Listen Up!

So at the beginning of this year I decided not to do New Years Resolutions.  I didn't want to proclaim to do something that I'd have forgotten about by January 31st.  So instead I put my GOALS for 2013 in writing.  This list of things include many things I've not done well at...yet. But the very last one... do one thing that scares me...that one I'm pretty damn proud to say I am freaking rocking.  And its terrifying, but in the best way humanly possible.  Because no truer words were written then when I concluded about that goal that "to fully feel alive I must continue to push myself."

In case you haven't been paying attention, the first thing I did that scared me was to simply submit my piece, a very personal, emotional piece for consideration to the fabulous producers of Listen To Your Mother Chicago.   I have never written a piece like this one. The style was totally not my norm.  It left me feeling raw and totally vulnerable, and scared.  But I trusted and love the ladies of LTYM Chicago enough to hand over this chunk of my soul.  And in return they invited me to audition.  That meant reading this piece...out loud...in front of them.  Scared...shitless!  But I did it!  And much to Melisa and Tracey's appreciation I did it without vomiting on either of them.  Then I was left to wait.  To consider...was I truly reading to stand before 950 seats (all which will be filled, no doubt because Melisa and Tracey rock at their job) and pour out my heartbreaking story?  Scared! Beyond explanation.

Afraid of rejection...afraid of acceptance.  Afraid of the unknown. But knowing, that whatever happened was meant to be.  But apparently someone (and not just my totally intimidating friend Rita) believed I was ready...my story was ready...and needed to be heard.  Once again, I am filled with fear, but the healthy 'holy crap, I'm going to do this' best kind of fear, I'm happy to share that I will take the stage along with a fabulous cast of writers at 2pm on May 5th at The Athenaeum Theatre in Chicago.  I am full of fear, and I wouldn't trade it for anything!!!