I think I was in elementary school when I first read Ray Bradbury’s All Summer in a Day – possibly the same age as the children in the story; that is way too young. It wrecked me. I believe that I have never felt more empathy for anyone than for the fictional character of Margot, and that piece of writing has stuck with me all this time. I reread it occasionally and am heartbroken anew.
In recent years, I think about Margot as I navigate certain online communities. There are a few where I (and anyone of my political leanings) am decidedly unpopular. I see the way that mob bullying becomes hurtful and out of control, emboldened by a crowd. Cruelty becomes the norm when everyone is doing it and commenters are hiding behind the anonymity of fake names and cartoon avatars. It’s exhausting and heartbreaking and makes my community seem like a scary and hateful place. There is no empathy in those corners of the internet.
But then there is the genuine magic of a birthday on social media. Seeing messages from people across every chapter of my life: old friends and new, clients who have become some of my favorite humans, former students who are all grown up, acquaintances I have not seen or spoken to since the days of AIM away messages – they are all there today, giving me a virtual group hug. It is a reminder of the fingerprints we leave on people’s lives that we don’t even notice while we are just trying to navigate our own way through. I feel seen and celebrated and like part of a community who cares.
It is my community that cheered me on through my fitness journey this year; it is because of all of that support that I met and even *exceeded* my weight loss goal. Today, I am 62 pounds down and still going. I am wearing clothes that haven’t fit in decades and literally ridding myself of baggage. I feel better in my own skin and so much love from the friends who share my wins with me. I managed to make room to take care of myself this year and the encouragement I’ve received every step of the way is the best part of the journey.
I can’t celebrate wins without bragging the tiniest bit about my kids, and honestly, I could do it all day every day. Cole is a JUNIOR, you guys. I am so proud of him for navigating high school every day and for learning to manage the day to day his own way. And Lulu is just the most incredible human being. I am awed by her strength and resilience and maturity.
I am so grateful for the moments that make my life sparkle; connection with friends, family victories, personal milestones – they make the shadowy parts of the internet irrelevant. That’s not what I carry with me. So let’s celebrate together! What is making you feel proud and sparkly? Share a comment with some glitter!
