Last night, fourteen of our members gathered for the 2013 Brooklyn holiday meeting. We had two first timers (welcome Allison and Anthony!), and some familiar faces.
Michael T discussed the challenges of moving forward with our ambitions in spite of the doubts or anxieties of loved ones. Sometimes we are challenged to accept that we may not receive the support we expect from loved ones, but can find it in other places (here!) and fulfill our potential anyways. Then the pizza arrived and we feasted. With bellies full, we all shared one thing that we are thankful for. Jacqueline R. was thankful for a year full of work and growth in her field of acting, and Alama T. for his best friend, who has seen him through relocating to a new country and his stuttering journey. After talking about Marc W’s difficult experience blocking onstage during a cabaret show last week and Rivky’s experience on a conference call at work, we reflected on the fact that we sat in a room full of actors, teachers, therapists, nurses, (aspiring) PAs, and businessmen who stutter. We struggle sometimes and are hard on ourselves, but we are not hiding.
In case you are hungry for more holiday cheer…
There is a CITY-WIDE NSA HOLIDAY PARTY THIS FRIDAY AT 7:00 PM. It is at Draught 55 (245 East 55th St, b/t 2nd and 3rd) and we have private space reserved. It will be fun and cheerful and a nice way to connect with the NSA groups from Manhattan and Queens. Please come and bring whomever you would like, the more the merrier.
Caryn and I would also like to let everyone know that one of the founding leaders of our chapter, Chuck Goldman, has decided to take a little time off and focus on his work at Brooklyn College. He has been a real source of support and leadership for all of us over the years and his thought provoking questions and knowledge base will be greatly missed. We hope to rope him back in for a few special meetings in the future!
Keep warm and see you on Friday or in January!!