Super Secret Sunday Message
originally emailed on March 2 2025n
Yesterday I took a stroll around Bloomington IN before my show there last night. I know this sounds weird, but I had forgotten I sort of lived there for a very brief moment. It wasn't for long. Only a couple of months. But like, I actually signed a lease so I think I did officially live there.
It's understandable why the memory is fuzzy. I was heartbroken and not thinking clearly. I had moved out of my West Hollywood apartment and away from an abusive relationship. I had friends in Bloomington, it's a small artsy town, it seemed the place to rest.
During my walk there yesterday, I wondered if I could find the little studio apartment. It was such a faint memory, but I somehow walked straight to it. It's been over 15 years. This lonely little staircase led up to the tiniest apartment you've ever seen. I mostly slept the 2 months I was there. But when I felt like emerging, there were lovely cafes and restaurants nearby, as well as the campus of Indiana University. I've always loved strolling around on college campuses. (Weird bit of trivia, Indiana University is where the Kinsey Institute is, and they always have some of their art collection displayed. It's worth a quick visit if you're ever there.)
I was broke. At the end of my rope. It was definitely one of those times in life I didn't see the light at the end of the tunnel. Last night I performed at the Buskirk Chumley Theatre to an almost completely full house. That sad memory is so far in the past I barely remember it.
Is there a time in your life where you felt like there wasn't an end in sight? No light
at the end of the tunnel? But today it's just a memory? A part of your story? Tell us about it. Maybe you feel you are in the at-the-end-of-your-rope place right now. That's ok. Maybe reading about others will remind you that this too shall pass.
This week's Call Kevin is going to come a little late. I'm currently in a hotel room in Batavia, IL. I did bring some equipment with me to make an "on the road" episode but for some reason the microphone isn't working. So I'll have to do it when I get home. It'll probably be Tuesday. Sorry for the delay
I'm on substack. I know we are all overloaded with new apps lol. I was hesitant to bother with another one but this one I actually really like. Just so you know, you do not have to bother with it if you don't want to. You'll be able to read the Sunday Secret Message in your email just like normal. But substack has some features that I can integrate here JUST for the people already using it or who want to use it. Mainly there's some features that will make it easier to respond and actually see each other's responses and comment and share. Again, only if you want to. Otherwise ignore this and I'll see you right here next Sunday.
and if you want to give it a whirl here's my substack:
kevinjamesthornton.substack.com
(the new comment features aren't active yet. Coming soon)
And lastly, here's a few of your responses about last week's question of sharing some things that you consider close to your "center of being"
At the center of my being is music. My coworkers often laugh at (but I’m gonna choose delight in) the fact that I’m constantly humming a tune. Maybe it’s an actual song, maybe it’s just random sounds rattling around in my head but it’s music and it’s all the time. Though I’m no musician, music is my soul.
The centre of my being is moving forward, embracing change and enjoying every moment of aging. I see so much around me that reminds me that life is short and we have to live it. Sometimes that’s doing something grand and exciting, sometimes it’s watching married at first sight Australia.
Love Stef.
The center of my being:
- loyalty
- nurturing
These points are not creative, unique, or interesting.
But they are accurate.
Thank you for creating this community.
-L.
If I had to sum up what would be the center of my being, I think it would be empowering others. I'm definitely a very creative and artistic person, but those creative times of my life and career are what led me to becoming a coach.
The center of my being is helping animals in need !
Love and food, lol
The center of my being is love and sadness. I’m at an age where I’m watching my kids growing up and my parents aging and trying to appreciate each moment with them knowing it’s going to change in a few short years. And life is always reminding me that everything is temporary.
For the center of my being prompt: my true north is to be a fierce protector and a courageous voice for anyone who needs it (especially using my privilege and attorney skills to uplift oppressed and marginalized groups). My wish for everyone on the planet is to explore in life with curiosity and an open heart.
I have a few things that sum up the center of my being. The first are two combined: connection and kindness. I always love to connect with people on who they are what matters to them. I also love to show every single person I interact with some form of kindness, even if they don’t return it. There is too much hate in this world and people are going through so much. Being kind can go a long way.
The second are books. Reading is my favorite time and it calms my soul and mind. It is so rejuvenating to be cozied up with a good book.
What sums up the center of my being? I am always in search of authentic connection to other humans, my family, my husband, my friends. My life's purpose is to love.
Have a great week everyone
Shamala Hamala!
Kevin