Hopeful
On day 265
I am hopeful.
Yesterday, I went to a conference in Claremont. I was moderating a panel about social justice writing as activism.
Our group was toward the tail end of the conference so it was a long day. But it started off beautifully when I attended a panel on music as a form of protest. The panel which included the Claremont folk music center focused on sixties protest music and its connection to the Inland Empire (“IE”) because the conference was about the IE.
At the end of the panel, they taught us a Minneapolis protest song. And I sang out loud. I let my voice soar. I wasn’t afraid anyone would judge me on my voice.
The Claremont conference did bring out my insecurities. Despite 2 books, a USC law degree and being in an MFA program, I still feel insecure in academia. What do I need? A doctorate? Perhaps nothing will fill the void.
Maybe I just have to see that I am enough. My voice is enough.
So today, I am going to rest. Relax. Play my bass that my husband got me. Maybe I will write a protest song.
What did Emily Dickinson say? Hope is the thing with feathers. I just need to fly.
On day 265.
I’m your biggest fan!
If only we could see ourselves as others see us—beautiful JEM, you are an advocate for many. Be an advocate of yourself as you are powerful and golden—even more so in recovery-so lovely. I love you.