Living outside the comfort zone

Reading my work aloud is like standing in front of a room full of people stark naked. And, at the age of 48, I can assure you that’s not happening.  But recently, in Vermont at a retreat with my EMLA agency/ family, I had the opportunity to do just that.  Not the naked thing, but the reading. So, in a moment of bravery or weakness or just kick-myself-in the butt, I signed up to read 500 words from my latest story, Hidden Truth. While I waited for my name to be called, I had the privilege of listening to my agency mate’s share their stories. Amazing, colorful, terrifying, funny, lyrical, creative, and unbelievably beautiful, were just a few of the thoughts that swarmed my head as I listened.  These writers have and will continue to fill the blank page with their gifts.  I felt pure joy listening to each and every one of them share.

Then my name was called, and my joy evaporated into fear and nausea and something else related to the lunch I’d just eaten.  I paused (may have been fear locking my knees, not sure), then got up and read my work.  Out of my comfort zone was an understatement.

But out of my comfort zone was exactly where I needed to be, then and now.  I know, it’s out there that good things happen. Moments I can’t even imagine sitting comfortably at my desk, in my kitchen, my library, my coffee shop. So, my advice, if you have the chance to step outside your box, do it!  I’m not going to lie. It’s going to feel like an itchy wool sweater on a 90 degree day in Boston. But once you’re done, it’s going to feel like you just rocked out to Pharrell William’s song “Happy” while eating the best piece of chocolate cake ever.

So who’s with me?

Book I’m reading.  Fat Angie by E.E. Charlton-Trujillo, and it’s awesome!