RE: Take me to your leader! Take me to the Hive Queen

Friend, I don't even know what to say. I've always considered myself just one of the guys, around here and have always been so chuffed that all of YOU talk to ME... because honestly, it's a weird mix of things that I love and hearing me smash them all together in discussion I imagine is a little bit like being given involuntary whiplash. This has been such a rough few years, so I know that while my forward facing? (trying to think of what good terminology would be) presence has felt a bit spotty, working on the more boring (and hidden) day to day tasks still is a meaningful pursuit to me. But I miss everyone, and being this me that you describe here! I've never felt nearly as accomplished as walking beside people who use this place to better their own lives, build cool things, and find communities and passions that they love.

Seeing you write something so kind right now brings me almost to tears, not to be dramatic. It's been a long stretch of years full of loss and uncertainty on a personal front, that's required a lot of rebalancing and which took away a lot of my ability to be as present for others and consistent in creation. I'd be lying if I tried to pretend that it hasn't had an impact on my overall mental health and wellbeing. There are so many people that we've met here that have become more than just internet handles who are facing war, or economic hardship, or personal losses— would that that none of us were all competing in the pain olympics like this. I just want to tell you that reading this gave my heart a little boost, and that I feel very seen (and a little embarrassed), and that it comes at a time where I didn't know I needed it. So thank you, and I appreciate you, because we often have nice things to say to each other but we don't actually take the time to do it, because it takes effort and time out of your day where you could be spending it on other things.
what a wonderful heart you have 🖤