February 15, 2018
Another excellent article from former journalist and Peak editorial contributor Rick Smith. Actually, the title is a great idea for a column. What activity do you and other Peak’s readers participate in to provide a change of pace or a fresh start? Editor
Get Out of Your Room!
By Rick Smith
It’s good to “get our of your room” but don’t try this. This 1948 photograph shows Eagle Scout Lee Pedrick jumping the chasm that splits the summit of Pinnacle Peak. Ed. (Courtesy of Katchina Archives.}
There was only one thing left for me to do. Just turn the ignition key, put the car in gear and drive away.
I’d already walked out of the audition room full of people. Overcome with anxiety, out the door I’d marched, across the parking lot, into my car, key in the ignition.
But Esther Paddleford’s words wouldn’t let me leave.
What Esther Said
“Don’t ever be afraid to get out of your room,” Mrs. Paddleford advised me one day.
I took a deep breath and sighed with resignation. Like a lamb being led to slaughter, I got out of the car, made my way back to the audition room and signed up for a turn to sing- I’d be the last person to audition.
I’d learned about the Senior Idol singing contest and had considered entering — until I found out that a preliminary acapella audition was required.
As a songwriter/singer (not a singer/songwriter) I found more comfort in writing than singing, although a guitar and percussion machine helped me find my way as a performer, entertaining now at retirement communities throughout the valley.
It was after a performance at one of these communities that I had the honor of meeting Esther Paddleford.
“What do you mean?” I asked her after she made her statement to me about not being afraid to get out of your room.
“Some people my age just stay in their room and miss enjoying things that are just outside their door- like your songs,” she said. “Don’t ever be afraid to get out of your room.”
I appreciated her endorsement of my music, but her words hung suspended in the air for me. Amplified by my interpretation, I processed her advice as a life metaphor.
Facing the Truth
“I’m afraid to get out of my room,” I admitted to myself about that acapella audition.
Today was Monday, the audition was Saturday. I had four full days to remind myself- and I did
— that I was afraid to audition acapella, that I was afraid to get out of my room.
“It’s Now or Never,” I answered when my turn to audition came and the judges asked what song I’d be singing. What the heck, I’d decided, I might as well get way out of my room and attempt a song by The King himself. The other people who’d auditioned circled the room, awaiting results after the final entry – me – finished.
Standing on an elevated platform in the middle, I took a slow deep breath and exhaled. Then a second slow inhale, followed by a flash of Esther Paddleford’s smiling face and then a joyful surge of feeling alive as the words came forth and I relaxed in the moment and crossed the line.
I was out of my room.
Act Now!
I no longer have anxiety about singing acapella. I passed the audition but did not win the Senior Idol contest. I took home a much bigger prize.
So, here’s to getting out of our rooms — to getting out of our comfort zones. Think about something you’d like to try to do, or you’d like to learn or to experience. What’s stuck on your “One of These Days” list?
Perhaps you’ve already broken your New Year’s resolutions. Consider replacing them with this one: Get out of your room. Time is finite. It’s now or never.
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