Wake Up Smiling...

When you wake up in a fabulous mood, even the leaf blowers sound like instruments in a Disney movie.
The chirping sound of birds is the perfect background melody to start my morning rituals;
Even the (usually) annoying toddler––stomping back and forth above––does so with the precision of a bandleader;
Today, is a beautiful day.

Blessed

I’m lying in bed in Iowa;
I woke up to birds chirping and remembered that––although I’m not at home––I get to spend my week doing something I love.
I’m dancing and choreographing alongside one of my closest and oldest friends;
We’ve grown together as artists and people and we still find new opportunities to push ourselves and our relationship.
So while I’m suffering from exhaustion––thanks to six weeks on the road––I’m so grateful that the end of my summer touring schedule ends with a solid creative endeavor... and a lot of laughs!

Friendship; LA

At a trendy restaurant in West Hollywood,
Four former neighbors––a la Melrose Place––gathered to celebrate the Christmas spirit and share our resolutions for the new year.
While enjoying tantalizing food, festive (and fabulous) cocktails, and enough laughter to avoid sit-ups for at least two days, it was evident that we share a formidable bond.
Our relationship has endured more than a decade in Los Angeles––and through all of the transitions, job promotions, setbacks, and scene changes––we continue to seek creative and personal growth together.  As true friends tend to do.
These bonds are rare in LA, more precious than Oscar gold; and I’m not letting go!

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.

Truth on Tour® (Again) 3.5

I woke up this morning overwhelmed and humbled by the passion, honesty, and energy I felt during my residency with the concert dancers at Slippery Rock University.
We don’t always get to do what we love;
Some people never––and I make my living following my dreams.
I have been blessed with a lifetime of creative adventures;
I don’t take that for granted.
As much as I despises traveling––no matter how turbulent the journey can be sometimes––I am always grateful.

Awareness

In past years I've struggled to maintain my goals by mid-May.

The year always starts off strong, and unlike many—I usually manage to stay on track well into the year; but once May comes, I start to fall back into old habits.

Thankfully, one of my biggest goals this year was to remain in the present.

In setting such an ambitious goal, it occurred to me that I would be forced to think outside the box on how to go about achieving awareness on a moment to moment basis. 

This realization manifested into series of books about enlightenment, awareness, and productivity.

Today, while lying by the pool, I looked up into the vibrant blue sky and felt an inner peace and happiness that wasn't connected to a job accomplishment or financial gain—it was a gratitude for the beauty of this moment.

My head was clear, calm, grateful.

Awareness is possibly every day; it requires silencing the noise of ego—and accepting this moment for what it brings.

Gratitude.

When I feel like complaining I remind myself:
I’m alive, I’m healthy, and I get to follow my passion.
Nothing else matters.

For Better or Worse.

The present is here, for better or worse;
Enjoy this moment––you don’t know when it may come again,
Endure this moment––you don’t know what it’s preparing you for.
Welcoming awareness into every aspect of our life allows us to accept the circumstances for what they are, and move forward accordingly.
Invite the light and thrive, even in our darkest hour.

The Now

The magic of now.
Failed attempts, heartaches, grievances and disappoints are behind me;
The challenge to embrace a fresh start––we get one everyday, and it’s our choice to take advantage of the new sunrise, or seek the darkness of the night before.
Happiness is not the byproduct of a fabulous victory, job or opportunity;
It is a conscious effort to find balance and a calmness from within.
Finding contentment does not mean losing the essence of who I am––anymore than it means I will no longer fight for my creative voice.
Rather, it is knowing and accepting that whatever today brings will serve me tomorrow.

Pain Means It's Working. Right?

That feeling you have the day after an intense workout;
I didn’t realize my body could ache in so many places.
No seriously, I didn’t even know I had a muscle there!
Like Oprah, 2016 is the year of loving my body like never before!
Not through Weigh Watchers (unlike Oprah), but with a positive outlook, hard work and major portion control.
I’m done with comparing my physical appearance to anyone else;
I’d rather discover the best version of me––inside and out!

