I recently watched an interview with an outstanding entertainer who said, "I've always had a knack for listening to universe's stage direction." This statement really resonates with me, and I find myself thinking about it throughout the week. So, I dedicate this first blog to doing what God, the universe, and my good common sense are telling me! <raises coffee mug in salute>
As a musician, we must always evolve and go with the flow. Lesson #1, the hardest lesson to learn, and the greatest lesson all rolled into one. Many days, I have to remind myself about to go with the flow. I'm a Taurus; we're rigid, stubborn, and reliable. A blessing and a curse, but one must continuously learn. Gene Wilder in Kiss me like a stranger attributes much of his success to "luck." He claims he always found himself in the right place at the right time doing what he loved to do. Merely luck, or did he merely listen to the universe's stage direction? "Luck" is a double edged sword because when we place "luck" in the mix it allows us to displace the blame for negative circumstances and downgrades our positive circumstances.
For example:
"I got this role because I was lucky to be in the right place singing well that day."
"Luck wasn't on my side 'cause they went with someone taller/shorter/thinner/larger/smarter/dumber/prettier/more 'character-like'."
"You're so lucky you get all these opportunities!"
My friend Karen and I sat at coffee several months ago discussing some of the interesting twists our careers have taken. A phenomenal actress, she shared with me that her motto is to continuously move forward because no progress can be made without forward motion. So true!! Unfortunately, this lesson includes missteps and disappointment! (After all, she didn't say that forward motion is a paved sidewalk with glorious sights, botanical gardens, and restaurants of decadent foods!!) If you stand still and accept circumstances as they are, you cannot make progress. We tend to forget, a rolling stone gathers no moss! As a musician, you will probably have to work a job that isn't musical and drives you to your wit's end just to feed yourself. However, you are not destined or resigned to stand still in that position! Take your days off and fill them with steps forward; take auditions, stage readings of plays, have coachings, lessons, research, sing, practice, perform- JUST KEEP MOVING FORWARD! If you truly want to perform, make the opportunities. Most of the jobs in this business were created by someone so they had a performance outlet! There Karen was, reminding me to listen to the universe's stage direction.
This is a career where you get out of it what you put into it. Positivity, passion, energy, compassion, excellence, and colleagues are just a few of the rewards that await you if you listen to the stage direction being given in your life! Learn for the past but do not allow it to paralyze you!
Now, move forward!!
As a musician, we must always evolve and go with the flow. Lesson #1, the hardest lesson to learn, and the greatest lesson all rolled into one. Many days, I have to remind myself about to go with the flow. I'm a Taurus; we're rigid, stubborn, and reliable. A blessing and a curse, but one must continuously learn. Gene Wilder in Kiss me like a stranger attributes much of his success to "luck." He claims he always found himself in the right place at the right time doing what he loved to do. Merely luck, or did he merely listen to the universe's stage direction? "Luck" is a double edged sword because when we place "luck" in the mix it allows us to displace the blame for negative circumstances and downgrades our positive circumstances.
For example:
"I got this role because I was lucky to be in the right place singing well that day."
"Luck wasn't on my side 'cause they went with someone taller/shorter/thinner/larger/smarter/dumber/prettier/more 'character-like'."
"You're so lucky you get all these opportunities!"
My friend Karen and I sat at coffee several months ago discussing some of the interesting twists our careers have taken. A phenomenal actress, she shared with me that her motto is to continuously move forward because no progress can be made without forward motion. So true!! Unfortunately, this lesson includes missteps and disappointment! (After all, she didn't say that forward motion is a paved sidewalk with glorious sights, botanical gardens, and restaurants of decadent foods!!) If you stand still and accept circumstances as they are, you cannot make progress. We tend to forget, a rolling stone gathers no moss! As a musician, you will probably have to work a job that isn't musical and drives you to your wit's end just to feed yourself. However, you are not destined or resigned to stand still in that position! Take your days off and fill them with steps forward; take auditions, stage readings of plays, have coachings, lessons, research, sing, practice, perform- JUST KEEP MOVING FORWARD! If you truly want to perform, make the opportunities. Most of the jobs in this business were created by someone so they had a performance outlet! There Karen was, reminding me to listen to the universe's stage direction.
This is a career where you get out of it what you put into it. Positivity, passion, energy, compassion, excellence, and colleagues are just a few of the rewards that await you if you listen to the stage direction being given in your life! Learn for the past but do not allow it to paralyze you!
Now, move forward!!
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