Words Matter

I just turned 26 and had a minor freakout (read: major.) Sometimes, what I do doesn't feel like a real job in the same way that my friends who are attorneys, in med school, or teachers. I'm single again and live alone with my dog in a teeny tiny apartment.

I comforted myself in the only way I knew how- with a themed birthday party and a cake with a quote from the best adaptation of Pride and Prejudice. (I know the quote is 27, but bear with me.)

I was feeling all of these things:

☑️no money

☑️no prospects

☑️already a burden to my parents

☑️frightened

But when I was blowing my candles out, surrounded by my friends, I realized- none of these things were actually true. I was caught up in a comparison game, holding myself to a standard that feels impossible to achieve, just like it was in Jane Austen's time (or Kiera Knightly's, more accurately).

In actuality, I have (enough) money, and plenty of prospects, I am my parents' favorite (and only) daughter, and I am more confident and excited for my future than I ever have been.

Words are powerful. They can make us feel afraid and small as much as they can empower and inspire. This week especially, I’m speaking kindly to myself and my community. Let’s use our words for good.