Improv II

Here we go again. I had dreaded the showcase for Level I and it ended up going great. So great that in a of amnesia, I signed up for Improv II. There are aspects of this class that I’ve liked more (better attendance, more interaction with other students), but I’m still feeling dread as the showcase approaches (tomorrow).

I’m writing this specifically to remind myself not to jump on level III without giving it a few days for the performance high to wear off. It will help that I’ve agreed to direct a show for my kids’ youth theatre, so it limits the bandwidth I’ll have in January.

I’m also writing this for all of you out there that are scared. I said to my kids several years ago that “you can be scared and still do well.” I feel like this is a perfect example of that. Even though I’m dreading the performance, I’ll be there. After all, Alanna learns that bravery requires first being scared, then doing it anyway. And every time I “do it anyway,” I’m showing my anxiety that it’s wrong.

Tell me. Is there something you want to do, but your fear or anxiety is holding you back? What would it take to do it anyway? What small step can you take today to work your way up to being brave? I’d love to hear.