching what that meant. Thanks for your hard work and I wish you the best in your future journeys.
Thank you for telling us all your plans. 💚 I'll miss porch coffee, but I'd rather you do what's best for you - I will still consider us 🎶internet friends🎶
Thank you so much Claire, I'm so happy that you are trying to take better care of yourself. I learned I was autistic only this past year, and found your channel soon after, and it's been nothing but a joy to have been here with you, together. You have made such a big difference in our lives, and want nothing more but for you to be doing well, to be healthy, to be whoever you want to be, channel or not. We love you so much, you are so incredible! Sending you so much gratitude and love and support 💖💖💖
Dear Claire, I cried with you and could feel how hard this was for you to share. You know what is best for you and you need to do what is best for you! First! Only then can you show up for those you love and for anyone else you have room for.
You are unique and no one can wear your "shoes" and walk in them. (Or live your life) Only you can walk in them comfortably - so please don't try to wear "shoes" that others force on you. They will hurt, give you blisters, bleed, get infected and soon you won't be able to "walk" at all.
I have been enjoying your content and it has been helping me for over a year now! I'm grateful for all that you have provided for this community. So I want to give back what I can and give you grace and love for your decision! Please take care of yourself and do what is good for you. Whatever you decide to do and share in the future should be coming for a place of wellbeing and abundance and not a place of privation.
Thank you for leaving your channel and contents up and maybe every now and then you will enjoy putting up a new video because you felt like it and not because youtube is demanding it to please the algorythm.
Lot's of love and gratitude, your Ella 💝
Thank you so much for all your porch coffees and videos - they are awesome!! I am so grateful for your kindness and authenticity. You are truly loved and appreciated, and I hope the best for you during this next part of your life. Mostly I hope that your are feeling much better soon, and excited for whatever comes next. Life is precious, and an adventure. Most importantly, it is your life to be lived. Absolutely wishing good things for you Claire!! Thank you so much, porch coffee friend!! 🌿🌏
You’re a real one! You deserve all the happiness in the world. Best of luck ❤ ✌️💕🌻
One of the things that I ❤ about you, Claire, is your being true to yourself! You were the first autistic RUclips channel I watched after my meltdown, research, and self-diagnosis. I have grieved, celebrated, and begun to understand myself because of you and others who have been brave and willing to share your personal experiences of being on the spectrum. THANK YOU for helping me to love and accept myself the way I have done my best to do for others. Well done, friend! 🎉 No matter where you are being led, keep being true to yourself. You are a positive role model, with or without sharing what I like to refer to as "our inside story" that we bless others with when we are called to do so - and keep inside when it's in our own best interest. I SO wish I would have known about my AuDHD brain many years ago. I wouldn't have been so critical and definitely more loving and respectful of how I was wonderfully created! I love US just the way we are - on most days! 😊
Makes a whole lot of sense, Claire! We need to follow those winds of change when they are howling. You have been instrumental in my journey of self-discovery and for that I will always be appreciative for what you've shared and brought into the world. Thank you, truly! 🧡 Go forth and blaze your new path - I'll be cheering you on 🤘
You’ve given so much to me these past years and I appreciate it SO much. You need to do what’s best for you and I understand that. Lots of love to you!
Claire, I will miss you so much on Mondays. However, you have to do what is right for you. You get to change your mind. You get to have different seasons of your life and do what it takes to make the most of those seasons. Take care & big hugs. ♥
My Dear Internet Friend: May God continue to Bless you and always remember that you have had a massive impact on so many lives. It is certain you will continue to do so in whatever capacity you forge your future path. You’re inspirational in taking this big step and so compassionate to your viewers which is amazing. 🤲🏾💜 Praying for your new beginning to be filled with more health, connection, love and growth.
