What Andrea Gibson’s poetry had me reflect on.

Last week, Andrea Gibson, a beloved and powerful truth-teller and poet, passed away. They were born the same year I was and died just shy of their 50th birthday.  

Andrea left this world with all of their people gathered around in love. Their wife, Meg Falley, shared that Andrea’s last words were: “I loved my fucking life.”

So simple. So profound. To live and die with that much love and gratitude despite all the pain. It felt like a reminder. And a bit of hope.

I’ve been reading Andrea’s poetry each morning in the early light of day, in devotion and remembrance.

Today, I felt called to share the reflection sparked in me after reading a funny and impactful poem in their book You Better Be Lightning:

“To Whom it Definitely Concerns,
Please accept this letter as a formal notification that I am resigning from the position of My Own Worst Enemy.”

It made me smile because it felt relatable. How many times have I held myself back? Not because someone else decided, but because I did.

“I’ll be pursuing opportunities in another field, preferably one where break rooms are for resting and not for breaking promises to the person I hope to become. I fully intend to replace whatever dreams I shattered when I was beating myself up.”

 
What if I decided to accept a new position of my greatest ally, my inner champion, or my fiercest advocate instead?

How can I trade my sabotage for sacred solidarity with myself?

What about you? What do you need right now? An ally, a champion, or an advocate?

And if you had one, what would they say or do on your behalf?
What would they insist you stop putting off?
Where would they tell you, "You don’t have to do this alone"?

I know you're just reading an email. You may not have time to grab a journal. But maybe pause for a few breaths and let these questions land:

• What would your greatest ally stand with you on?
• What would your champion give you the courage to go do?
• What could your fiercest advocate give you the strength to face?
  

Another part of the poem reads: 

“I understand it’s customary to give two weeks’ notice, but I’ve only got two minutes, and in those two minutes, I will: 1) fire my inner critic or at least demote it to part-time. 2) Assure my passions have the tools they need to unionize with my actions.”

So…Where in your life can you ask your inner critic to back off, even a little? What are your current passions, and where do they fall on your priority list? 

I’m pondering these questions for myself, and it feels deep, a little scary, and important. I know I’ve been escaping into my book lately and spending less time with my journal. This poem called me back to reflection, and I’ll need my greatest ally to help me unionize all my parts into action. Imagine if we could all be more on our own side.

What are you taking away? I’d love to hear.