Timeline

Seeking joy in the details of today.
Tomorrow offers false expectations and hopes;
Yesterday provides unfair comparisons;
The present offers all there is––good or bad––and the opportunity to triumph.

Easter; the Light

As a child Easter was a representation of candy, colorful clothing, big hats and brunch––of course I was taught about Jesus and the Resurrection, but I understood the food and fashion.
Durning mass this morning, I was reminded that through darkness we find light;
Easter represents the rebirth, hope, and promise that with God anything is possible.
It was a reminder that I desperately needed (and heeded), before heading off to brunch with a box of chocolates, wearing colorful clothing. ...Some things never change.

Clear Mind

The last thing I want to do on my day off is clean; especially when I'm getting ready to go on tour for a month—leaving behind my family at home.

I wanted to spend quality time with Jeff and our puppies, rather than running errands and vacuuming.

While I was hunched over the kitchen table dusting, I came across a note that is written myself; "Be present."

Instantly smacked down with—yet another reminder that I am here now; tomorrow might not come (I know this sounds bleak, but it's true) so why not make this a fun memory?

I took a deep breath (a common theme lately), turned on Amazon Prime, and rocked out with Jeff and my puppies while we got our household chores wrapped up.

Simply stated: "Awareness leads to a clean mind!" 

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.

Tis The Season

Tis the season for holiday cheer;
A party every night will surely lead to a ten pound surplus of Christmas jolly.
And by “jolly” I mean fat like Santa...
Time to ho, ho, ho myself to yoga!
If I’m going to eat, drink, and be merry––I need to find the inner peace to shake like a bowl full of jelly.

Blame It On the Puppies...

If cuddling with my puppies while watching reruns of The Golden Girls was a sport––I’d be a Gold medal winner.
Their soft little bodies warm my bones better than grandmas electric blanket;
But it’s their unconditional love that provides such an enormous amount of joy which forces me to stay in bed an hour longer.

Wine—Not?

So much for detox.

A bottle of wine, will wine;

Worth it every time!

Happy New Year!

Releasing the doubt,
Possibilities reborn;
Partying all night!

Inner Peace.

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

Dinner Party Tummy

Dinner parties are so much fun.
Friends gather to eat, drink, laugh and eat more!
Unfortunately the next day isn't a joy.
Stepping on the scale is a major bummer.
#TheHolidaysAreHere

Dance!

Twirling,
Contracting,
Twisting,
Lunging,
Leaping,
Soaring-
Watching Alvin Ailey American Dance Theatre last night reminded me that dance can have many interpretations, but in the end, the utlimate goal is to be moved!
And I was!
Pure joy!

Artist's Who Can Do Both!

For over sixteen years, I have made a living out of harnessing the passion that lives inside.

Determined to manifest my childhood dream into a career has not always been easy. In fact, some would say it's been downright brutal.

Nevertheless, my passion, (fading) idealistic ideas and the need to release my creative energy has continued to motivate me forward--

On my journey, I've encountered soaring highs and devastating lows.

I've toured Europe. Performed on The Great White Way.  I've even been spotted on a few popular TV shows and movies.  

As grateful as I am for those moments, they are just that. Small bursts of success that have inspired me with just enough incentive to continue "living the dream."

Which by the way, I am NOT dismissing.  I am so thankful for every ounce of opportunity I've experienced along the way.

I've also been fortunate not to hold down a "real" job.  That is to say, I've never temped or worked a true nine to five job.

I have however supplemented my income by teaching.  I started teaching dance while I was still being taught.  (If you're a dancer, you'll understand this.)

As I continued to grow as an artist, my ability to teach and choreograph flourished.  However, I would not say that I was passionate about teaching.

Teaching was a means to an end.  I could do it well, and make enough money to "get by" while still pursuing my art.

As I continued to get older, my distaste for teaching grew stronger.  Sure, I found flickers of inspiration from talented students, and I always make the best of every situation, but I was really starting to resent teaching.

I often wondered, "When will it be my turn to have my dream career, and not HAVE to teach anymore?"  Plus, I was never able to mute that terrible saying that echoed through my head:

"Those who can do. Those who can't teach."

It's awful!

Naturally, I've fought that voice on a weekly base for the past sixteen years, because teaching really does provide the perfect job solution.

It wasn't until this morning while rereading The Artists Way by Julia Cameron, that my entire outlook on teaching changed. In the new Introduction, Julia offers her own insight on teaching, "I was 'called' to teach and I answered that call somewhat grudgingly. What about my art? I wondered. I had not yet learned that we do tend to practice what we preach, that in unblocking others I would unblock myself, and that, like all artists, I would thrive more easily with some companionship, with kindred souls making kindred leaps of faith."

A spark snapped in my mind.  Yes. It makes perfect sense, I am the most creative and productive when I'm teaching a class!  I'm happier. More inspired, and though I often complain on my way to the class, once I arrive, the students encourage me. 

So thank you Julia Cameron for enlightening my point of view.  I am a better artists, because I teach!

Which fuels me to respond to those who discount teachers with a quote of my own-

"Those who CAN do "it" well enough to teach others, do both!"

Never Fear...

The holiday stress is here!
No matter how hard you plan,
or how calm you strive to remain...
The joy of the season is ALWAYS a pain!
I will not give in
to the scrooge in me.
I'm going to drink, eat and be MERRY!