My Storytelling Night with First Person Live
How sharing my journey at First Person Live reminded me of the power of vulnerability, transformation, and human connection
Dear Duniyawaalo (People of the World),
I had the absolute pleasure of performing with First Person Live at Hey Nonny in Arlington Heights, and it was one of those rare moments where everything just clicked.
I had the opportunity to share the backstory of a personal transformation that still feels surreal: how I went from weighing 311 pounds to shedding 70 pounds and running my very first marathon—the 2023 Chicago Marathon—at the age of 50.
Telling that story out loud, in front of a live audience, was both terrifying and liberating. I talked about the physical challenges, the emotional setbacks, the self-doubt, and ultimately, the breakthrough that brought me across the finish line, not just in miles, but in life.
However, what made the night truly special was what happened offstage.
I had the chance to hear incredibly moving and powerful stories from my fellow performers. Stories that made me laugh, reflect, and feel deeply connected to the people around me. The room was filled with raw honesty, humor, and humanity, and I am still absorbing it all.
A heartfelt thank you to Diane Kastiel, our generous and gracious host, for creating a space where stories like these can be shared and celebrated.
And to everyone who came up to me after the show, thank you. Your kind words, your warm hugs, and the emotion in your eyes meant more to me than I can express.
We live in a world that often rewards perfection, but nights like these remind me that it is our imperfections, our struggles, our stories, that truly connect us.
Until the next story,
❤ Rajneesh