Earlier this month, I road tripped down A1A to Key West – a town that’s been in my mind’s eye for what seems like forever. The road from the mainland to Key West had also forever been in my imagination as well. And, even though Key West is a beautiful, charming old town the reality of the drive, of the town and of The Keys in general was very different than the fantasy version that had been living with me for years. The truth is that The Keys are wonderful for boaters, divers and those who fish. However, I get motion sickness, I suffer from claustrophobia underwater and I become sad about the fate of the fish when they are caught. No worries though because I was in it for the scenery and the photo opportunities.
Maybe you too have met this Hemingway cat?
I didn’t realize that the road to Key West would house a Home Depot, many convenience stores, and, lots and lots of traffic. However, once in Key West I settled into the reality of it realizing that the improv mindset of accepting what is would make the experience richer. No one has invented a time machine to take me back to the days of Ernest Hemingway, so nothing good could come from being wistful about what once was. I Instagrammed the shots that were fun and meaningful to me. I absorbed the old homes, the Hemingway cats and the local art. And, I chatted at length with a local couple, who like me, had relocated to Florida from Colorado and, who like me, had also done a fair share of cat rescue. What I realized in that moment is that reality and fantasy may not always align, but the surprise connections we make are often the biggest joys that come from a travel experience.
The next time someone says they’ve visited the Southernmost Point, I can respond, “Me too!”
The day after the road trip, I hosted the monthly Improv Hangout at Limelight Theatre. This is an opportunity for the community to come together via large group improv games. Afterwards, I overheard someone share that it’s easier for him to stay home and play video games, but once he makes himself get out to the Hangout, he’s always glad he does. Later, a Hangout attendee pulled me aside and said, “Wow. I thought I was the only one who finds it easier to stay home and play video games. I can’t believe there’s someone else!” The truth is that it’s easier for all of us to stay home and play video games, or watch TV or be on social media where we fool ourselves into believing we’re actually being social. The other truth is that we all have a lot more in common than we realize, we just have to be willing to open up, share and discover.
The next week I hosted the first Yes Mingler and launched a new Level 1 improv class. The Yes Mingler is part networking, part party and all play – offline. In fact, it’s so offline that I collect cell phones at the door. At both events, I heard two magic words followed by giggles, high fives and sometimes even wide eyes: “Me too!” Those two words connect people instantaneously and have the power to bridge differences in age, race, religion, politics, sexual orientation and just about anything else that divides us. However, we have to be willing to put down our devices and engage an improv mindset out in the world where discovery really happens.
5 simple ways to add more “Me too!” to your life:
- Smile – You invite people to mirror you with any body language, so choose the one thing that serves as a gateway to having a positive, open exchange.
- Make eye contact – This is a little gift we can give to let someone know we’re engaged instead of waiting for something – or someone – better to come along.
- Say something – Sometimes you only get one chance to make a connection. The greatest “Me too!” situation might be right in front of you, but someone has to make the first offer.
- Be present – Instead of thinking about what you might say next, stop thinking and start listening. The next thing you say will build on what you’re hearing.
- Dig deep – Yes, you might both be standing in a rain storm, and, why not share what the storm makes you think of instead of just wondering when it will pass? A personal anecdote has the power to connect two people in a matter of minutes.
I invite you to experiment with inviting more “Me too!” into your world. Please drop me a line and let me know what you discover.
CLASSES: Improv Summer Series
Thursdays: 6/30, 7/14, 7/28, 8/18, & 9/1
6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Limelight Theatre
Take one, take some, or take them all! Take a deep dive into an improv concept in a safe, supportive environment while getting to know members of the growing improv community in St. Augustine. Open to any level improviser.
SHOW: 3 Blind Dates
Sunday, July 10th, 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Limelight Theatre
An unscripted romantic comedy, 3 Blind Dates follows 3 single ladies through a round of speed dating and the dates that occur as a result. The twist? The audience selects which speed dater goes on a date with each of the ladies! 3 Blind Dates has appeared in the 2015 Colorado Improv Festival and the 2015 Boulder International Fringe Festival. The show won “Best Improv Form” in the 2015 Colorado Improv Awards. Its Florida debut was on Valentine’s Day 2016 to a standing room only audience. This will be its first appearance in St. Augustine!
PLAYSHOP: Improv Hangout
Sunday, July 10th, 7:30 – 9:30 p.m.
(Special day/time this month.)
Limelight Theatre
Play improv games, build community, make a toast and also make some new friends as The Adventure Project hosts a monthly opportunity to play and connect – no improv experience needed!
Please visit The Adventure Project’s calendar for complete details.
