“We must build dikes of courage to hold back the flood of fear.”
-Martin Luther Kind, Jr.
There are always big things to do in life. Things we hate, but we do them anyway. Things we love, so it’s easier to tackle. And even though we love? It doesn’t always remove trepidation, it just that something bigger than you (your heart? God? the universe?) helps you move your feet in the right direction.
And then there are things we fear, we tread softly, anxiously.
Listen to Your Mother was this past Thursday. I feared speaking in front of this audience of 350 people like nothing I’ve ever feared before. There were tears and sweat (OMGTHESWEAT) and anxiety. At some point, a few weeks and, okay, DAYS before LTYM, I would ask myself “what did you do, Beth? Why did you feel it necessary to audition?”
Friends. I panicked.
It was until the day of the show could I answer my own question “because I want to share my story.” It was a want. A need. A desire. A love. An excitement.
My nervousness turned into excitement, like a switch, I beautiful switch.
And so, Stephanie, my graceful friend and the (amazing) director, approached the stage and welcomed the crowd.
And then she introduced me. I was first.
I began to read, I felt the audience listening and I enjoyed every single moment I was on stage, sharing my story.
It went by quickly. I sat back down and I was able to relax and take in the amazing stories about mothering that continued to grace the stage. As a guest, I know, the night was amazing. As a member of the cast? It was something I will treasure for the rest of my life.
I am so glad I followed my heart. I am so happy I faced fear.
It was a magical night.
(the video will be online this summer, I promise to share with you as soon as it’s available.)
Happy Mother’s Day.
You’re amazing, Beth. I can’t wait to see the video! Yours is the one I most look forward to watching.
I was so glad my mom and I got to make it down to see you. It was an awesome show and I hope they continue to do it every year.
Oh your piece really took my breath away, as do your photos. Thank you for being a part of this show- I could not tell you were nervous in the slightest!! I would have never guessed. You were amazing.
Steph
Yours was lovely, Beth. It was uplifting and a reminder to treasure and capture every moment we breathe on this earth.
What an amazing experience! I’m so glad you are now part of my circle!
Loved being in the audience, and loved your piece.
I can’t wait to see the video from that amazing night! I know you must have been wonderful.
Oh Beth, you were the perfect one to start the show off. I could have heard you speak all night. I can’t begin to tell you how great it was. We laughed, we cried, we felt. You were AMAZING…pictures as well! You are so multi-talented!
Oh Beth, I so wish I lived in NW Indiana so I could have listened to you speak. As (unfortunate) luck would have it, I was out of town the weekend of the Austin show. I never go anywhere and then, when I finally get a few days to myself, I had to miss it. So disappointed! I can’t wait to see your reading, I’m sure you did a fabulous job. Congrats!!!
Oh you were marvelous too, my Dear. John and I had opportunity to quote your piece…one of the ahhh more colorful moments…just this weekend!
Beth, you are so cool. One of my favorite memories of the evening is holding your hand.
I’m looking forward to seeing the video this summer Beth.
You were absolutely amazing. Your story took my breath away. It made me cry & laugh. I’m SO glad that you conquered anxiety and spoke from your heart. I can’t wait to watch the video again this summer.
P.S. You LOOKED amazing as well
I love that color.
You are awesome.
I’m so looking forward to watching the videos when they are available!
Speaking in front of people is what I’ll be facing this summer. I’m not a public speaker, but know I’m going to have to lose that fear. I can face the fiercest rejection letter, but when it comes to people my knees go like gel. Brave person that you are!