Claire, thank you for sharing Porch Coffee with us all. Im glad you are doing what you need, you've given a lot to other people. We will miss you but I'm happy for you. If that makes sense? ❤
Hi Claire. Thanks for sharing your thoughts, and not just disappearing! I understand. It is surprising to me that anyone wants to share personal stuff on the internet: I often struggle to share things with the few important and trusted people in my life, and the idea of showing my face on camera makes me very uncomfortable. It has been a privilege to follow your journey, and you've taught me a lot about autism. Here's wishing you well for your more private future. One of your many internet friends x
I was recently diagnosed with ADHD and have strong suspicions that I have AuDHD. Your podcast was very helpful as a jumping off point to see the various personalities and hear their stories. Thank you! This was the first porch coffee that I checked out. Bad timing I guess :) Good luck.- I hope that stepping back is helpful and healing.
I’ve enjoyed Porch Coffee and the podcast very much! You’ve done such a fantastic job on your YT channel … makes sense you want to change direction after 4 years. Making content is a lot of work and it’s def more fun when you feel the passion for it!
❤️
In the short period since I found your channel you have brought me some positive direction during a turbulent time of my life. I am glad you are taking steps to help keep your life positive as well. Thank you for being genuine with us!
Thank you for all of your work and sharing!!!
Hi Claire, it is 1000% ok to make a change. I am cheering you on as you do what's best for you, and I respect you a lot for being brave enough to change course. Thank you for sharing your journey with autism and setting a good example.
Big internet hug from your internet friend! I will definitely miss your incredible content, but I fully support your decision. You have to do what is safe and healthy for you or you can’t truly pour into others, at least not for long. Thank you Claire for all the hard work you have put into your videos and podcast! I wish you all the best!
Big hugs Claire x I'll miss you but definitely I'd rather you were happy and not posting, than worn out overwhelmed and struggling to post. So may you find your peace and whatever you're needing and have a great time. Lots of (autistic) love from me xxx
Thank you Claire! ...so much from the bottom of my heart for all the hard work you put into this community. Looking forward to whatever creativity you decide to share. Hope your break is healing and restorative for you. Sending my love.
Thank you for all of your videos Claire, watching them and occasionally interacting with them helped me get through my own diagnosis. I hope these changes help you and you take care of yourself.
I feel like I should say more, but I never know what to say to these announcements. I hope this was acceptable.
Dear Clair, many of your video have been very important to me, especially the first month after being diagnosed at 45. I'm very grateful. Thank you! Having said that I fully understand and support your decision. I wish for you the best.
I am so proud of you for recognizing what you need and want for your future and making the steps to realize that. Change is hard. Thank you for everything that you have done here on You Tube. Your content has helped me with my own autism journey.
You are so brave! Change is anathama for autistic people. But I'll bet my rainbow hat that you make a smashing success with your art filled videos.🎉
Thank you Claire for all your beautiful content, I appreciate your openness with your journey. I used to be a yoga teacher before I got my adult diagnosis. I went into an extreme burnout and needed to stop teaching even though I loved it. I totally understand your need for more privacy. I hope you continue to make some kind of content, but most importantly I wish you well as you take care of yourself and your needs.
💜💜💜
You need to do what you need above all else. You need to avoid that burnout!! Being sick may have been a blessing as it gave you time to think about what you need.
I hope you will feel much better soon. I will continue to watch for you on RUclips, and in your etsy store. Please take care of YOU. ❤😊😢
The timing of this is amazing Claire. I only recently found out I was autistic and just learned about you and your channel. I had just started a channel around autism, and have been praying about whether or not it is really congruent with my heart to do it. And now, you've articulated your decision in such a way that I sense my own heart around this.
Claire, even though I only just "met" you, I feel so proud of you for honoring your own soul. May you flourish in every way in this next phase of your journey... and I just know you will. You are a remarkable young woman, gifted, kind, creative, and generous. May you soar on wings like eagles in all your days to come!
I've only recently found this channel upon realizing that I'm likely autistic, but I'm definitely sticking around to see what you do with the channel! =3 Can't wait!
Hope you are able to feel better soon, Claire!
