Do something! – gifts from improv

I’ve been working my way through the set of six small cards I made to celebrate and share the gifts from improv theatre. One of the things I love about doing this is that I never know where inspiration will come from for my next post.

Today I visited Patti Digh’s blog 37 days, attracted by her latest post called Tapping Into the Generosity. I’ve written about generosity here and here and here, so was naturally attracted. Little did I know that this would spark a post about the improv gift –  ‘Do Something’.

Here’s what I found on Patti’s site – a meme about generosity.

The first five (cinq) (cinco) (5) people to respond to this post in the comments (on this blog) will get something made by me. This offer does have some restrictions and limitations so please read carefully…

I make no guarantees that you will like what I make. (No refunds… no exchanges!!!!) What I create will be just for you, with love from me. It’ll be done this calendar year (2009) and when you get it, you have to let me know it arrived.

I will not give you any clue what it’s going to be. It will be something made in the real world and not something cyber. It may be weird or beautiful. I may even create something totally unbelievable and surprise you!! It will be handmade and may be any medium I choose. Who knows? Not you, that’s for sure!

I reserve the right to do something painterly or whatever – it may be just weird!

The original meme requires you to post this text into a note/post of your own and make 5 things for the first 5 to respond to it. I’m not going to require that of you. If you would like to do it, great. I encourage you to do it but it’s not a requirement.

So if you’re willing to take the risk and receive something completely hand made by me – made with love and generosity (I can’t guarantee skill or talent) then leave a comment below.

What I will have to do is ‘do something’ – ‘solutions lie in action – move your body! Try something. Anything. Follow your instincts.’ The essence of this gift is starting. Starting anywhere. And doing, rather than thinking about doing. It’s a seemingly innocuous gift, this one. But my, it’s a powerful one.

This is what improvising is all about. Accepting offers, taking risks, being creative, and willing to make mistakes. Creativity and mistakes go hand-in-hand. I’m willing to tap into my creativity, and just DO SOMETHING (it WILL be surprising, for you AND me!). How about it?

(If there’s more than 5 comments I’ll draw names out of a hat)