[Note: for best results, the following story is best read in a mellow southern drawl. – Ed.]
In 1998, I was in the Introduction to the Forum Leaders Program (IFLP, now ILP) at the Atlanta Landmark Education center.
It was a classroom session on a Friday night. I had had an “aha” and was in the front of the room “sharing” with the class and instructors.
I had realized – starkly – that I had always played for #2 in my life, never #1. Not sure of all the reasons for that, but one was being NO GOOD at ball sports (due to vision problems that I have only finally understood at age 68) and being the last one chosen, therefore, for most ball games. A.K.A. – you’re not worthy or good enough to be number 1.I didn’t know then that it was due to vision problems. All I knew was that I was the last one chosen for most ball games, and therefore the message — as I heard it — came through loud and clear: you’re not worthy or good enough to be number one.
Photo by Markus Spiske
So, I gathered up my courage, threw my metaphorical hat over the metaphorical wall and declared that “I” would be the FIRST person “candidated” (successfully completed) from the Atlanta IFLP class.
Next, I received a STANDING OVATION (Like the ALL CAPS? ;-)) from the entire room in support of said declaration.
Photo by Satyam Pathak
Fast forward, and who do you think was the first person candidated — first by a lot — from that Atlanta IFLP class? Ahem! Drum roll, please… yes, ME!!!
OK, big deal right? Mostly nobody ever heard of any of this stuff anyway, right? Fair enough, however, that thing that I broke open with will and courage and insight and commitment opened the door for:
Since then I have been able to be #1, which paved the way for me to succeed in my career. I am an actor, and I have since been featured in two national television ads; had appearances and recurring roles, in several network T.V. series. I have taught at the Pentagon, and at NASA headquarters; I was able, with careful planning, to woo and marry the woman of my dreams within a year; and, along with many other signature accomplishments, I served as Chairman of the Board for MDI.
It all broke open with a declaration I made one night in a classroom in 1998.
About the Author:
Brian Childers is an Atlanta-based actor, voice actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. His work spans film, television, commercials, voiceover, and digital media. He is the founder of Audition Recording Services and an active supporter of community organizations throughout Georgia.
Childers is also a past Chairman of the Board for Mentor, Discover, Inspire.
A Word on the Frontispiece
This image was created using Gemini_AI software.
