Six Word Essay on Life:

The present is all we have.

Trust

When;
How;
Why;
Those answers work themselves out in the present:
Trust.

Remember

Fear is a trap meant to keep us from living in the present; worry and doubt can easily be replaced with action and faith.

Take Action

Every small step toward your goal matters;

You motivate change regardless of how insignificant you think your contribution is.

Positive action spreads like a rumor on Facebook; it’s more powerful, too.

Life Is A Gamble

Avoiding your destiny is not noble or safe;
Ignoring your instinct will never serve you;
Denying your calling leads only to regret;
Never let the odds prevent you from pursuing something you know in the depth of your soul you were meant to pursue.

Failure

Is another word for motivation.

Never Give Up

As long as you remain passionate and focused on your quest;
Never give up.

It's Not Magic...

If we can visualize our dreams and clearly define our aim into a goal;
We can work toward making it a reality.
It’s not magic; it’s hard work.
A nonstop effort to continually refine our approach until one day we arrive at the target.

I Want To; But, No.

When the track wheel spins on my computer, I want to throw it across the room; but, no.
When I’m cut off in traffic by someone who’s texting whilst driving, I want to ram my car into theirs; but, no.
When I feel overwhelmed with the amount of work I have to do, I want to quit life; but, no.
I practice yoga and meditation so that I can take a beat and breathe.
I want to find my Zen; no buts.

The Beginning

Unknown; we all begin the same way.
Seeking advancement without investment; you will never flourish.
Meticulously observing the details and cultivating awareness for your craft will always serve you.
We cannot be perfect over night; by morning we discover no one will ever be.
This moment is all there is and will serve to prepare us for the the next.
Be here: the start of something.

Traveled

Feeling blessed to know so many talented and supportive people;

Creating opportunities to engage audiences and future artists alike;

A global cooperative of art, culture, social awareness, education, and history: humanities.

Joyfully traveled.

The Theater

West End;
Broadway,
Los Angeles;
And everywhere in-between;
Likeminded artists gathering together to inspire creativity; evoke change; remind us of our past; and challenge our thoughts.

Inspired

My time in the U.K. is coming to an end;
I’m both motivated and inspired by the passion, integrity, talent, and technique that my colleagues have.
They’ve created an environment that is artistic, academic, and professional.
I look forward to the next time; in the meantime I feel excited to return my students in the U.S. and raise the bar!

Friendship

Old or new, they make you smile;

Supportive, inspirational, and honest;

They know when to tell you what you need to hear and when to give you a hug!

Character

The entertainment industry depends on a layered character; carefully motivating the plot and engaging the audience.

Last night I was reminded that a person’s character determines your success in the industry; if you’re an outgoing, positive, collaborative person you’ll work—if you’re an asshole, you won’t.

So, develop a strong character, free of ego, loaded with personality!

Outlook Is Everything

On the right side of the train it is bright, the sun is shining and the skies are blue;

On the left side of the train it is grey and raining;

This trip toward London is a perfect reminder that your outlook is everything. If you don’t like the view, change directions.

Grateful

Waking up to a European breakfast before a day of creativity in the studio;
Spending time in a foreign country exploring the culture;
Enjoying a holiday while earning a living:
I’m living my dream.

Moving Through Fear

Once you identify the fear;
Let go.
Once you let go;
Trust that you will know what to do next.
Every experience brings a layer of uncertainty; in those moments we discover who we really are and what we’re truly capable of.

From Chaos

The moment appears in the midst of chaos;

Sieze the opportunity with confidence:

Trust that you will know when and how to move forward; the only direction heading toward your dreams.

Triumph

Overcoming obstacles to reach you goal;

Finding gratitude for the present;

Accepting what is whilst seeking what will be.

Possibilites

Our dreams; through faith and hard work.

I'm Positive About This...