I will miss you Claire, but I’m wishing all the best for you in your future. ❤
Although I will miss porch coffee and your bright and gentle spirit here on youtube, I understand. Social media can be very rewarding but it can also be really challenging and stressful and some us aren’t made for it the same way others seem to be. I had to step away from my cat/dog instagram account after my dad and one of my dogs passed away because it just didn’t feel right for me anymore. Around the same time, the instagram algorithm had changed, reels were being pushed, photos were being hidden and my posts were getting lost in the ethers. Engagement plummeted and it didn’t feel like something I could continue to pour so much of myself into. I was no longer finding joy and connection in it because it was just a constant battle to try and keep up with what the algorithm wanted, all while trying to grieve a series of tremendous losses. With autism and chronic illness and mental illness, keeping up with the social media algorithms can be next to impossible. It hurt to let it go, but ultimately I had to do what was right for me. And you need to do what is right for you. I know it’s not exactly the same but I hope it helps to know that you’re not alone in this experience. I’m glad you are planning to get back to the things that truly bring you joy and I look forward to any future videos featuring your crafting projects. Sharing your joy is still sharing your autism, even if it’s not exactly the same. I applaud you for making the decision to put your needs first, thank you for leading by example 💛💛💛
I totally understand your decision. Four years of sharing your own journey, you really can only do so much before you burnout. I know some people who are also suffering through illness at the moment, and have had to take a break. One thing though, please don't be a stranger, reach out if you just want to chat.
Proud of you, Claire. I hope that’s okay to say and that it reaches you in the most positive way. Even and especially in stepping back, you’re still a wonderful role model for this community. I wish you the absolute best as you embark on this next part of your journey, whatever that entails.
It’s funny, as I gear up to start (restart?) my own channel, I’ve foreseen potentially finding myself in a similar situation, potentially overextending and oversharing-even as a primary motivation is itself authentic expression and representation. And that has shaped how I intend to do things. I need to be careful, self-aware, and kind to myself. I’m more aware than ever at this point in my life that boundaries are an essential part of mental health, and your decision here is a well-timed reminder of that for me. So thank you for that, and for all you’ve done for the community these past several years.
Claire thank you for being your amazing self! I am a fairly recent viewer and have really enjoyed all the podcast episodes (you're an amazing host, even better than Orion 😉) as that is my special interest. Please follow your creative passion (not mine). Was thinking if you wanted to just before you are on a much needed break pre-schedule (if RUclips allows it) community posts of porch coffee highlights (ie post a link to a single porch coffee video at porch coffee time) and perhaps other highlights of other videos, that way your channel stays active while you are away and hopefully helps old subscribers enjoy the highlights and new subscribers discover something cool about Claire. Then when you return in whatever form might be you are ready to shine.
I think it's great! People evolve . There is always friction in movement at times if that makes sense for a lot of us. Im proud of you for taking control of your life. I wish I was in a position to do that myself.
To be safe and secure is to grow to your fullest potential.
I just saw these fabulous knitted silent stim fidgets. Twisty looking things that pull in and out of themselves. It would be great to buy those or know how to do that.
Can't wait to watch you grow!
Thank you for your heartfelt honesty, Claire, I can't imagine how difficult this must be. I am super-duper proud of you for listening to your needs and not falling into the trap of people-pleasing, which must be hard when you clearly do care so much about everyone here. I admit, I am sad to not wake up to Porch Coffee every Monday, but I am also happy for you to get some much needed rest. Besides, who knows what creativeness will emerge, once you eliminate some "To Do's" off your schedule and can come out the other side rejuvenated! I look forward to seeing what those new-found creative juices come up with for you! Much love from Canada! 🥰
☕️ It might be the end of one era but it's the beginning of the next! While I'll miss Porch Coffee, I think it's great to take care of yourself, learn & set your boundaries, & do what you need to do to take care of yourself! That's important! Having a following & being a content creator on RUclips always looks like being a celebrity in my opinion & honestly I can only imagine the pull and demand. You definitely seem to soar when you're embracing your creativity & sharing your talents though. Thank you for sharing so much of your journey & your talents!
I've been meaning to join for a bit so at least joining for December to hang as a member for the month! 😊 I hope you continue to feel better health wise and get to embrace your creativity while still taking care of yourself. Looking forward to the remaining content you have planned & of course what you're able to share moving forward. Sending all the good vibes & support!
Good for you Claire! You are a blessing ❤
💕