Some days I have NO IDEA where my inspiration comes from and yet I have insane bursts of energy and focus and do 10 amazing things for my career in one day. Other times I have to trick myself into just getting my butt to the gym! There are a few ladies in my life right now that I need to give a shout out to. These women are strong, focused and honest, and their accomplishments and drive help me to stay on track when I lose the plot. Today I'm going to focus on one particular lady who continually inspires me and whose story needs to be heard.
Krysten Siba-Bishop This gorgeous woman and former roomie of mine has been fighting a genetic battle like you wouldn't believe. She is the reason that I started a blog in the first place. Not only does she have Long QT Syndrom and a pacemaker, she is also undergoing a double preventative mastectomy on March 5th. Her blog "MisAdventures of a Darwinian Fail" is an absolute inspiration and is filled to the brim with her bubbly personality, stories that will keep you grounded, grateful, and inspired, and other fun stuff like healthy recipes and workout tunes. Click on her name to visit her amazing blog and you will be hooked.
When I was little, and I had to do something that scared me or that was really hard, I would make a pledge to do it for someone that I loved and cared about. It's like in Yoga when sometimes you dedicate your practice to someone. I think I need to start doing more of that. So today - the work I'm going to do, I'm doing it for Krysten.
The "whore" is what my incredible acting teacher and mentor Richard Pinter uses to describe our brains when they turn against us. When for some unexplainable reason the buzz of an accomplishment can slowly morph into worry and stress and we start to see the potential problems that this opportunity has seemingly "created". This "whore" also loves to come around right before an audition (sometimes not until you're in the waiting room) and then sneaks up and crushes your confidence - thus blowing any possibility of booking it.
Recently I had a run in with my own little whore. It was shortly after I was cast in Queen Marie and I started to worry about what I was going to do before that, and after. What I'm trying to do now, and trying to make a habit of it, is shifting that energy into positive actions for my career rather than useless worrying. Instead of stressing about the imaginary gigs before and after, I will edit my resume, update my website, read plays, etc. Anything that is positive for my career and helps me feel like things are moving forward, because they are!
It really all comes down to fear, and that's what I need to keep reminding myself. Confidence is the arch enemy of fear, and as May West once said when asked how you "get" confidence, "I dunno, you just GET it!". True dat May West.
I caught the tail end of "Master Class" on tv last night featuring Morgan Freeman. His words stories were incredibly inspiring and useful for any career. He shared a few tips for success that really stuck with me:
Make the Best of it
That means every situation. See how your current situation will help you in the long term, and if not, at least in the short term. Even if it seems completely unrelated to what you really want to do - make the best of it.
Follow Your Own Muse...Always
Don't just be different for the sake of being different - do it because it makes sense to you.
Follow Your Principles
And you will have no regrets
Be Irreplaceable
Because you know you are
You Have to Listen!
This is the biggest lesson I had to learn in acting and in life!
Adios ya Whore! Gracias Morgan Freeman.
Teaser poster for Memories is here courtesy of Joseph Procopio! Next week is a private screening of Footsteps for the cast and crew to see the final cut.
Still on track for 26 Days of Fitness. Wish me Luck!
xoxo Allie
Here's a little Stars...always think of this video on snowy days!
Just got a phone call from my agency and I booked the part of "Claire" in "Queen Marie" the musical! It's a 9 month contract (my longest one yet!) and I will be rehearsing/performing this summer at the 4th Line Theatre in Millbrook. Something really is in the air :)
With my adrenaline a pumping and happy thoughts abound, I went to a Moksha Yoga class and on my way home made the decision to do a fitness challenge. Will I regret this decision? Probably at some point, but not in the long run. It started today with Monday Moksha and I will continue to exercise every day until Sarah's Wedding on Feb 11th. That's 26 days of fitness. No excuses! I'm going to do my best to try some new classes too and change things up a bit so I don't get bored. Might even bust out my cross country skis!
I think I will spend the rest of my day off listening to dance music and cleaning the apt, including the dreaded office! Then I think I'll treat myself to a much needed haircut tomorrow and try to keep myself away from the GIANT leftover cake from the Bridal Shower this weekend.
Take care, and if you need a pick me up - watch this video. It gets me every time!
I spent most of last weekend in Woodbridge, just outside of Toronto, shooting Joseph Procopio's "Memories" (working title). Procopio, the 17 (!) year old writer/director was named one of Canada's Top Ten Under 25 (2011) by Maclean's magazine. Working on the film was an absolute treat. Not only was Joseph fantastic all around and the crew amazing, but I was co-starring alongside my boyfriend! Unreal.
After the shoot I headed to NYC for a last minute day job trip . Although going back to NYC was amazing - it really boosted my confidence in the decision to move back to Toronto. I'm definitely enjoying the smaller pond right now.
Yesterday was my sister Sarah's Bachelorette party and it was epic. We started at Terroni on Yonge Street (which recently opened its upstairs) which was excellent, and then headed to Le Petite Castor across the street and danced our brains out! You know it's a good night when you pee your pants...literally.
Moving right along...
In between the bridal shower and bachelorette I had to boot it to the Distillery district to audition for 4th Line Theatre's production of "Queen Marie" the Musical. I think it went fairly well - running around beforehand definitely helped in a weird way to settle my nerves. Sometimes when you're not busy - it gives you too much time to amp yourself up about the audition which can interfere with your performance.
I've been a little bit off track with fitness (under statement) but I'm feeling happy as a little clam and ready to get back on track, starting with a Moksha Yoga class tomorrow morning (detox!), and a new workout schedule. Something good is in the air and I'm loving it. I'm so excited for this year.
This song KILLS ME! Give it a couple of listens and I guarantee you'll be hooked. I'm literally listening to it on repeat right now. Also - there's an amazing cover of it that's flying around Facebook right now, but this original version is incredible.
