Blog #24: What Would Dylan Do?

 Blog Post #2: Introduction

And so it begins. This is not my typical journalling. This is the start of my 100 days of blogging. Even if I am not posting every single day, I am writing everyday. My good friend sent me a link to check out Seth Godin who encourages this pracitce in writing and something about it just really resonates with me. He says (regarding blogging everyday), “You will seek to notice something interesting and to say something creative about it…isn’t that all we’re looking for? The best practice of generously sharing what you notice with the world is exactly the antidote for your fear…outlining what you believe and explaining why.” YES. Yes, yes, yes. 

Why, as humans, are we so afraid of judgement? There is absoultely no way that everyone will agree with, support or applaude what you do, so, why aim for that acceptance and recognition? Why not just share what you think and what you know? I’ve often fallen into the trap of thinking that I have nothing of value to share but, of course I do! I’ve been to 36 countries. I’ve had over 50 jobs (hm- not sure if I’m bragging about that one…hahaha…but oh, the stories!), and I’ve lived in over 40 places. I’ve crossed paths with more walks of life than most have even seen in movies. How can I not have anything to share that’s going to move, inspire or resonate with someone? Of course I do! I’m not the greatest story teller in the world but I am a great listener. I love listening (and there’s always more to learn by listening than speaking!) but as a result, I think that some people might not have any idea just how many amazing adventures I’ve had and how many characters (and FOODS!) I’ve met along the way. I promise you, it’s entertaining.  I begin my new journey of sharing this with the world- TODAY. 

Lately I’ve been crying a lot and I don’t even know where the tears come from, but I’m going to chalk it up to the fact that I’ve been out of steady work (I’m a professional singer) since November of last year (yup- that’s 11 months) due to Covid 19 and it’s effect globally. I had been working, steadily and internationally, for a couple of years and I would have just finished a contract in the Britsh Isles (Europe!!!! Are you kidding me?!?) last week. Needless to say, I have felt out of my element and out of sorts and have been marinating in negative thoughts, when alone. I’ve been judging MYSELF, harshly. It’s a deep, dark, heavy judgement that no one in my life can really see. That’s the thing about entertainers. We know how to “put on a happy face” (jazz hands ensue). However, underneath the surface is sadness and fear. The fear of being stuck. The fear of absolute failure. The fear of not succeeding. The fear of never taking the stage again. The thing is, I’ve never been afraid. I moved to NYC, having never stepped foot in that state, prior to going there for college. I pursued a career in acting and singing- something I’d never personally known another Indian/American female to do. I lived all over the world, often re-locating, following my career and leaving behind the stability of homes and relationships. Well, none of those were really stable anyways, so- I have to keep it real. That’s why it was easy to leave, everytime. I point these things out only to say that I’ve never really been defined by fear and I refuse to let that start now. 

My blog is called “The Undiscovered Foodie” and it’s about overcoming your fear of the unknown. Demystifying the exotic. Encouraging you to overlook drab colors or unfamiliar smells and take that first bite. Encouraging you to….DIVE IN. Allow this to be a metaphor for life. TAKE THAT FIRST BITE. There’s a whole world (of flavor!) just waiting to be discovered! And guess what? It’s never too late. Take those self- imposed shackles off. I’m 44. Loud and proud. As much life as I’ve already lived, I belive that there is a whole ‘nother lifetime in front of me. Come with me. Let’s dive in.