(1) Adopting my Dog. I had always dreamt of having a dog, and I started my search the day I moved into my own apartment. He had been rescued from a dog fighting ring and was scheduled to be euthanized because of his history, but the two of us helped rehabilitate one another from our respective traumas. (He is still kicking at 14!)

(2) Being accepted and supported by my loved ones when I came out as trans, specifically my little brother. When he said
“You’re my sister, I love you!”
“… can I be your brother?”
“Of course you can! You’re my brother and I love you!” 

(3) In high school, my English class wrote and performed an original play inspired by several short stories. Each student (small class) adapted a short story into a screenplay, and I incorporated them into an original story with a uniting theme. I also directed the production, and it was generally considered to be a great success. 

(4) Spending a week with my family at an old vacation spot. My siblings and their partners live in New York, so I haven’t spent that much time with them in years.

(5) Submitting a poem to WHRO’s “Writer’s Block” and reading it aloud for a pre-recorded show and audience (twice!)

2. Look at your responses again. Which episodes or situations do you think are associated with “socially disengaged emotions”? Which episodes or situations do you think are associated with “socially engaged emotions”? Write the numbers of the episodes.

Socially disengaged emotions: 5 

(b) Socially engaged emotions: 1, 2, 3, 4