In February 2024, I was at a crossroads. I was seriously considering taking my solo show to the largest festival in the world – The Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
I surprised myself that I would even consider it.
A few summers ago, I witnessed my talented friend, Eleanor, have an Edinburgh experience. She posted videos regularly. It all looked expensive and completely overwhelming. (This festival is the third largest ticketed event on the planet after the Olympics and the World Cup!) I felt confident I would never subject myself to it. I was also kind of depressed at the time so big efforts out in the big world just didn’t seem worth it.
Things shifted for me. I invested in coaching for myself and therapy. And I found the right mental health supplement for my body. And then finally, my creativity crept back into my life along with hope and a willingness to put myself out there.
I got connected to a producer with expertise bringing shows like mine to Scotland. And I came into some cash that would cover the first payment to the producer. If I didn’t decide soon, the best theaters would be snapped up by other performers.
I felt a stab of electricity. I wanted to go. And I wanted to stay the whole month and do a full run of shows. Twenty-two shows in twenty-three days.
But how would I stay well? Besides fundraising, my mental health was a big concern.
I’ve learned a lot about myself in the past few years. In order to remain baseline okeedokee, I need hugs and tender loving care. Regularly. This trip would require emotional and physical stamina like nothing I’d ever experienced. What could I do to get my needs met while in Europe?
I’m happy to say that I have family and friends who will visit me for several days of the trip. This is a strong start.
I contacted the festival to find out how they support the emotional well-being of artists. They told me that they hired an organization called Health in Mind. I introduced myself to Health in Mind as the Founder of Cuddle Sanctuary. I wanted to see if they were organizing any events to nourish artists. My bigger idea was to partner with them so I could lead some events while there.
I was delighted: Health in Mind invited me to have a Zoom meeting!
In our Zoom, I quickly learned that the woman heading up the program for EdFringe had recently seen my appearance in Keeping Up with the Kardashians. She was rather surprised to receive an email from me in her inbox!
I felt grateful that the media appearance opened a door and got us talking. It felt like a very special kind of coincidence. And thus began a collaboration.
With the support of EdFringe, Health in Mind and I are hosting three well-being events for artists on August 6, 13, and 20. It’s all happening so soon – I fly out on Monday!
Do you know an artist performing at EdFringe? Let them know about our free well-being events.
(And if you’re curious about my show – which is not cuddle related – here are details.)