The Art of Showing Up

1–2 minutes

To read

I have a philosophy that when you say yes to people, you’re in.

Years ago, during a podcast episode with my dear friends Reid and Paul, we discussed our friendship. It’s an unusual thruple, as we’ve been told, but more importantly, from the get-go, it was the three of us who showed up.

And showed up. And showed up.

Currently, there’s a group I feel a similar desire to say yes to. Being my authentic and carefree self is easy with them. It’s why I encouraged my family to go on a Labor Day camping trip, and why, a month and a half early, I’m putting a Pride event on my calendar.

I want to be with them. I want to put myself in their space.

And the fact that they’re doing the same with me might mean we’re onto an ongoing friendship.

Speaking of, Dave and I watched The Invite last night. The $20 price tag is an unusual splurge for us, but since we’d missed the window for a night out together at the theater, we did the next best thing. I also think he and I share a value that prioritizing us matters. With a million to-dos, places to be, and hard and easy choices to make, saying yes to us is meaningful.

I’ve stolen a moment away to write. Everyone—my family and my in-laws—is across the field at my in-laws’ parents’ house. They’re making jam, and sloppy joes are simmering on the stove.

I made the less-than-one-minute drive home to take care of my final progress note, shape dough for bread, and knock out a few household odds and ends.

It’s a nice nightcap to the weekend: time with family, dinner, and board games.

I better get back to it.

Take care, and try saying yes if you’re so inclined.

Love,

Jaclynn

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Ama Ndlovu explores the connections of culture, ecology, and imagination.

Her work combines ancestral knowledge with visions of the planetary future, examining how Black perspectives can transform how we see our world and what lies ahead.

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