I position preparation at the centre of my performance practice, teasing the neoliberal ideal of striving, and sensitising the construction of normality. Recognising familiar gestures as glimpses of unfiltered embodiment, habitual action becomes profound. I propose breath as an anchor and means of rebellion. Re-appropriating bodily metaphors such as the economic pulse, and performative conventions such as common time (4/4). My work diverges from institutional rhythms, leaning into the internal metre of breath. Prioritising embodiment - I trust the body as my authority. The plurality of human-ness underpins each performance and is magnified by the contingency of performance in a pandemic.