I’m In!

Julie McGue

Author

This phrase is ripe with meaning.

For travelers, “I’m in” means the flight landed, the hotel room is ready, the Internet passwords work, and I’ve reached the destination I was concerned about. In short, the threat of weather, traffic, blocked wifi are no longer obstacles. Success and rewards follow. There’s a drink waiting in the bar, a treadmill in the workout room, or a meal waiting to be ordered.

When my kids were growing up, “I’m in” meant they’d found the key hidden in the container by the air conditioner in the back of the house. As college students it meant the fake ID they’d borrowed, which looked nothing like them, had worked at the door. Gaining access was the goal. “I’m in” meant they’d joined the party. Surely there are other examples that my four young adults might provide, but have yet to do so in the company of their mother, the writer.

In my youth, I recall revealing these words to my parents as I struggled to make the in-group, the cheerleading squad, and the advanced lit class with the preferred professor. “I’m in” was so satisfying. It evoked pleasure and success. It had the power to launch the day and improve its outlook.

Nowadays, “I’m in” is an abbreviated way of proclaiming status on social media. As in, “I’m in” a relationship. Two little words proclaim that a pairing has made it to the next level. No need for phone calls, explanations, honking horns or fireworks, just check the computer to verify success. Frankly, I want more details, as a mother I expect a follow-up phone call.

In the case of my mother who is afflicted with early Alzheimer’s and has limited mobility, “I’m in” means she’s literally in her apartment. Mom doesn’t have to explain that she’s been to the nurses station for daily meds, to the dining room for three meals, or to the mail room and back. “I’m in” connotes so much more: Mom is alive. She made it through another day without my father, without falling, drinking too much, or being a victim of another phone scam. That little phrase says a lot and I’m always relieved to hear it.

As a writer, this favorite little ditty, “I’m in”, connotes that I’ve captured the gist of a piece. The direction is clear and all that remains is to finesse voice, flow or structure. The success of proclaiming, “I’m in” is like the bliss that follows a meditation. In navigating the writing landscape, there is no better feeling.

“I’m in” connotes different things in diverse situations to various age groups. I love the phrase for its simplicity, its positive bent, its outlook.

If you have anything to add, a situation you’d like to share about what the phrase means to you, “I’m in” to hear about it here!

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