Ordinary man
Made To Do This is over, but the story is only just beginning. I just didn’t realize it at the end of the graduation call, though.
It was announced prior to graduation that we should turn in our homework assignments from weeks 1-10. If we did so, our names would go into a drawing for the opportunity to be featured on Cathy Heller’s podcast, “Don’t Keep Your Day Job”. I knew it would be a long shot as I had difficulty with parts of the homework assignments as I didn’t have a semblance of my thing until week 9. Nevertheless, I submitted what I had in an email. As I combed through the announcements section of the Facebook group, I came across every response. I felt a sense of accomplishment putting the email together in seeing how far I’ve come. I didn’t expect anything to come of it.
It was the evening of April 27th. I came across the list of those that would be featured on the podcast. Initially, five people would be chosen. But the stories were so compelling that the list grew to 15 features and a list of honorable mentions. And to my shock, I made the featured list. I had to do a double take as I didn’t believe it, but there was my name. Almost immediately, a smile came to my face. Up to this point, it had been five weeks being furloughed from my job and with it not resolving any time soon, I felt a sense of despair. But now, I had a reason to feel joy. About three hours later, I would be tagged on a message and another opportunity would surface.
That same night, my friend and classmate Kelly reached out to several of us asking about our habits during the pandemic for her podcast, You Don’t Look. I was in a state of euphoria that turned quickly into anxiety. I was fearful that I would have nothing to say for Cathy’s podcast and the fact that I never did something like this before. I’d take her up on the offer to tell my story during this time and get myself used to being on a podcast.
It would be a squeeze play as this happened in the midst of briefly returning to work last week helping pack up PPE for medical personnel. At 11 AM last Wednesday, I called Kelly up via Zoom. After her glowing introduction, I felt comfortable enough to speak for myself. I mentioned how the pandemic changed my mindset from looking ahead to living one day at a time. I also mentioned how the pandemic unleashed the creative awakening that has been simmering underneath the surface since January. I felt relief that I pulled it off. And like a child on Christmas morning, anxiously awaited for 7pm Friday evening for the episode to drop. I listened to it and a smile came to my face. I couldn’t believe the fact that the show notes listed me as an author and writer when I haven’t published anything major yet aside from my poems on Instagram.
Myself and Kelly, during the recording of her podcast. I don’t smile often, but in this moment I felt so much joy.
Then, came the big day on Monday. I’d been going through all the emotions leading up to Cathy’s call. I feared that I would mess up the interview by stammering my way through it and not having much to show for my efforts. The interview started late due to technical difficulties. After Cathy’s introduction, the eight of us went one by one to tell our stories. About half way through the call, it was my turn to speak. Before I spoke I thought, my story isn’t nearly as inspiring as the ones that came before. But in the company I was in, my light was able to shine through. And it was impossible not to shine hearing everyone speak. As the call ended, I felt a sense of hope not seen in a long time.
All of us on one screen. Thank you Gail & Katie for providing a snapshot of this moment in time.
There will be another set of interviews later this week. And then, it will all come together in a single episode airing in the next two weeks.
Even if the road ahead is uncertain, I know this for sure. With thanks to Cathy, her team and everyone in the group, the keys are in the ignition and now I can pull out of the driveway and hit the road.
