Kate stands in the middle of the stage, takes a deep breath, and slowly exhales.

The things I need to let go of

Go.

No one will listen to me because I’m not an expert.
No one will listen to me because my ideas are too weird or niche or uninteresting.
No one will listen to me because I’m not a success.
No one will listen to me because I’m a woman.
No one will listen to me because I’m old.

If I write and share my ideas I will be ignored.
If I write and share my ideas I will be attacked.
If I write and share my ideas it will be a waste of time.
If I write and share my ideas someone else will take credit.
If I write and share my ideas no one will like me anymore.

Kate takes another deep breath and slowly exhales.

I don’t need to let go of these things because they aren’t real possibilities.
I don’t need to let go of these things because if I don’t I’m weak and entitled.
I don’t need to let go of these things because I should be ashamed that I’ve used them to make myself feel safe.

I need to let go of these things because they are holding me in one place.
I need to let go of these things because they are not protecting me anymore.
I need to let go of these things because they keep me afraid.

And I can’t change culture if I’m afraid.
I can’t change art if I’m afraid.
I can’t change myself if I’m afraid.

Curtain.