Chapter 1: A Journey Across Borders

Reflecting back a year ago, I would have never imagined that I would be on stage performing stand-up comedy in different countries. Initially, I considered withdrawing from a student showcase organized by my stand-up instructor in NYC, overwhelmed by the fear of freezing up under the spotlight. The anxiety of possibly bombing my set and hearing nothing but silence was daunting, and I was terrified of attempting something new only to find I was terrible at it.

With encouragement from my instructor, who helped me break through my mental barriers, and support from friends who practiced my routine with me, I finally decided to take the plunge. And it was exhilarating. The performance flowed smoothly, the audience laughed, and I genuinely enjoyed being on stage. This experience ignited a newfound confidence within me, making me think, "I can absolutely do this again!" And I did—performing in Bulgaria, Portugal, and just recently, Malaysia.

This journey has provided me with four significant insights that I would like to share.

Section 1.1: Embracing Fear and Finding Joy

1. There’s immense satisfaction in transforming fear into joy.

Had I chosen to shy away from my initial performance, I would have missed the chance to experience stand-up comedy across the globe. Instead, by confronting my fears, I discovered that I could tackle seemingly overwhelming challenges. Taking action, even while feeling afraid, allowed my apprehension to fade away. To conquer fear, you must face it; otherwise, it can govern your life. My trepidation evolved into excitement, motivating me to participate in open mic events worldwide.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Power of Action

Chapter 2: The Freedom to Explore

3. It’s perfectly fine to try something, take a break, and return later.

Within two months last year, I performed at three open mic nights, but eventually, life took over, and I realized I wanted to step back from stand-up comedy. However, after attending a comedy show in Malaysia this month, I felt inspired to perform again. I reached out to the show’s host to request a slot for the next event. This illustrates that it’s acceptable to explore interests, enjoy them for a time, and then step away. We often hear about the pressure to find and commit to a passion, but it’s equally valid to say yes to experiences and later decide they’re not for you—without it being a permanent decision.

The first video features Simon Fraser's live comedy special, showcasing the humorous mishaps that can happen during a performance. It's a relatable reminder of the unpredictability of live comedy.

4. Don’t hesitate to seek support.

I owe my progress to the backing of my instructor and friends. During my latest performance in Malaysia, I collaborated with a fellow comedian to refine my set and gather feedback. Everyone has blind spots, and getting an outside perspective can be invaluable. The key is to be open to asking for help and accepting it.

For years, I had placed stand-up comedy on my bucket list, thinking it was something I would eventually pursue. Now, I’m thrilled to say I’ve performed multiple times! It took dedication—a stand-up writing course, overcoming my nerves, and endless rehearsals—but I did it. As Lao Tzu wisely stated, “The journey of 1,000 miles begins with one step.”

May this encourage you to take that first step toward your aspirations.

The second video showcases a mashup of Trevor Noah's most popular stand-up moments from 2020, offering laughter and inspiration to anyone considering a path in comedy.

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