Risk it: Bloom - Episode 1
Listen to this introduction and join me in the movement to be unapologetically you.
And the day came when the risk to remain tight in a bud was more painful than the risk it took to blossom.
― Anais Nin
How it All Began
Thoughts from Risk it: Bloom
The year is 2011 and I start listening to a “podcast,” which was a new thing to me. It was Alec Baldwin’s, Here’s the Thing. Jeff Garlin started one called, By the Way, which I soon started listening to also. I liked the idea of listening, learning, and laughing. Some episodes were more heavy on one, and some had a mixture. But no matter what, I got something from each episode. There was an allure about this new way of sharing information and it appealed to me.
As the years went by, more and more people started podcasts. At first it seemed you needed to be famous or have an expertise in a particular field to create one. Interestingly I noticed that I felt stirred by the different ones I tried and soon started fantasizing about doing one myself. This went on for years.
Continuing to experience life first-hand (conversations with close family and friends), and through consuming information (books, podcasts, TED Talks - thank you Brene Brown!), the feeling only grew. Also I had gotten involved in women’s ministries at my church creating unique content. I found it very fulfilling, which only increased my appetite to forge ahead. I truly believe God gives us nudges, promptings, stirrings, whatever you want to call them, to propel us into sharing with others what he has given to each one of us. So that is what I’m doing. We are better together.
Come along for the ride. You never know what might get stirred in you - how you might be able to bravely follow those desires. Who knows where they will lead? I, for one, cannot wait to find out!
Be yourself. Everyone else is already taken.
— Oscar Wilde
More Tough Times in 2020
A P.S. to Intro Episode - Risk it: Bloom
If you listened to the short introductory episode Risk it: Bloom then you know I shared with you how challenging (sucky) 2019 was for me. Then I mentioned that 2020 wasn’t starting out all that great either. Some times are just like that, right? What I didn’t know then was that there was more in store just around the corner.
Our 13-year old golden retriever, Callie unexpectedly passed on. We had that impossible decision of when to put her down after learning she had advanced, terminal cancer on a Thursday. Or we could wait until one of the tumors burst and she would bleed out. Not much of a choice. We made the dreaded appointment for the following Monday. How do you say good-bye before your loved one is even gone? Not easily. And with lots of tears. But then we are no stranger to grief. Who is?
Next our 19-year old daughter decided to marry a young Marine she had been dating for a month. What on earth do you say or do about that? At some point you have to let them live their lives even though it is SO HARD. I could give her (them) all kinds of advice that would make their lives easier, better. Yet now it is her turn. I gave her roots. Now she needs to use her wings. I am here to support and love - no matter what. Detach with love they call it.
Shortly after this I was laid off after 15 years at a great job. I worked in children’s theater helping to bring performing arts to schools throughout the county. I loved creating the program, collaborating with the people I worked with - staff and school contacts. Even more I loved mentoring the teaching artists. They were the best! Yet fifteen years is a long time and I was ready for a change. And YOU are the change I seek.
Now we have COVID-19. So much fear. So much disease and death. So many new ways of living to try to keep us safe. This is like nothing we’ve seen before. And yet. And yet.
Let us hold in our hearts those who are on the frontlines putting their very lives at risk by working in the medical field. Many are volunteering! Let us hold in our hearts those researchers who are working around the clock to find an answer to eradicate and alleviate this virus. Let us support those who work in industries that keep our households stocked with supplies. (Toilet paper! Who knew that was going to be a thing?) First responders. Postal workers. Trash collectors. Grocery store workers, etc. Anyone who is willingly working in a field that we need to put bread (or gluten-free options) on their table, and ours. Thank you. Truly.
There will be good coming out of this. Lots of it. No doubt if you have been looking you’ve seen it too. And if you haven’t looked - start. We’re slowing down. Our lives are simpler. We are counting our blessings.
And while my 2020 may have had a couple of hits coming out of the gate we know that we can really only take things one day at a time. (It’s a saying for a reason, right?) No one is guaranteed tomorrow. So let’s continue 2020 with gratitude for what is, and for what will be. I am grateful to be here, and to be here for you.
You will succeed if you persevere; and you will find joy in overcoming obstacles.
— Helen Keller
