06/05/2024
Grace. That’s the word that comes to me when thinking about the recent evolution of my solo show, Inappropriate in All the Right Ways.
For the past six years while performing Inappropriate, there were times I couldn’t project the “heroine” energy I needed to embody at the end of the performance.
Despite the script being the same from night to night, I sometimes felt the audience perceived me more as a victim of circumstances than as the heroine of my own story.
My internal struggles seemed to leak into my performance, and as much as I wanted to embody the heroine, sometimes the victim overshadowed her. I became frustrated due to the unpredictability of which energy would show up on stage.
Then came Grace. Amazing grace softening my edges and allowing me to finally fully step into the heroine’s shoes. This shift wasn’t forced or immediate, but more of a gradual unfolding of owning my own worth accompanied by the quieting of self-doubt and an my internal critic.
This insight feels like a revelation, though it speaks to the wisdom of Julia Cameron: “Write in the direction you want to see your life going.” It’s one thing to write it, another to embody it. That embodiment is where Grace plays its part—unhurried, uncontrollable, simply requiring surrender and faith.
How did this become clear to me? Recently, I performed in Mexico City before an audience predominantly under thirty. Inappropriate chronicles my artistic journey and the obstacles encountered.
I anticipated that these young people might gauge success by mainstream benchmarks like Netflix specials and millions in the bank. Previously, such thoughts would have unnerved me, making me doubt my story’s worth from their perspective and mine.
But then, Grace intervened. It filled me with confidence and authenticity, liberating me from cultural expectations and aligning me with what I value most—service and storytelling.
Standing on that stage, I delivered the most genuine, heroic performance of my life, not swayed by what I thought they might think, but anchored in the profound belief in my journey's purpose.
The response was electrifying. The audience went wild, many signing up for my workshop, eager to explore and express their own stories.
They were ready to discover their internal worth, mirroring the transformation Grace had gifted me. This wasn't just about me sharing my story; it was about empowering them to voice theirs. I finally owned my story and in doing so gave others permission to own theirs.
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How does Grace make itself known in your life? Grace often reveals itself through consistent, humble practices—like those of daily writing. In my workshop, Yours Story Matters: Unmute Yourself, we embrace such practices to give voice to our stories.
By showing up every day to write, you not only commit to your story but also open a space for grace to enter, guiding you toward a deeper understanding and acceptance of yourself. This process isn't just about improving writing skills; it's about liberating yourself, allowing your authentic voice to come forward.
If you've felt stuck, uncertain, or unheard, I invite you to join us on May 13th. Here, in the company of kind creatives who dare to express their truths, you might just discover the pathway to unleashing your own story and experiencing the transformative power of grace.
( photo of students in Your Story Matters Workshop in Mexico City)
Link in the comments for UNMUTE.
Kauai Retreats invites you to discover your own unique and powerful story and the profound transformation that occurs when you speak it out loud.
