Giving Thanks

Fifteen years ago today;
I cuddled up next to a fellow artist, theater nerd, dreamer, performer and I knew that I would spend the rest of my life with him, working towards our goals together.
I give thanks for him and all of my family and friends who continue to support and inspire me.
Following dreams requires Faith, family, and friends.
It also demands tenacity and a sense of humor.
I’m overwhelmed with gratitude;
I continue to learn, evolve, and dream.

Gratitude

I feel blessed knowing that I can follow my dreams beside a person I love;
I realize how fortunate I am to be able to wake up each day and pursue a career that I’m still passionate about; through hard work, Faith, and the support of my family and friends––I continue to journey closer to the peak.
Not everyone has the opportunity that I’ve had.
I am grateful.

Raising Hell In Rehab

I’m back with my sister;
Raising hell in rehab!
She’s walking, talking, and sadly smoking again––but I guess that means she’s getting back to life as usual.
Her sassy eye rolls (and the circumstance for why she’s in her to begin with) aside, I’ve really enjoyed getting to reconnect with my sister.
As and adult I find it much easier to over look her flaws, as she has mine, in order to get to know who she really is and what she wants from life.
Life––a word that has taken on a new meaning for her.
We’re all so grateful she survived, now if she would just stop bossing me around... Yeah, like that will ever happen.

Life of An Actor

Wake up early to get my journaling, creative writing, meditation and a workout in.
Off to the "day job" (which I must admit, I'm so grateful it's not in the retail or food industry).  #Choreographer
Then back on set! Which is my favorite place in the world to be, even if it means sitting in dirt until they call action.
#LifeOfAnActor

Election Day

Election day always reminds me of my Gram Shaffer and my grandpa Smith.
My Gram was an extremely active woman in our community.  She never needed to push an agenda, but had a magnificent way of encouraging anyone who she came in contact with of their right and responsibility to be involved in the world they live.
My grandpa continues to be an activist.  He served as the County Commissioner in his town, and I'm proud to say that during my first election in 1996- I was able to vote for him!
Ever since- I have been eager to research and elect people that I believe really want to make a difference in public office.
Naturally it's easy to become agitated or repulsed by career politicians and the media pushing agendas on either side of the aisle.
But a voice inside of me remembers that we are fortunate to live in a country where we have the right to speak up and vote.
Whether you think your vote matters or not- we need to remember that there are so many places in the world where citizens are not free and don't even have the option to submit their "illusion of a choice" so I never take for granted my obligation as a proud citizen of the United States of America.
#RockTheVote!

Mom and Dad; My Heroes

I didn't realize it when I was younger-
As an adult, I can comprehend how extraordinary my parents are.
Growing up they gave me: discipline, guidance, support, unconditional love and the confidence to follow my passion; they continue to do so now.  Moreover, they have become my friends.
When I feel like giving up, they're my coach-building me up.
If I need to cry, they provide a shoulder and words of wisdom to cheer me up.
When my ego takes over, they're there to remind me who I am.
When I need help, they continue to offer whatever they can.
I know how lucky I am, I count my blessings everyday.
I have a mom and dad that continue to be my number one fans, whether I'm teaching, performing, writing or working as a waiter; their love and pride is an example of true parenting.

Gratitude

It's easy for me to get lost in the daily grind.
Forgetting to appreciate the people in my life who bring me joy;
Acknowledging the opportunities that have sustained my journey.
Especially in LA, I'm always working, fighting, planning for the next venture,  I over look the adventure I'm on today.
I'm grateful for my past, and hopeful for my future-
But I want to be better about giving thanks for today!
#GratitudeInThisMoment

Blessed

I have my health,

My family and friends.

My passion and creativity continue to thrive,

A beautiful home filled with puppies and love,

Food and water- I've never gone without.

Despite the loss and setbacks in life,

I'm grateful. 

I know I have been blessed with wonderful opportunities, and I must remind myself to be thankful for the beauty in my life.

A Trip Home- Day 5

The time has come for me to leave,
A lot of uncertainty.
Despite the painful truths of life I enjoyed spending time with my family.
I got to spend quality time with my mom, dad, sister and beautiful niece on this trip which doesn't always happen.
Visiting with my cousins, aunties and uncles...
And of course my BOTH of my gram's and grandpa.
It's brutal to realize the facts of life-
Especially when illness is a factor.
It's hard enough to accept that everybody ages...
Time does not stand still!
Ultimately, I'm so grateful for the time I got to spend here.
There were brutal moments, no doubt.
But I know I've been blessed with a loving family, and I trust in Gods plan.

Perspective:

My idea of a budget is only going to Starbucks once a day.
The homeless gentleman's idea of a budget is to use the Starbucks to bathe, brew a Lipton cup-o-soup to eat and refill his environmentally safe mug to drink coffee while he waits for his (non-iPhone) monthly cellular device to charge...
I have a blessed life, and I need to remember that!

It's Official!

I never thought the day would come-

Make no mistake, my love is, and always has been;

Unconditional and eternal.

It was my approach that shifted;

I grew. Evolved. Blossomed. 

I became fearless in a new way.

I awoke to the truth.

Life is short-

Celebrate the goodness and honor what you have.

Deep, passionate, inspired and full of gratitude!

Yesterday we made it official-

But it was, and always will be my greatest accomplishment. 

I've Got The Spirit!

I woke up today feeling slightly deflated-

The past two weeks I've been allowing the negative energy 

to slowly trickle back into my day to day;

I know that life is full of ups and downs,

More important, I remember that I have the choice;

I can give into the fear and doubt,

Or I can choose to release the negative energy and

make room for the light. 

Pure positive energy and action.

I went to church this morning, and I was uplifted by

an energetic priest visiting from India.

He reminded me that life is full of opportunity, love

and if I allow it- the spirit of God.

The priests words filled my mind, heart and soul.

I am blessed with; my health, partner, family, friends, puppies,

a beautiful home, and the ability to wake up every shingle day and

pursue what I love!

I live my passion.

My adventure has purpose-

I choose to release the dark and let my spirit shine.