Sometimes life events just seem to slot into place, like elements of some carefully crafted narrative arc. If you could read the signs, you’d have seen them coming chapters ago.

It was back in 2018 that I wrote excitedly that the languages were coming to town. My home city, Brum, had been selected to host the 2022 Commonwealth Games, and with it, the chance to show some Midlands hospitality to people from all over the world. I must have maintained that buzz: I posted again about it at the start of this year. Of course, it was all about the languages!

I didn’t take much persuading, then, when a friend asked me to audition for a part in the opening ceremony. And what a take-me-out-of-my-comfort-zone treat for the soul that was. I found myself in a situation where I just had to be big, bold, and throw the lot into it. And I came out feeling like I’d gained a barrowload of courage and confidence, regardless of the outcome.

Fast-forward to now, and I’m halfway through rehearsals for the show itself. It’s been an amazing experience so far, with the big day (28th July) yet to come. I’ve made new friends, found my rhythm, got a lot fitter, and discovered my inner strongman. You’ll just have to watch the show to get that reference…

Standing by my mark and my prop!

And to think that I almost brushed off the idea of attending an audition as too much of a long shot, something others did well at, not me. If there’s any lesson here, it’s simply to explore every opportunity that crosses your path. You never know where an open door will lead.

And maybe, just maybe, that smooth narrative arc of yours was up in the stars all along!