Strength, Courage and Wisdom

As the 2016 Listen to Your Mother submission date and time neared, I wondered if I had what it took to submit. I mean, who wants to listen to me talk about something I learned from my mother? I have friends who are so amazingly awesome that had been in previous casts, so I knew (or so I thought) the caliber of person and writing they were looking for and honey, it was not me. So I did my part and shared the info about the show to garner more submissions and that was that.

Or so I thought…….

I was out and about with some fabulous ladies, one of which was in the cast of 2014. She asked me had I submitted and I laughed heartily. Surely you jest? How could I enter a submission? What would I say? She then reminded me of the very lesson I had been learning this past year and how it would resonate with so many others. So, I agreed to do a submission only if she would help me edit. Did I mention this is all happening on THE LAST DAY TO SUBMIT????? We emailed back and forth and managed to get it done and submitted before the deadline of 11:59 p.m. At this point I am feeling strong because I stepped out of my box and comfort zone. Whew!

But now the anxiety of waiting to see if I get an audition is killing me. Ughhhhhhh. I hate waiting for something I want that I hope I don’t get because ANXIETY.

So the email comes and I now have to look at the calendar to see if I get an audition. Oh. Em. Gee. How is this happening to me? *Breathe Sidney, this doesn’t mean you made the cast. It means they like what you wrote and want to hear you read it out loud to make a decision. You will be fine. This is probably the end anyway. Of course there are better writers and readers out there than you.* So I practice reading to get my cadence in order and I go to my audition. If this is what it is like to audition for a movie or a play, NO THANK YOU. I had ALL of the butterflies that ever were occupying the space normally reserved for my food baby. It was a lot for me, but I made it through and it wasn’t horrible.

When it was over, auditoners were advised that we would hear within the week if we made the show. GAH!!!! More anxiety over something I want that I hope I don’t get because anxiety.

And then I get an email…….I want to scream, cry and hide in a corner all at the same time.

I MADE THE CAST!!!!!!!

*yay!!* *shock and horror* *fear and anxiety* *proud of myself* *what have I gotten myself into?* *you did it!* *what did you do?* *you will be fine.* *….*

What an emotional roller coaster ride from just reading an email huh? Clearly I survived and I am over the moon excited and honored to be a member of the 2016 cast for Listen to Your Mother.

I can do this. I will do this. And it will be great!