“You are so generous”

“You hold space for others so well”

At least, that is what I’ve been told

But where was that learned?

Did I learn it by standing with my dad as he performed auto surgery on the driveway?

Did I learn it by shouting “I want!”

and being asked

“What did you do to deserve it?”

Did I learn it by spending late, long hours in the company of myself working to prove that I am deserving?

Maybe it was learned in the middle of rush hour as I navigated the urban river trying my best not to die.

Maybe it was the result of my ability to listen because I’m already overthinking what to say.

Did I learn it in being the kid who wants to play but is too afraid to ask?

Did I learn it by being me?