On stage as a standup comic you have that specific block of time to share your life and perspective with the audience. The hope? For people to laugh and validate you with those laughs and cheers. When we are done on stage, the etiquette we learn is to signify when you are done by stating “that’s my time.” It makes me realize how important that time is, and not to undermine the value in bravely taking the stage with my guard all the way down. This ep is centered around how comedy, performance, and storytelling has offered me the mindset to be accepting and graceful with myself AND to pause before reacting to what other people do in the world that is negative, hurtful, and likely out of my immediate control. Comedy is SUCH a valuable tool for growth, forgiveness, and finding that connection to humanity that we so desperately need. Also - as referenced in this ep - Audio book recommendation: Strong Ending: From Combat to Comedy - an Audible Original
