Let’s embrace the beauty of what we get to be now.
-Jonathan Van Ness-
A whole new year. Every birthday, I’m thankful I’ve been given another year of life to live. This one even more than others, given the state of our world and recent events. COVID-19 and George Floyd’s murder have brought to bear the immediacy of a reality I’ve always known to be true (yet been reluctant to admit)- life is delicate and fleeting.
I have a role to play in all of this- I get to choose how I use my voice, platform, and privilege. I will live moment to moment, trying daily to be my best self (mom, teacher, sister, cousin, niece, daughter, granddaughter, friend), while working for justice and peace in some small way.
Life While-You-Wait.
Performance without rehearsal.
Body without alterations.
Head without premeditation.
-Wislawa Szymborska-
Life is improvised. There is no script, no rehearsal, no second run. I will live it the only way I know how- without hesitation. I will speak my mind about things that matter. I will have to make corrections and apologies along the way, no doubt, but that’s life. And I’m here for it. Gratefully.
This is the only chance I get to live today. I’m showing up. Tomorrow is a mystery, but every moment is full of beauty and potential. Let’s lift each other up, work together, make waves in every moment. There is so much to be done now. Today, today!
reflections (and other things) 