Your Pain Is Your Purpose 💔

I vividly remember the first time I heard this sentence. I was alone, probably 20 years old sitting as far back in the audience as I could in the Brava Theater Center on 24th Street. I had taken BART home from downtown and it was such a pretty day I decided to get out in the middle of the mission and explore. I can't remember where I was coming from... but I'll never forget where I ended up. As I turned left on 24th Street, I remember the sun hitting my face and all the brightly colored wrestling masks swaying in the warm wind. I never understood the fascination with them but I guess kiddos sure do love their luchador gear! As I walked further down the lively street, I stopped and grabbed an iced coffee. With no place in mind, I kept going and walked past a building with bright burgundy glass doors. I saw a few people lined up and others carrying boxes of books with brightly colored dresses rushing in and out. What is this place? I stepped in and immediately a well dressed, elderly man waved me down. "hurry up honey, shows about to start!" Before I could ask how much or even what the heck they were performing, he quickly shuffled away his check-in list, stuffed his money envelope in his back pocket, and scooted me in the door. Don't worry 'bout it, get in! Great, now I'm stuck here... what did I just get myself into? I sat on the far left side, a few rows from the back, but after the break, I didn't escape. Instead, I decided I wanted to sit C L O S E R. My curiosity pulled me in and somehow, without knowing how or why, I felt that I was in the right place at the right time. Even though I was alone, I didn't care because I was so engaged. I felt so divinely guided in that hour and a half. Press play to listen to more.