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Mel's avatar

There's so much truth to trusting our initial instincts—and people with broccoli in their teeth need us!

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Emily Burnett's avatar

Right, Mel?! You get it. Who else is going to tell the poor souls (which are sometimes ourselves) about the broccoli? :-)

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Mansi's avatar

Oh Emily! So glad you put this out there.

I’ve done improv (in a previous life) and loved it but in the last two decades I haven’t thought about it…who does improv at my age? Lol. Like age has anything to do with it.

But it has everything to do with the hesitation we often find ourselves hiding behind, doesn’t it?

In my own little way I’ve been approaching people that looked like the lady at Starbucks you described … and handing them little tokens of kindness.

It’s not hard cash but it’s just a way to reach out and make a connection … in that moment to tell another person “I see you.”

It’s such a hard and super awkward thing to do as an adult. But I’ve walked away more times than I can remember feeling lighter and happier that I did it.

Off to search for improv nights in my area now…❤️❤️

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Emily Burnett's avatar

Thanks so much, Mansi! I feel like adult life is THE PERFECT time to do improv, but I had similar thoughts as you before I took the class. Like, it's silly to do it as an adult, there are more productive things I could be doing...

But midlife is the perfect opportunity to unlearn some of the hesitating patterns we've developed so we can do more of what's good, honest, helpful. See people and say something, or in your case--give them a Mansi love-note.

I'd love to know if you find and join an improv group! I'm going to be looking for one in my new area ❤️

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Jen Knox's avatar

Love this. I've taught improv in my classes (3 Things!) and it's so much fun. You just motivated me to take a class myself in the next year. It's been a long time and I could use the playfulness of it. The release.

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Emily Burnett's avatar

What a gift to your students! Couldn't agree more about the playfulness and release -- it was so cathartic/awkward/fun for me. I hope you find a great class in your area :)

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Tom Burnett's avatar

Clarifying questions are good!

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Cara Bradley's avatar

Seriously been wanting to try improv for a long time. Thanks for the nudge!

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Emily Burnett's avatar

This makes my day, and I can't wait for you to try it. I'm not exaggerating when I say it was a life-changing experience

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