Ask Baba Yaga: How Do I Find The Strength To Stay Open, Energized, And Authentic?

Transcript after the jump.

Dear Baba Yaga,

I recently moved to a new city without a job, a partner, or many friends. I interview for jobs by day, and I go on dates by night. I feel like I’m putting myself “out there.” I do whatever I can to muster up a brave, confident face, but I am not getting anywhere. I just keep getting rejections from jobs, and “I’m just not that into you” conversations from men. How do I find the strength to stay open, energized, and authentic?

BABA YAGA:

You put yrself in places so as to be prodded & considered, watched & frowned at, like a piece of fruit ; trying to glow & smell sweeter than the other fruits. )Forget all the grubbly picking hands. Stay in one place & think on what you wish, & let the wishes gather around you…& if nothing comes yet, sit with the crumbs & the rats & the sunlight that has come to you willingly, & be for a while a poor queen, but a queen nonetheless.

Previously: How Can I Get Over the Fear That This One Physical Feature Makes Me Look Grotesque?

Taisia Kitaiskaia is a poet, writer, and Michener Center for Writers fellow. She’s taking questions on behalf of Baba Yaga at [email protected].