Celebration. . .

and a worthy New Year!

Dec 22: Last night my son and I watched Miss Americana a Taylor Swift documentary that referenced this bit of pop culture history:

KANYE INTERRUPTS SWIFT’S ACCEPTANCE SPEECH TO SAY BEYONCÉ’ DESERVED 2009 VMA AWARD

Watching 17-year-old Taylor’s crash from elation to humiliation made my stomach plummet. If you’ve seen the clip, you probably had a similar pang of sympathetic dread. We all know what it’s like to feel not good enough.

Just like an awards show, asking for support is rife with status traps. So even while I’ve got good news to share—an author blurb (Woohoo!!!)— I’ve been pondering what makes a powerful ask, and whether we can avoid known pitfalls.

Remember: You and your work matter.

You’re asking for critique, a blurb or a review. You’re not asking the other person to validate your humanity with their approval. They’re not denying your worthiness, even if they decline your request.

Standing in your own worthiness makes the whole exchange less fraught. Taylor Swift has learned this (the hard way!) and she seems to be doing rather well.

Huge thanks to Claire Bidwell Smith. Happy holidays and see you in a week!