“I just want to leave”, I managed to say, instead of agreeing to the sworn testimony the customs official wanted to collect from me.
Later, he would ask me to sign something, and I refused.
I couldn’t believe I was doing that. I was having an out of body experience as I did. Part of me was praising myself “Look at you! Look at you standing up for yourself!”
It’s difficult to stand up to authority. Especially under these circumstances when I was being detained in a secured room. They had my passport. There was no way I could just walk out. I wasn’t leaving until they decided I could go. This is like telling the police they can’t search your car or something, when it’s easier just to give in, even if that means you might be putting yourself into more danger.
The last time this happened, they gave me enough rope to hang myself. I didn’t want to make that same mistake.
And despite the fear, I still advocated for myself. As I write this I still can’t believe I did that. And I’m immensely proud of myself.
I’m hosting a Zoom next week where I’m going to tell the story of what happened and what I learned from attempting to get into the US after being banned 22 years ago, and still failing to do so, and why I’m grateful I tried.
I’ve named the talk after “The Kobayashi Maru”, a training exercise in Star Trek where cadets learn how to face a situation that they cannot win.
Imagine feeling inspiration to take action in your own life, step into your own courage, and be entertained by a fun and engaging storyteller!
All from being in the audience of when I tell my story.
Monday September 12, 2022 at 1pm Eastern / 10am Pacific.
Exclusively for Frolic 100 members. Request to join here.
