Wherever you’re reading this from, I’m glad you’re here. This simple, yet profound phrase has been rattling around in my brain for a few months, so I made a print about it for my monthly art subscription – Catdroool Club.
It comes to mind when my sister visits me; we sit on the couch together, doing absolutely nothing, laughing about our ADHD, and slip into younger versions of ourselves. In a break from the laughter I say, I’m glad you’re here.
Earlier this week I met up with a friend who returned from traveling for a few months. We enjoyed drawing and beading together on a windy patio in Avondale. When we parted ways, she went to retrieve her bike and it had been stolen. We spent the rest of the evening making sense of the situation, regulating our nervous systems, and she said to me, I’m glad you’re here.
Over the weekend, I helped a friend at Midsommar Fest in Andersonville with her art booth. She makes insect wing jewelry from real specimen who have passed away naturally. She gives these insects a new life, coating them in clear archival resin, showcasing their natural beauty. Yesterday, a woman approached the booth with excitement and awe. She attempted to tell me what she was experiencing, but she began to cry, as she clutched a large ring on a chain around her neck. Eventually she shared that butterflies remind her of her son who donated 5 organs. When he passed, the family was gifted butterfly themed art to symbolize his legacy and new life. She was in her garden after this and saw two butterflies playing around, and she couldn’t help but see her mom’s and son’s spirits in these butterflies spending time with her. Even when we can’t physically be with the ones we love, when we sense their spirits nearby, we can say to them, I’m glad you’re here.
During the month of June we celebrate the queer community, and this phrase felt fitting to say out loud to every queer person who bravely steps into themselves and shares their authentic self with their world. I’m glad you take up space and I’m glad to share that space with you. You inspire me. You help me feel safe and seen as a queer person. Your joy is resistance. I’m glad you’re here.
I’ve been running lately with my friends, and we’ve started what we’re calling a “Bad Runners Club.” We meet up in the park and “body double” running – each at our own paces. I attempt to do 6 laps around the park – which equates to 3 miles. As I round my 5th lap, and I question why the hell I’d put myself through this pain and misery, I catch a glimpse of a friend on the other side of the track, and I say out loud to myself and my body, I’m glad you’re here.
My therapist often reminds me to take note of the simple and profound moments of gratitude I come across – to say them out loud, filling up an imaginary jar of snippets for my brain to open up and access when life seems dull or difficult.
If you’d like one of these three-color prints, join Catdroool Club before June 15. Catdroool Club is $6/month, and every month I’ll send you a unique and thoughtful piece of art. You can cancel at any time.