Belated Birthday Wishes
Connections & Reflections
Birthdays, they always get to me. I start off feeling a bit lost and unaccomplished and unsure of reaching yet another milestone. Who am I? What am I doing with my life? Who are my people? And then as the big day approaches, I feel so reassured and reaffirmed. This is my life and here I go, fumbling my way to the future joyfully.
This year is feeling particularly poignant (as literally every year does, I’m so sentimental). The boys are right at this childhood mountain top of sorts as they go from little kid to big. Their enthusiasm is pure and unbridled. Their sadness is unfettered. They still want and crave so much touch and attention, crawling into my lap and asking me to read books. But at the same time, they also read on their own now. They have ideas and accomplishments. They are forming distinct personalities. They are learning social and emotional lessons every day. They are learning they don’t have to say everything that comes to mind - this part slower than would be appreciated, any day now please. Even as we talk about more complex ideas, their hands are still so small and reach for mine instinctively.
This year also feels more rooted in friendship. I’ve reconnected with old friends in faraway lands with our weekly videos (are you really not doing Wednesday Waffles yet?) which has been such a gift and bit of sunshine in my week. Locally, I feel more secure and seen in the people I surround myself with. Perhaps I am making myself more seen? It’s hard not to feel supported when I declare 2025 “The Year of the Witch” and then my friends all start declaring themselves my coven. Love received!
Even as I try to disconnect more from the digital world, I find support online in strangers or long forgotten folks. When I announced my untimely departure from my job, interns I supported 10 years ago reached out to offer kind words and a referral. Individuals I barely worked with shared how much my work impacted them. I am also finding community with others who are unemployed - a Substack called Laid Off, a thread in Culture Study sharing jobs and resources, a LinkedIn group for impacted DEI professionals. What wonderful solace to find others here, each sharing what they can, pulling each other up.
Although I am sharing these birthday musings a bit late (what is time anyways?), they still feel right to me. When we are feeling unsure, there is no better grounding than being with those you find joy with. Even small connections can be meaningful.
In the meantime, I’m…
Watching: I cannot recommend Quilters more. A short 30-minute documentary, it’s a beautiful film about men in prison making quilts for foster children. Not simple quilts but incredible, majestic, personal quilts. It’s art and humanity and hope.
Listening: AJJ - “People” on repeat.
Reading: My most recent read is North Woods which was an absolute chaotic whirlwind. It was totally fascinating and different than anything else I’ve ever read. It’s not an easy read but definitely worthwhile.