I have been putting off writing this last letter. Mostly because of the pressure I've felt (put upon by myself) to create something profound, or powerful and eloquent, to represent my final words as Content Editor of Invasive Thoughts. I want our project, and all of the work we have published, to be forever loved and appreciated and deemed of the highest quality and with the most lasting inspiration trailing behind a legacy of greatness.
But I am also realistic. And I recognize that I am not a journalist, or a perfect writer, but one who loves to inspire and to be inspired, to share and to grow, to help cultivate and draw out the talents of others, and to find and create experiences that are worth remembering. For this reality, our Invasive Thoughts magazine has met, and surpassed, my expectations. And for this, I will always be humbled.
You see, though there have been mistakes, errors in judgment, offenses, creative clashes, and embarrassing moments displayed throughout this magazine's existence, I will always be proud of the accomplishments that, while not wholly profound or worthy of a purple heart, will continue to teach me, and hopefully others, that truly, so much in this creative world is possible if you really, really want it (and are active in going after it, of course).
Through Invasive Thoughts, I have been able to share conversations with many artists who I have considered heroes, I have been able to be taken seriously enough to be invited to attend and cover national events and political races, and, most importantly, I have been able to take part in a collaboration across age, gender, race, social class, ethnicity, religious beliefs, sexual preferences, and experience, a collaboration that has caused awe and joy in my heart with the publication of each issue of the magazine.
This last humbling realization was made so evident to me after having put together the collage of photos from various contributors over the years. In those pictures, there are many I consider close friends, and many whom I have never met in person. And yet I feel a closeness and a bond with each and every face because I know that we have all shared in this piece of art. And looking at the diversity amongst these amazing writers and artists, I cannot help but feel grateful for having worked with you all.
So I want to end this final letter by saying thank you to all of you who have been a participant in the making of Invasive Thoughts, whether as a contributor or as a reader. And thank you to my beloved friends and colleagues, Nicole and Heather. This project has been life changing for me and I will never forget that.