I just finished reading How We Show Up by Mia Birdsong, (shoutout to Adria Dunbar, PhD for the recommendation) and it really made me rethink what success and connection look like. Birdsong talks about how we’re often told that the "American Dream" is all about doing it alone—grinding for personal success. But she flips that and shows how real strength and fulfillment come from community, interdependence, and collective care.
One thing that hit home for me is how she talks about friendship and chosen family. She reminds us that deep relationships and communities aren’t a fallback plan—they're central to a healthy, happy life. She also emphasizes how mutual aid and collective support—especially for marginalized communities—help everyone thrive, not just survive.
It’s a beautiful, real look at how we can show up for each other and create spaces where everyone feels seen and supported. If you’ve been thinking about how to build more meaningful connections in your life, I highly recommend it. It’s personal, heartwarming, and so necessary right now.
