Like most of you, I have been faced with the growing climate of uncertainty. I haven't been feeling quite like myself - full of energy and optimism. Exactly what I'm uncomfortable with - I am unsure. The fragility of our economy?...my retirement?...my family's security?... or possibly is it my career? So, the other day...I spent some time contemplating what I could do about my lack of inspiration. I realized that if I were to continue helping people live the life of their dreams, then, I better snap out of this fog. I remembered the first time I felt passionate enthusiasm - I was 12 years old. I don't exactly recall how or what caused me to declare to my parents that when I grow up, "I want to be a "Movie Star". Perhaps, it was because my mother told me she named me after the actress, Suzy Parker. To my delight, my parents enrolled me in Olympia Dukais's theater summer program and surprisingly, I was cast as Sandy in Grease (even though, I am tone deaf!) I was convinced I was on my way to becoming the world's next movie star. Until that coming Fall when I auditioned for the school play. The drama teacher, Mrs. O informed me that she would never cast me in a school play (that I had no talent) and that I should forget about my ambition to becoming an actress (especially since I couldn't sing) So, that is exactly what I did. It was the first time I felt like a "failure". I never told my parents what the drama teacher said to me. I just stopped talking about my dream to become a "movie star". You are probably wondering why I am disclosing all of this now. Several days ago, a friend of mine told me that a director was having auditions for a movie about Death. I knew it would be a long shot but I reached out to this director and told him that I was not an actress but, in fact, I was a psychotherapist who specialized in grief and loss. He thought the audition would be a great opportunity for both of us and he scheduled me for an audition for a New York movie! So, last Tuesday night, I lived out one of my dreams. I knew I couldn't fail for I have re-defined success for myself as simply showing up for whatever life brings me. All I had to do was move through my anxiety of what was expected of me and move into what I expected of myself which was to honor my commitment to the director and arrive on time. And so I did and had a lot fun. (I was even invited to a party) Some of the other actors believed that I was a trained actress! I almost fell off my chair when the director mentioned directly before the first shoot, "Anything is Possible here". I learned so much from that night. Most of all, that we can re-invent our lives in a split second if we choose to. Don't ever let someone else discourage you from what you are passionate about. Believe in yourself. Ask a friend to remind you what they like most about you. We need to stop fearing the future and live as much as we can in the present moment. I wasn't attached to getting cast in this movie which helped me relax into the improvisation. I just wanted to have a good time. Remember, it is all about the journey...not the destination. In parting, I plant a seed to all of you - do something this week that will re-ignite your enthusiasm and passion for life. Do something that you have always dreamed of doing. And have fun!In Inspiration and Love, Sue
Posts
