giving and taking and giving

Current mood: cards in order.

Recently a friend called me a sage.

It hit me wrong. in the context of that conversation. it made me feel… not loved as an equal, but somehow… like I was someone you put up with because they have a lot to offer you.

I was perhaps being a bit sensitive. it wasn’t the smoothest of conversations.

since then, I’ve gone through some rough. leaned on some friends.

received great support. amazing feedback. stellar advice.

and here’s what has struck me.

I have heard

several times

words like

“Here’s what you told me six months ago…”

“I’m going to say what you said to me once…”

It’s been

beautiful.

Turns out I am a sage.

I’ve seen it for awhile.

It comes with age, partly

and with being observant

and surviving a lot of train wrecks.

But to have it given back

so generously

I know I talk and talk and talk

(much like I write and write and write)

but it turns out people are listening.

and incorporating.

and growing.

and so now it’s my turn

(I told you all I’d take one!)

and there is something not horrible

about closing your eyes

and sinking back

into the loving arms

of people who are happy to catch you.