I often feel resentful when I’m ignored.

Made to feel invisible.

But I’m not owed anyone’s attention.

I’m not owed another person’s permission to be seen.

I am, and that is enough.

Or at least, it should be.

But in this culture where success is measured by one’s share of the spotlight, invisibility equals failure.

You are made to feel like you must earn your right to be seen.

Fuck that.

I’ll just go look in the mirror instead.

You will behold more radiance by directly gazing at your mirror than by seeking your dimmed and refracted reflection in another person’s eyes.