Hey, y’all!
I did something way out of my comfort zone a couple of weeks ago. I went to NYC and auditioned for the Listen To Your Mother show there. I carefully re-worked a piece from the blog, made sure it was under 5 minutes, printed out copies, and then went to NYC with J to audition. I won’t lie and say it was easy. My voice shook the entire time with emotion (it’s a powerful piece) and I was in awe that I was in NYC auditioning, something I never thought I’d ever do.
Why did I go?
Because a few months ago, J bought me a magnet I saw at the local art museum. It looks like this:
It’s so true. Life DOES begin at the end of your comfort zone. Reading things out loud, particularly things I’ve written, is WAY the heck out of my comfort zone. I don’t even read what I write here out loud before I hit publish. The voice in my head reads it for me.
I didn’t make the cut for the show, and I’m okay with that because what’s important is that I still stepped out of my comfort zone.
Now, I want to challenge you to do the same here.
I challenge you to write a piece, maybe 2-4 minutes or so in length about your postpartum experience. Any aspect of it – your choice. No censor either, just raw, honest, and beautiful true stories. Then here’s the even bigger challenge – I want you to record yourself reading it. Video or audio. Whatever you’re comfortable with the most – totally up to you. You can either identify yourself or not, again, up to you. But what is required is the title of the piece at the beginning.
Email it to me at mypostpartumvoice(@)gmail(dot)com. Call for pieces is open until May 7th. I will then get everything gathered together to post at some point on Mother’s Day Weekend. This is a new thing for me and again, is me stepping outside my comfort zone because I’ve never done video before. I’ll be reading the piece I prepped for LTYM on video. (EEEK). They’ll be uploaded to my YouTube channel for the blog (yes, I have one but I haven’t used it… I’m changing that this year) and tagged with Voices of #PPDChat. (If you’re not comfortable appearing on video and would prefer to just submit Audio, that’s fine – that will probably just be hosted here at the blog).
Are you in? You know you’re in. Ready? Set. WRITE.RECORD.SUBMIT.
Let’s bust stigma together.
My Postpartum Voice 
It is very true life does start at the end of your comfort zone. Also if you do not stretch your CZ then it also shrinks.
What a fantastic idea! I will have to try and remember to do this…
YAY! I look forward to having you join us!
Stepping outside my comfort zone is a huge thing I am working on right now so I would love to participate!
Awesome!
Okay. Okay. I’m in. I’m terrified and yet excited to break down the stigma
Yay! I’m thrilled you’re in!
Well this idea makes me feel simultaneously excited and terrified… I guess that means I should do it???
I’d be honored to have you join us!
You are so brave! I went out of my way to avoid info about those auditions. I hope they do it next year, so I can audition, then. But I will do this, for now! Thank you. This is a great idea.
I’m excited to have you on board! :D
-Lauren
Great idea, Lauren! By the way, the next time you plan a trip to NYC, let me know beforehand, will ya?!
I will, promise. This was kind of a quick in and then right back out jaunt. I’m not that far away from NYC now, only 90-120 minutes or so by car.
Oh I love this and will be summiting something. I’m so shy in nature and that’s a huge goal of mine to work through my shyness. I think it’s important as a mommy. So count me in!!!
Wooohooo!
Love this! Will join in. When this week’s business gives me a little breather.
No rush, you have until April, after all. Excited to have you on board! :)
You are amazing, Lauren! Great idea. XOXO
Thanks, Jess! I’m nervous as all get out but this quote is my quote for the year. Life isn’t life unless you LIVE it, right? ;)
RIGHT! Before I had the kids, I auditioned a few times. It is intimidating! I’ve dones some open mics and they freak me out too, but afterwards I feel so FREE! Lighter. I bet you were feeling that way once you were done!
I may try to do this project if I find some inspiration. It is so moving to me. You keep up the great work, girl. I love you.
I was feeling that way once I was done, yes, very free. It’s definitely something to cross off ye olde bucket list, that’s for sure!
Love you right back and would be honoured to have you participate!
-l