Two weeks ago…I did something that scared me. I signed up for a sample virtual comedy writing class hosted by Second City. In the scheme of terrifying events, I admit, this doesn’t seem very exciting.
I mean, I’ve done much scarier things. I’ve started a lot of horses over the years…and you never quite know how that first backing is going to go. I’ve spoken in front of large gatherings of people…that know a heck of a lot more than I do. I’ve jumped out of a third story window…when the building wasn’t on fire (note, I won’t be doing that one again!). So it seems silly that I was scared of a two hour class.
But here’s the thing. Other than one very kind colleague who thinks I’m hilarious (you know who you are and thank you!), I’m not really very funny. And I hate being put on the spot. Other fellow students in this class were already actively writing, acting in, and directing comedy sketches. Heck one was staffed in a network comedy writer’s room. My mind raced with all the ways this could turn out badly…even if badly mean merely mild embarrassment in front of people I don’t actually know.
I nearly didn’t log in.
I watched the minutes tick by on my clock and hovered my mouse over the ‘join session’ link.
I tried to convince myself that it wasn’t a big deal if I didn’t show up. No one would notice.
In the end…I joined the virtual meeting and had a great time. Learned a little. ‘Met’ some cool people. And didn’t perish in the process. In fact, I’m considering taking one of their other courses in the future.
Why would I subject myself to such torture? I mean, I agonized over the situation for at least 12 hours before the meeting ever started. The truth is, I know comedy writing is one of my (many) weaknesses…I’d like to be better…and I realize I’m going to need help to improve. But the answer is bigger than that.
I feel a strong need to constantly be learning, growing, and improving myself as a person. And the only way to do that is to push the boundaries of what’s comfortable. I’m constantly amazed at what I’m capable of when faced with a difficult situation.
What’s this have to do with travel? A lot, actually. A majority of my trips are solo. I only have myself to rely on to figure out and solve problems. And I do. Even if it scares me or seems impossible. Train ticket isn’t working and the only employee available speaks about as much English as I speak French? Been there. Passport issues at the border that require a private conversation with some intimidating looking security officers? Done that.
I see post after post of people, especially women, afraid to step out of their routine. Afraid to try new things. See new places. While we should certainly be aware of the actual risks…we can’t let our own manufactured fears of ‘what if’ hold us back either.
Take one small step outside your comfort zone. Then another. And another. Rome wasn’t built in a day…but it was stronger for each individual brick that was laid.
A podcast I follow recently put forth a challenge to address every obstacle and fear with the phrase “Things usually work out for me.” An excellent suggestion that I’ve been trying to incorporate more. “I’m afraid that I’m going to make a fool of myself in this class…but things usually work out for me…and so I should give it a try.”
While the pandemic has us all tucked away in our homes…comfortable and secure…it’s important to continue to press forward into the unfamiliar. And when the world opens back up…go do/see/experience even more!
