I am thankful for my friends, my family, for living in a city during this phase of my life, for the love I have felt from others, for the love I can give to others… I’m thankful for the hope I have for the future, and the anticipation I feel for tomorrow. I am thankful for my intuition, my body, and my mind.
Last Sunday, my first professional theatre production ‘wrapped’ (as we say in showbiz). My First Time was a genuinely interesting performance piece – one that I’m happy to have been a part of during its first run in Washington, D.C. (http://myfirsttimetheplaydc.com). As all the dialogue in the play is based on the first sexual experiences of actual individuals, it’s a poignant and emotional experience – funny, disturbing, and heart-warming. My parents and siblings came for a matinée show on Saturday, which was interesting.
I think about self-expression, and the power of individual freedom and individuality a lot, but this show made me think of it in a new way. As I told TBD.com when they interviewed me, no one is sexual the same way another person is sexual. We are all unique – in our entirety – and while I consider sexuality one of the most interesting aspects to being human, there really is no categorizing it.
No family fits a “type” or mold, just as no person can be identified solely by one aspect of who they are. Ethnic heritage, religious or spiritual views, activities and preferences can all be shared with others… they can even be considered meaningful enough to form groups; however, one is greater than the sum of their affiliations. Every individual is completely… individual.
I think that is magical. The idea that I am me, and you are you, and no one is like either of us. It almost makes individuality, in its most basic definition, seem trifling or not as special. We’re all different, so what? But, I am so thankful for the fact that I can know for sure there has never been and never will be another me. My experiences, personal and public, triumphant and embarrassing, challenging and easy, are all mine. I certainly want to share much of my life and experiences with others, it’s true, but even so the way I experience them will never be exactly like someone else’s. My life, my body, my soul are all mine (Thank you Mom and Dad for the life and the body, by the way). I think there can be enormous power in knowing your life is, well – your’s. Self-determination is fundamental to being an individual. I think this is dolce.
Sorry to bring up sex on turkey day.
[For reviews and more info about My First Time, go to http://www.jamesonfreeman.net/press.html]
