SIMPLY THE BEST . . . VERSION OF YOURSELF


faces sans Botox or eyebrows that have grown into one. O


Hey, the pandemic shutdown has been hard on everyone, especially those who rely on a bag of tricks to go from looking like Charlize Theron in Monster to Charlize Theron in real life. Surprisingly, what I’m talking about runs a little deeper than appearances. Call this an episode of Afterschool Special, but this month I want to highlight what’s on the inside instead of what’s on the outside. I know . . . I’m shooketh, too, but a bitch is about to get personal on your ass. (No, not that personal.) Still, just roll with it. Something I’ve had to ask myself recently: What do I bring to the table? No, I don’t mean that literally, and thank goodness, because we’d all be crackhead skinny, sort of like Kellyanne Conway. I can’t cook. The only thing I successfully make in the kitchen is a mess. I’m speaking figuratively: What do I bring to the table in my life? In my relationships — both platonic and non-platonic? In my career? Don’t misconstrue my words. This isn’t a “woe is me” piece. I’m not fishing for compliments or examples of my attributes and accom- plishments (though, if you would like to do that, I won’t stop you). I truly believe that there comes a time in our lives — perhaps multiple times, even — when we all need to take a moment and evaluate ourselves. And in that moment, we should assess whether we’re being our best, doing our best, providing our best, and in all aspects. Or, in the confused words of our most disappointing first lady ever, Melanie Trump, “Be best.” My time to evaluate the qualities I’m delivering to the universe and whether they’re some of my best has arrived. Specifically, am I being the ultimate version of myself in my relationships and in my career? Am I bringing enough to the table, or am I simply coasting by on autopilot? You may be wondering what brought on this inner, Judy Blume- esque dialogue, as if I’m some sort of Margaret searching for the


Cutter Slagle is the author of suspense, horror and crime-fiction works. Discover more at cutterslagle.com


ftentimes, when we look in the mirror, we may not always like what we see. No, I’m not referring to the holiday weight that some of us — me — are still carrying around. I’m not even alluding to bad haircuts from unlicensed partners or friends,


hidden meaning of life, or some shit like that. OK, so I never read Are You There, God? It’s Me, Margaret, but I did devour Are You There, Vodka? It’s Me, Chelsea in one sitting, so I obviously sort of, kind of understand this idea of seeking out a higher power in order to reflect on current life situations. Though, for me, it wasn’t so much a higher power that had me


thinking and reflecting in a such a newfangled manner, but a shift in my personal life. My partner and I took the next step forward in our relationship and decided to live together. In doing so, I became — or am trying to become — acutely aware of my responsibilities. Not just as someone who wants to be a good partner, but a good person in general. What can I say? It’s a process. A process that takes constant work. In ways, I’m very lucky because my partner can do everything, and do it extremely well. Yet, that has left me wanting and needing to ensure that I’m valuable. Again, not just in my relationship with my partner, but in life, too. Am I being the best friend, son, uncle, writer that I can possibly be? I think we all have moments in our lives where we get comfortable


skating by. Perhaps even more so now, having been living in a pandemic for — what? — the last seven years, or so it seems. Many of us are exhausted, anxious, depressed, broken, drained . . . the list goes on. And while it’s perfectly acceptable to just simply go through the motions of life at times, we must always eventually get back to deliv- ering the best versions of ourselves to the world. It’s so important to be best, and not just for those around us, but for ourselves, too. After all, we tend to attract what we are, how we feel, the same


energy — good, bad, ugly, positive, negative — that we put out. What are you currently attracting, and does it make you happy?


MARCH 2021| @theragemonthly 33


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