Everybody Eat: There is Room at the Table

It’s been a long time. I am just checking in.  Sisters, how ya’ll feel? Brothers, ya’ll alright. I must admit my emotions have been everywhere regarding my writing. Theoretically, my writing is a part of my DNA; whether I ever publish a book traditionally or not, it is something I will do for the rest of my life. But rejection is hard; sometimes, like any creative, you search for the proverbial big break. A contract, a publication in a particular journal, an acknowledgment, an award, a retweet. Anything that will propel you to the level you’ve worked for your entire life.

But, when you want to give up, you get a push from the universe to keep on. Awhile back, my unpublished novel, The Perfect Sister, was longlisted for the Santa Fe Writer’s Project 2022 Literary Awards.

A flash fiction story I wrote, ‘Promposal,’ was longlisted for the Wigleaf Top 50 2023 best flash fiction stories published, and I recently made it to the final round of a prestigious (in the eye of the beholder) writing fellowship that I wanted. Sometimes it’s hard to see others get the book deal, the fellowship, the fill-in-the- blank you believe has your name on it.   

Sports journalist Michael Smith and news veteran Tiffany Cross talked on Instagram Live in February, shortly after Cross’s untimely ouster from MSNBC. When speaking of competitiveness and jealousy in industries, Smith summed it up with three words…‘we all eating.’

He meant there is no reason to pine over what somebody else has or be riddled with self-doubt, wondering when your time will come because there is room for everyone at the table. Your gift will make room for you. And what God (or the higher power you honor) has for you, there isn’t anything anyone can do to stop it from happening.  

The ‘always a bridesmaid’ mentality can weigh on you physically, mentally, and emotionally.   

However, when your feelings get the best of you, remember…everybody eats.  

On another note,

The Supreme Court has lost their mind.

The BeyHive and Swifties are going ham.

I’m reading Gathering Blossoms: The Journals of Alice Walker. The journal entries that span her life are the gifts that keeps giving.

And, in honor of the 50^th anniversary of Hip Hop, I leave you with my favorite hip-hop song of all time.

Stay hydrated. Until, next time.