Belonging Without Output

“Belonging that requires output isn’t belonging.”

For a long time, I believed I belonged because I produced.

Led.
Created.
Contributed.

Then there was a gathering where I did none of that.

I simply attended.

I felt restless at first.
Unnecessary.

Then I noticed something.

No one expected me to perform.

I was allowed to just be there.

Belonging that requires output isn’t belonging.

It’s employment.

You are allowed to occupy space without earning it.

Even as a leader.