Hello 2016

There is nothing more intoxicating than a blank page in a fresh new journal.
For some, especially writers, that empty space is overwhelming;
I see it as an opportunity to reinvent my story.
An empty canvas––the only expectation, to imagine the possibilities.
I’ve always been that guy who sets goals, both attainable and lofty dreams that seem impossible, which provide a brilliant challenge for me.
In my twenties I spent too much time focusing on hitting the target, and didn’t appreciate the path through the woods––with unexpected obstacles; at the time I considered them roadblocks, now I realize they were challenges that helped me fine-tune my shot.
In my early thirties I refined my approach.  I focused my energy and harnessed my efforts in order to soak in the sunlight that beams down along the trail.
Now, I’m expanding my ideas.
I’m less concerned with hitting specific career goals, and more determined to seek happiness in the daily journey.
Human nature tells me to continue wanting; no matter how out of reach the goal might be, once I’ve accomplished it––like a junkie looking for the next fix, I need more!
I’m ready to break that cycle.  Not that I believe there’s anything wrong with aspiring to achieve new heights, but I’d rather splendor in the moment rather than constantly fight to feel happiness through achievements.
I have never defined my success based on a job or dollar amount, still I fall victim to the mindset that “it” will never be enough.
“If I could just sell this book, then I’ll be happy.”
So as I face the bright empty glow of cotton card-stock, I set in motion a new plan.  I will embrace each day with light and fearlessness, and as I work to accomplish new goals––I will stay present and be thankful for the challenge each new day brings; without stress or doubt.  Every roadblock is conditioning me for the next adventure.

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.

Top Secret!

Today is the first day of rehearsal for a Top Secret project I booked!
I'm so thrilled––only seven days into the new year and I scored a huge gig.
Another reminder that life (and God) will lead you down an unseen path, just when you thought the journey had ended.
Today I am grateful!

Coffee Talk

One of my favorite activities while visiting my family over the holidays is to go out for coffee with my mom or dad.
Bonding over a warm caffeinated beverage in the Colorado cold is the ideal way to share our lives.
Exchanging victories, laughing about old memories and comforting one another on losses and setbacks.
My mom and dad have always been my heroes.
Their support, leadership, knowledge and love have guided me from childhood to adulthood; and I continue to learn and laugh with them every opportunity I get.
My dad and I spent our mornings sharing stories on the way to school.
My mom and I have been addicted to Starbucks and social hour just as long...
For me, it's the simple joy of sitting down with either of them and getting to know them; not as mom or dad––but as people with vibrant backstories.
Sure, we could bond just as easily at home, but there's something about a cup of "joe" that makes the moment that much stronger!

Giving Thanks...

I'm always thankful for my family and friends-
But at this time of year the joy and gratitude overwhelm me.
No matter the distance, I continue to absorb the love from the family and friends who continue to support and inspire me.
Gathered around the television watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, while the smell of turkey and stuffing saturate the air-  just one of the childhood memories that I continue to enjoy today.
Loved ones pass and friends move on, but the spirit of Thanksgiving carries beyond.
#Blessed and #Grateful

Live In The Moment

Is to appreciate the blessings I have in my life.

Without fear of the unknown,

Or regret for the un-changeable past.

Full of gratitude for the opportunities that exist today-

The laughter and conversation with friends,

The unexpected adventures that spring up everyday,

And the reminder that tomorrow is never promised-this moment is a gift worthy of being present.

Dinner Party

Friends, food & fabulous conversation.

Oh, and delicious combination of beverages.

Hawaiian Vacation Day 7

Life is always about balance-

In the dance studio, but on vacation, too!

Two Choices:

The opportunity always exists to be grateful for what I have,
rather than lamenting over the things that I want.
The advantage of celebrating my victories, however small, provides an energy that usually leads to unexpected adventures.
vs.
Laying around sulking, which inevitably lends itself to: overeating, weight-gain, complaining, a bitter attitude, a bleak outlook, depression and an overall lack of creativity.
Life is too short for that shit!
#MakeItHappen

Inner Peace.

Yoga is my practice.
Balance is my focus.
Release is my mantra.
Faith is my guide.