Backstage. Dim light, cool chill of a concrete floor, hurrying students. Music instruments, fingered melodies, dance leotards, silent stretches. The not-quite-damp, not-quite musty scent of a place that seldom sees light, the hum of muffled voices as the audience takes their seats, the almost-tangible feeling of intermingled nerves and excitement. I’m no professional performer, but … More Brave Enough to Seek Wholeness
I turned the little booklet over in my hands, drawing my feet up cross-legged so I could perch better on my bed. The word on top of the booklet was Perfectionism, a big idea my parents were trying to help me break down and understand. I mean, sure, I was nervous a lot. Things had … More Brave Enough to Be Imperfect
“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” As I type those words, hearing them bounce around my head from distant childhood memories, I’m wondering how many generations of kids have grown up hearing that. Apparently this quote has been around since the 1840’s, so I’m guessing quite a few. It is admittedly a … More Brave Enough to Try
Maybe it’s because there were an unprecedented number of parallels last year, or maybe it’s because 2023’s breakneck pace rendered me a tad philosophical. But as we move into 2024, I’m feeling — far more than ever before — the similarities between the seasons of 2023 and the seasons of life. A spring of furrowing. A summer of growth. An autumn of change. And now the world outside is taking a deep breath, shedding leaves and colors and shivering in the cold as it prepares for months of stillness. Even the trees are taking a sort of rest. … More Brave Enough to Be Still
The Road to Brave 