The amount of energy it requires to be positive is equal to the investment we make living in doubt;
Both are choices that we decide. There will always be people who use circumstance as an excuse.
True victims work through their pain; others use their past as a crutch moving through life.
We’ve all experienced setbacks, traumas, and darkness––relative to us as individuals––and it’s in those moments where we define who we will be because of them.
If both positive and negative energy require effort, why not work to seek an optimistic outlook?

Reach For The Goal

But don’t forget that it’s not about accomplishing the goal as much as it is about refining your aim and learning along the way.

We're All In This Together

The driver who cuts me off;

The dance mom who screams because her daughter lost;

The barista who doesn’t smile back;

The gate agent who could put me in an aisle seat, but decided to leave me stuck in the middle;

The yoga teacher who chants peace, but shares such a negative vibe;

When I remember that we’re all connected by humanity—I release the rage and return to loving my fellow brothers and sisters.

I’m Positive About That…

A positive person is never challenged;

They find answers where others find fear.

Timeline; Destiny

I’ve stopped pushing;

I haven’t lost my tenacity—I’ve just accepted the present: what I have is enough.

I’ve witnessed countless brilliant stars burnout—or worse—lose themselves in the “its never enough” loop.

My journey has been filled with fabulous opportunities; I used to think, “Thus is the one, the one that would propel me into the mainstream.”

What happens once I’m there? Will I stop working hard? Will I feel like I have enough? No to both, I imagine.

Making it? I am making it; I’ve never stopped making it—I don’t need fame or money to prove that.

Letting go of the stress or the desire to accomplish a dream, and living it, presently.

This is my destiny.

Life.

When this moment ends a new one begins;
But all we have is this moment, so let’s just be here for that.

A Little Faith

Some people believe in God;

Some people believe in The Universe;

Some people believe in Science;

Some people believe in the Self;

Some people believe in Mankind;

Isn’t it nice that so many people have so much conviction? Now, if we could just respect one another’s faith and learn how to coexist peacefully.

Surrender To The Present

Last night I panicked a little bit. I briefly lost track of “me” and gave in to the unrealistic drama in my mind. I allowed my ego to launch into a full-blown  interrogation––similar to what you'd expect on a procedural crime show on NBC. I heard Mariska Hargitay’s voice challenging me, “Do you really think that you can continue on this path, Matthew?”
The tone in her voice was so judgmental and serious that it coaxed my soul and heart to conspire with my mind.
Then, a subtle light appeared out of the darkness, (thankfully) I saw my reflection in the one-sided mirror in the 10 x 10 holding room and snapped myself back into the present.
“Who cares what anyone else thinks about my journey?”
Now, my Criminal Mind character took over...
Please answer these questions, Matthew:

Do you still enjoy the journey that you’re on?  “Yes.”
Do you still find pleasure in the creative process? “Yes.”
Above and beyond the basic essential needs (food, housing, clothing, health), have you consistently been able to provide a loving, solid, adventurous life filled with lavish dinners, decadent cultural explorations, laughter and learning for you and your loved ones? “Yes.”
Finally, is there any place you’d rather be; or anything else you’d rather be doing with your life at this point? “No.”
Then what is the issue? “There is no issue.”

Back to the present then to continue the expedition into love, laughter, culture, friendship, family, creativity, and evolution.

Unknown; Possibilities

I woke up to the crying skies;
Grey outside but inside my heart and home warmth radiates;
I am sunny and ready to conquer the day!
Full of joy thinking about the endless possibilities that lie ahead undiscovered.
I continue to explore the boundaries of my dreams;
Some have manifested in unimaginable ways:
Others dance around in my soul waiting for their opportunity to leap!
The beautify of the unknown––there’s no timeline;
When the moment is right, you walk into the light.

Action Causes Reaction

The effect of one action can lead to remarkable victories or devastating defeat;
completely dependent upon the motivation and intention.
Set into motion the positive energy that inspires creativity, change, growth, wisdom, and watch wait for the powerful return.
The reaction will be your reward.