Your people should cheer the loudest for you.

I’ve said that innumerable times, but it’s also something that I have to remind myself of, time and again.

Recently, I told someone about something that was very important to me, thinking that a) they would be happy for me and b) would want to be involved.

Instead, they pivoted the conversation to reflect back on something that was of interest to them and absolutely showed no support whatsoever.

At first, I brushed it off. Because life is busy, and I had other things to be disappointed by do. But later, it hit me like a ton of bricks how hurt I was by it.

Because it’s an important thing for me. And I am someone who likes to celebrate other people’s wins, even if they’re not goals I can relate to. It was a letdown to not only not get that effort in return, but to feel dismissed.

The secret truth about me is that if my feelings are hurt enough or I feel annoying to a particular degree, I withdraw. Something in me tends to shut down, and it’s not something I can logic myself out of.

If someone then makes an effort, I will meet them in that space. But it’s more than reasonable to match someone’s lack of effort, especially if it’s habitual—a feature, not a bug.

And here’s the thing: I love when people talk about the things they love. The way their eyes light up! The way they’re joyful and excited. Even if I don’t understand a damn thing, tell me about it!!! Always. Because hell YES.

Like I said, your people should cheer the loudest for you. No excuses. So, as Taylor once said, “Think of your energy as if it's expensive. As if it's a luxury item, not everyone can afford it.” I needed that reminder, clearly. And maybe you do too.

In that vein, lemme tell you about some cool things!

• My friends Tilly and Susan Bridges have a live reading/performance of their cyberpunk action dramedy pilot ROBO WAITRESS ASSASSINS coming up on April 5 at 12:30 pm pacific!!! How COOL is THAT?

• My friend Rantz Hoseley is editing a rock opera by Mike McCready & Mark Sable. (Yes, Mike McCready from PEARL JAM!)

• You can add my forthcoming poetry collection, Offerings for Ordinary Gods, to your shelf on Goodreads! It’s free! It’s a good way to support me.

• If you do have some cash, you can preorder my collection worldwide, but if you want a signed copy, Inkwood Books is the place to go! (In the Instructions/Comments field during checkout, write that you’d like a signed copy and how you’d like it personalized!)

• This Zillow is incredible (derogatory).

• I’ve been loving the recipes at Marianna’s Pantry lately.

• My poetry panel at St. John’s with C.S.E Cooney and Antoinette Brim-Bell has been rescheduled for March 23! You need to register, even if you did before. (Link down thread.)

  Until next time, darlings — love each other, and be kind.

  XOXO

  PS If you see any typos in this, no, you didn’t. A girl is tired.

  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hQSO9vFXnBU&list=RDhQSO9vFXnBU&start_radio=1