Do I just need better lighting?

You ever get that feeling, like you’re a backup singer in your own life? You’re there, giving it your all, but somehow, people only seem to notice when you trip over the mic stand. It’s a wild ride when you realize the world isn't waiting for your grand debut with a spotlight ready to catch every twirl and pirouette. Nope. Sometimes, you're just standing under a flickering fluorescent bulb, trying to get anyone to even glance in your direction.

Let’s be honest—there’s this bizarre pressure to be enough for people. As if your worth depends on their ability to see you, validate you, and give you a hearty thumbs-up like you're a product on a shelf at Costco. But what if you’re not in the mood to hand out free samples of yourself? What if you’d like to be noticed without having to perform some metaphorical cartwheel every time?

Here’s the thing: sometimes, being “enough” means being enough for yourself first. It’s like when you make a sandwich and halfway through, you’re like, “You know what, this is good. This is my sandwich. I don’t care if anyone else approves of my choice of bread or whether I smeared the mayo correctly. I’m going to eat this, and I’m going to enjoy it.” (Or in my case, probably throw it at someone if they’re chewing too loud, but that’s another story.)

The point is, we get so tangled up in wanting to be seen—really seen—that we forget to appreciate the person staring back at us in the mirror. And maybe, just maybe, that person’s enough.

Now, I’m not saying I don’t enjoy a little attention here and there. We all love a good audience. But if no one’s applauding, maybe it’s time to clap for yourself. Or better yet, find a better crowd.

Because, darling, sometimes it’s not about being “enough” for them—it’s about being more than enough for you. And when you get that down, the rest of the world? They’ll either catch up or be left blinking in your glow.

So yes, go out there, shine—whether it’s under the spotlight or a dim, flickering bulb. Just make sure you see you. That’s enough.

-Christopher W Quigley (still looking for better lighting)