Jamie Broker

Last weekend, my spouse and I, along with several coworkers, went to a touring Broadway show. It had been several months since I’d seen one. I had some reservations — it was on a Sunday night, we had work the next morning, I hadn’t seen this one before and didn’t know if I’d like it, etc. etc. etc.

I am so glad that I went.

I had walked into the theatre feeling tired, dull, a little sullen. I left the theatre feeling thrilled, desperate, hungry. “That — that was art,” I proclaimed to Spouse. “I want to be saturated in an atmosphere like that. Surrounded by amazing dancers, amazing singers, amazing musicians and tech people and… and everyone.” As exhausted as I was from the week and the late hour, I was exhilarated.

Yesterday evening, after an even longer week at work, I was finally able to sit down at my computer. I didn’t stop working on my story until six hours later. I 100% blame that surge of creative work on being able to be poured into by the high-quality art we saw last year.

So I suppose what I’m trying to say here is that, when somebody online tells you that you need to fill your cup as often as you can, it’s effective. It’s hard to do it when you feel beaten down, even more so if there isn’t much money. Go to the theatre/museum/concert/etc.? With what time? What good would it do? But I want to encourage you, dear reader, to try, within your monetary and energetic means. It was shockingly healing and revivifying for me to see one show. You deserve that, too.

Art for all of us!