Let's talk about life (02/15/20)

Let's talk about life.

Life can be hard. It can also be amazing. Sometimes, it's just meh. I feel like, due to my profession(s) and personality, I experience the full gamut of what life has to offer. I do freelance work in the entertainment industry, and when it rains it pours, but then it dries up and everything turns to dust. On top of that, I feel all emotions on the high end of the spectrum, so when I'm happy, I'm elated, and when I'm sad, I'm Eeyore. So, needless to say, my life is a roller-coaster of emotions, and sometimes I wish I could turn them off.

Here's the thing though, life has seasons. It has a rhythm, and an evolution. The only constant is change, and that can be especially hard to remember when things are difficult. This post is for the downtrodden, the weary, and the hopeless. It's for those who have been struggling and can't seem to catch a break. It's for the dreamers who can't find rest.

Nothing lasts forever. The harder the struggle, the greater the reward. You only lose if you give up. If you keep going, something will eventually happen.

Now, there is a caveat though, and it's a big one. Are you doing anything that is holding you back? Are you afraid of success, and inadvertently staying where you are because it's safe? Do you only blame others instead of self reflecting? Are you a perfectionist? Are you professional? A while back I posted about what I call the 3 Ps of Professionalism. Personality, Punctuality, and Performance. I posited that you need all 3 to be successful.

I strongly believe that if you are open and willing to improve as a human being, it is only a matter of time before you reach your goals. Only. A matter. Of time.

Proactive waiting is a beeeyotch! Being patient but still moving forward? Where's the skip button? Look, this is your time to process, analyze, and prepare. Luck is when preparation meets opportunity. Now is your opportunity to hone your skills, research that hoozywhatsit, or maybe add something else to your resume. It doesn't matter what as long as you are becoming the person that will be ready when the time comes. Preparation + Patience = Potential. I like words that start with P.

Look, when I first moved to LA, I didn't know what I didn't know. I still don't. I can only look at how much I've learned over the years and how much gratitude I have for those who took the time to teach me. I can walk onto a set with a confidence that only comes with experience. I've screwed up, I've asked questions, I've Googled things, and I've watched people, all the while waiting for my own opportunity.

So, if you are struggling to pay the bills, if you are frustrated because you aren't further along than you think you should be, or if you're working a day job you hate, just remember that food tastes better when you're hungry.

Look for ways to be a better person, get better at your craft, and don't give up. You are becoming a stronger person because of what you're going through right now, and you will be thankful when it's over. I repeat, you will be glad that you went through this time because it will help you enjoy the good times even more.

One last thing. Don't be too hard on yourself. If you've been working non-stop, take a break. Go outside and smell the flowers. Recharge. Some of my best epiphanies and inspirations have come from day dreaming. Don't think you have to figure it all out. Allow the process to work. Do what you can, and then don't worry about it.

I'm here if you want to talk.

Peace.