The Struggle Is Real — And I Finally Get What That Means

My favorite office… in the audience before anyone arrives

I used to think “the struggle is real” was just a sarcastic throwaway line. Something people said when they were being dramatic about nothing. I’d hear it and think, Okay, sure… the struggle is real… whatever.

But today, out of nowhere, the phrase floated through my mind — and this time it wasn’t sarcastic. It was accurate. It was earned. It was the truest sentence in the room.

Because I’m struggling right now.

Not the kind of struggling where you need to text me and ask if I’m okay. I am okay. And I’m also struggling. Two truths, sitting side by side, not canceling each other out.

And here’s the part I want to share — the part that feels both vulnerable and strangely exciting:

Everything I’ve ever struggled with eventually becomes something I teach, something I talk about, something I turn into connection. I don’t feel ready to share the details of this particular struggle yet, but I know myself well enough to trust that someday I will. And when I do, it will help someone else feel less alone. That’s the part that lights me up.

Because struggle isn’t just something we survive. It’s something we metabolize. It becomes material. It becomes insight. It becomes comedy. It becomes courage.

And that’s exactly what my next workshop is about.

My Brave and Funny Lab — North Hollywood

Sunday, August 16 at 1 PM

90 minutes

This is a workshop where we explore being funny from the inside out — not by performing bravery, but by practicing it. You’re also welcome to bring up to five minutes of scripted material for supportive, constructive feedback.

I thought I’d have the clickable link ready by today, but life had other plans. My daughter came to town, communication got delayed, and the website update will happen when it happens. One tiny step at a time.

For now, reach out to me directly for details. The struggle is real — and so is the work. And honestly, both feel like part of the same path.