Jots from Jody: Archived Columns
Number 1
Hey there, Folks! Who am I? And more importantly, For this column, I thought I would share a few thoughts on the importance of overcoming our fears. For years, my fears hindered me from going after a writing career. It didn't matter that I had talent. The possibility of failure overwhelmed me.
what in the world is this column supposed to be about?
Well, the answer to the first question is fairly simple. I'm Jody Courtney, and
I have been pursuing a career in the arts, as a freelance writer, pretty seriously for a year. I also happen to be a person with a disability.
In 1999, I graduated Ball State University with a major in sociology and minors in political science, religious studies, and interpersonal relationships. You will soon realize I'm a bit goofy. It's part of my charm. I enjoy reading thought-provoking books and spending quiet evenings with friends. (Um, I'm going to move to the next question before this starts sounding like a personal ad!)
To be honest, I'm not sure what this column will be. I compare it to a baby who needs guidance. This column should provide encouragement to people with disabilities as they pursue their dreams. It should make people smile or laugh. But in what format? That is what I need to know.
%u2022 Do you guys want to e-mail me letters, and I could answer a few each month?
%u2022 Would you prefer to read about generalized topics, such as keeping positive?
%u2022 Would you like to read some essays concerning my own journey of pursuing a career in the arts?
What do you think? E-mail me your ideas or comments.
Facing the Fear Factor
I was born with cerebral palsy. I couldn't walk, I had a speech impairment, and I had low vision. Because of these things, people made assumptions. They pitied me because they thought I was missing out on life.
I became the most outgoing,
the funniest, the most actively
involved person I could become.
As a result, I did my best to show that I
didn't need to be pitied. I became the most outgoing, the funniest, the most actively involved person I could become. I was determined to earn respect and acceptance.
The problem with this, however, was that I couldn't do anything that might have led to failure. In my mind, failure would give people another reason to pity me. So I never seriously thought of pursuing a writing career, or any other career in the arts. The risks were too great. Everyone knows how the life of an artist is difficult; My chances of success were slim. Besides, writing exposed my innermost thoughts. I felt if people rejected my writing, they would be rejecting me.
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Despite my fear though, I've decided to have a career in the arts. It took me a long while to accept the fact that having a "traditional" job wasn't realistic. My disability demanded more flexible hours. Secondly, I didn't want to come to the end of my life and regret not even giving writing a shot.
I still feel like passing out when I write anything. I must lay down until I muster enough courage to continue the task! (I'm not joking! My fear affects me to that degree!) I still have to give myself pep talks. I still daydream about giving up the whole idea. (That would be easy to do. Many don't expect me to work. I do have a disability, you know.) These things won't stop me though. If I can figure out ways to use inaccessible restrooms, then my golly, I can conquer the world!
What about you guys and gals? As a person with a disability, what are your dreams? Do you want to pursue a career in the arts? What are the fears that hold you back?
Do me a favor and give yourself a pep talk today. Remind yourself you have much to offer. Tell yourself that you can be a courageous person. You are not alone, and the ArtsWORK community is here to encourage you.
I hope you like what I'm doing here. Remember to send your e-mails, explaining what you would like to see in "Jots from Jody"!
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