Hope is EVERYTHING!

I am an actor. I love what I do. There isn't much payoff from the pursuit as most actors can attest; but once you book the gig, there is no feeling like it! But not booking for a long period can be disappointing and disheartening. Many have given up the pursuit as a result. I will not give up! Yes, I have been frustrated from time to time when I've seen some of the same people getting most of the work; or when I put up my best audition, only to fail to book the gig. We entertainers put up with a lot: rejection, time constraints and all of the money we spend on our pursuit. If you've ever watched American Idol, one thing you come to recognize quickly is that you have to love what you do and have the greatest passion for it in order to make it. Being an actor or entertainer at the highest levels can't be a hobby. This is true for any pursuit. Also, a good and hopeful attitude makes all of the difference in the world. At one time I had a very bad and envious attitude, and I didn't even realize it. I'd go into auditions with a smile. I'd do all that I knew to do, and turn in what I thought was a pretty good audition, but still wouldn't book. It turns out my attitude, the truest me that people felt but maybe didn't see on the surface, was stinky! It was like I ate a pound of garlic before I went into my auditions. I stunk up the room with a frustrated and entitled attitude! I'd heard so many times from so many people that I should get such-and-such because my dad is so-and-so. Or "Why isn't your dad helping you?" Without realizing it, someplace underneath I embraced that attitude, and you know what I got? Diddly! Nobody owes me anything! I had to realize that. And once I became truly aware of it, I repented, and I decided that I would no longer let a bad, envious, or unforgiving attitude block me from being blessed; but rather, I will revel in the fact that some of my colleagues are working and succeeding. Their success gives me hope that I will enjoy greater success myself. As an actor, especially in a bad economy, any work is golden and hope is everything! So keep gettin' those gigs guys! It's your time...be blessed and enjoy it! My change in attitude worked wonders. Over the past nearly four years I've had more success than I've ever had IN MY LIFE! The last three years have been years of surprising increase for me in the commercials market, and I'm VERY thankful to God for it! I'm looking to crack open the television and movie markets again as well. My time is coming soon in those arenas, and no one can keep success from my door BUT ME if I give up, or I'm envious, or jealous, or bitter, or unforgiving, or desperate. Those attitudes are no longer options for me. Instead, with lots of prayer; good, honest and honorable friends; plenty of hope and faith mixed with honest pragmatism, and constructive distractions (school, hobbies, gym and the beach), I keep going with a smile - a REAL smile! Life is good! :-D I won't give up! I love success - it is my favorite word! I love to see success in others! I Love what I do, and I love the journey! Let's go together!