Getting on stage Thursday night was another step in my growing process…not as a comedian, but as a person.
For many, standing on a stage and exposing yourself to possible ridicule and embarrassment is something that they never could imagine even attempting. I think that once you get up there the first time, it gets easier…but that just me…
There are roadblocks to every quest.
Some of them might be physical, some emotional and there can even be financial hurdles that have to be climbed in order to be at the place we need to be in our lives.
These individual quests might seem trivial to others looking in from the outside, but in our hearts and minds they are what keep us waking up each morning and attacking each day…
This year I have attained two very personal and individual goals…running my Marathon and getting on stage. T someone that may just be stumbling on me here, these may seem like trivial things…but most of you know that inside of me, these were very important to me…and possibly necessary for my “survival.”
Running a race or performing stand-up comedy are nothing in comparison to battling cancer or losing a child and I will never claim that my “issues” are anything more that my needs for personal sanity. There are people on this earth without jobs, battling illness and suffering from losses that make my “issues” seem like a paper cut, compared to the gaping wound they are suffering from…but I think you all understand my position.
There is a friend I have made this past year…you can check out the individual quest she is on in her life right now…
She isn’t suffering from an illness, but she is at one of those crossroad points in her life. It is a place many of us have been before and if we would have just asked for someone to help us…things may have turned out differently.
Please…go over and visit her, check out some of her post and read her story.
Regardless of the outcome of her endeavor, I wish her the courage to do what she needs to along with the strength to ATTACK each day and not necessarily being satisfied with thing the way they are…
Thank you.
We each tackle what is placed before us. Those are our hurdles and our ribbons to race through.
I didn’t think I could teach because I didn’t think I could stand in front of a classroom with what to say or teach. And here I am, four years later loviing it and looking forward to the next 20 years until retirement rolls along.
Congratulations of keeping going over those hurdles and placing new ones before yourself.
I think sometimes we just all need a push…or a helping hand.
By: Laura on July 4, 2009
at 5:49 pm
I’m glad this has been such a great year for you in terms of overcoming obstacles. Thanks for the plug.
Thanks…
By: crisitunity on July 5, 2009
at 7:21 am
I know I can say you’ve been a part of inspiring me to get back on the exercise self-improvement train – so thank you for that. Not that I’ll EVER get up on stage in front of people unless it’s for karaoke. And I’ve had 3.5 beers.
So…when can we expect your first Butts post, hmmm?
Not that you’ve been at all busy or anything…
I appreciate that…my first post for Butts should be this evening.
By: Kimmothy on July 5, 2009
at 10:38 am
I would say that a marathon and a stage debut are MAJOR accomplishments!
Yeah…those were a couple of personal whoppers for me.
By: Allison on July 5, 2009
at 2:09 pm
I’ll check out your friend.
You’re right. Sometimes we all just need a little push to get where we have wanted to go all along.
This is actually pretty exciting from my end, as one of your blogging buddies, to see you blossom like this. I wish you much, much success.
Thank you for everything…I am a bit excited too…this has been a good run.
By: Fragrant Liar on July 5, 2009
at 11:36 pm
I do think you have to be pretty damn proud of yourself for what you have accomplished in doing both of these things and also the other things you have accomplished with your life so far. And neither of these things are trivial. Anyone that has been reading you knows this.
Of course I’ll stop by and visit your friend. You are so right, often times getting encouragement and help in the right direction, when we are struggling, can make all the difference.
Thank you. I know there are many people that have to battle much larger issues than I have…I am just fighting crazy.
By: Lori on July 6, 2009
at 12:39 am
I think there’s something to putting your goals on a blog for all to see. It makes it hard to back out on something once you’ve announced it’s a challenge you want to tackle. And if it weren’t for people like you, I probably never would have attempted to become a runner. I think about that fact nearly every time I run. So, not only have you helped yourself, you’ve helped others in ways you probably don’t even know. Don’t forget that…
I think writing here did have a lot to do with the way I handled myself this past year. Thank you for your kind words. I think our behaviors can impact others in both positive and negative ways…
By: territerri on July 6, 2009
at 2:03 pm
Please don’t trivialize performing in front of others on stage or marathons. My fragile ego couldn’t take it. I think I’ll eat some worms now. LOL j/k
I’ll visit your friend and show some support.
Love this line…”I know there are many people that have to battle much larger issues than I have…I am just fighting crazy.”
Ditto, my friend.
I am fortunate to have my health to allow me to do these things. I think maybe my lack of sanity may have helped too…
By: Run DMT on July 6, 2009
at 9:35 pm