Goodbye 2016.

And so it is upon us––another year draws to an end; and what a year it’s been.
The blessings, growth, and adventures have been abundant.
I am overwhelmed with gratitude when I look back on the opportunities and evolution that I have experienced in the past 364 days.
My life is a constant work in progress––I’ve never been shy about admitting that––and still somehow I manage to flourish in the midst of finding myself.
What were once flashes of light in my otherwise dark outlook––have manifested into a literal moving frame of pictures from day to day.
More than ever before, I was able to stay present, accept each moment for what it brought, and breathe through even the most challenging setbacks.
As a writer, I finished my second manuscript.  I learned more about myself through the process of sharing stories from my past, with the awareness of my present.
As an actor, I worked on two television shows––and remembered how magnificent it is to perform; I’m nowhere near the end of this journey.
As a choreographer, I had the opportunity to set my first full-length concert dance piece; watching my story come to life through the dancers eyes was magical.
As a person, I re-discovered that a positive attitude and the fearless pursuit of my passion will always lead me to an opportunity.
I have no clue what’s next for me––but I know that wherever I am, I will do my very best to stay present, seek light, and savor the journey.

Within Not Without

The most overwhelming obstacle in life can be taking the first step;
Focusing on action in a new direction.
We struggled as toddlers and we continue to stumble along the path toward reaching our full potential.
The idea that most of us crawled before we walked escapes our memory somewhere along the road to adulthood, and we forget that nothing worth having comes easy.
There is no short cut that leads to success––more to the point, there is no success which promises inner happiness.
No dollar amount or opportunity can provide peace in our soul;
Reaching career goals, accomplishments, material processions and wealth can contribute to an already enlightened heart, but I haven't found a magic wand that replaces the work that has to be done in order to evolve as a human.

Pep Talk

I’m focused and passionate about my future;
Setting goals can easily get me overwhelmed.
I’m working to find balance, while increasing productivity.
The more I stress, the less I achieve––opposite, when I release and take action I find success.
Exploring ways to unburden myself from comparing my path to others and staying connected with my own personal evolution will lead to victory.

The Perfect Storm

I’ve always heard that “luck” is when preparation meets opportunity.
After twenty years of nonstop hustling in the entertainment industry––I have a much better appreciation for the phrase.
The truth is no matter how much you prepare or how hard you work you can’t force the opportunity.
I’ve enjoyed my fair share of victories; similarly, I’ve experienced devastating setbacks.
I’m an all-or-nothing kind of guy, so I invest all of my emotion and creativity into every project with the hope of success.  In doing so, I can look back on a lifetime of fun adventures and mini-dreams coming true.
When I set out to write a book, I imagined it on bookshelves in Barnes & Noble. I had no idea how it would happen, but I focused on writing a story I’d want to read, and I didn’t worry about anything else.
My finished manuscript sat on a shelf (or rather a folder on my Mac) for two years before the opportunity to sell it came along.
There were a few false starts, but it wasn’t until my partner and I created forty digital short videos, three television pilots, and I was performing on a TV show that a publisher took interest.
It was the perfect storm. Preparation meeting opportunity.
When the student is ready, the teacher appears.
I have to remind myself of that every day.  We always want every project we invest in to be a raging success; it’s only when the creator and project are certain for success that the opportunity appears.

Remember:

When you stop hating yourself––you start loving yourself;
And that’s the first step in succeeding in life.

After Yoga––Low Energy

At some point, I'm going to have to shower off the yoga and dress for success.
It's Friday and I've got a world to conquer!
As soon as I check Facebook one more time...

Six Word Essay on 2015

Five days in, I'm gonna win!

Fresh New Year

I always love a blank page––so full of possibilities.
I regard every new year as a fresh start.  A new chapter in my book, just waiting for adventure and self-discovery.
Some years there is character development, and sometimes there's nothing but vanity and wild exploration.
Regardless, my journey continues to spark a wiser, more understanding and well-rounded hero.
I have no clue what 2015 holds in store for me, but if it's anything like the past thirty-six years, I will be utterly satisfied and overwhelmed with Faith, love, happiness and success.
I'm ready to say goodbye to ideas that no longer serve me––making space for wonderful new adventures!
#HappyNewYear

Saying Goodbye to 2014

Sitting in a gorgeous cabin in the snow covered hills,
I realize how blessed I am.
For no other reason than the simple fact that I have friends and family who share their blessings with me.
2014 has been a year of growth.
It wasn't always easy, nor was it a year full of major victories.
At times I felt like I was in a holding pattern–– every hurdle was twice as high and road blocks kept me changing the course.
I punished myself for things that were out of my control.  
I was angry that I couldn't do more. (A common theme in my life, and a curse that I'm hoping to "resolve" in the New Year.)
I accomplished obstacles that had once been forgotten goals:
going back to school, getting back into acting classes, finding a way (and the time) to stay in yoga.
As with every year, I laughed.  Not nearly enough this year, but that will also be a challenge for 2015.
Loss, sadness and guilt were a major part of 2014.  More than any other year in my life that I can remember.
It's time to let it go.  Saying goodbye is extremely difficult and painful.
However, I've tortured myself enough, and in order to grow––I must forgive myself.
Life is too short, and I have a brightness in me that deserves the opportunity to shine. (We all do.)
So here's a salute to a year of learning, and to the year ahead, may it bring the evolution and opportunity I'm ready for!

Rise and Shine

"The earlier I wake up, the more time I have to accomplish my goals and get things done!"
...is what I repeat as I peel myself from my bed with my eyes glued shut.
As a classic overachiever I set high expectations.  I refuse to fail because I didn't work hard enough.
I've come to the decision that I will do everything in my power to accomplish my goals in life-
If that means a 6 AM wake-up call, then so be it.
The only thing more annoying than an early morning wake-up call, is not succeeding because I was too lazy.

The Morning Grind

I'm not talking about my grande coffee from Starbucks-
(Although I do love a delicious breakfast blend in the morning!)
My day starts two hours before I'd like to admit.
In order to meet my daily goals, I find myself up before the rooster crows at dawn.
Oddly enough, I used to be a night owl but I realized I'm twice as productive in the morning.
So here I am attempting to be creative.
I've discovered that I may not always write a witty blog post, however the act of committing to a daily essay, poem, random thought or creative writing has encouraged me to invest in my growth as an artist and release the idea of perfection.  Which will lead to more opportunity and success! (Hopefully.)

Success Takes Planning:

Focus,

Clearly recognizing my goals.

Determination,

Creating opportunities where they didn't exist.

Strategy,

Learning the game quickly.

Caught Up

It's very easy to get caught up in negative energy-
I can't fall victim to fear-based doubt.
I want to be there to support my friends, but I can't lose myself.
I have the choice:
Lose myself in the insecurities that others project.
OR
Take action to counter strike against doubt.

Fact:

When you wake up early, you have more time to accomplish your goals!
That translates to more opportunity for success!

Stay Active!

Don't waste time worrying about what hasn't worked out.
Assess the situation, and take action to accomplish the goal a different way.
There's no short-cut to success, but there is ALWAYS room to blaze a new path!

You Can Do It All!

If you wake up early,
And stay up late,
You can finish your work.
Spend time with friends and family,
and still create!
Discipline is the key to achieving balance.
Set goals with enough time allocated to work on accomplishing them,
Then make sure to enjoy personal time too!
It's exciting how much you can do in a day,
There is ALWAYS enough time for work and play!

Realizing My Achievments

As a kid I never questioned my goals and dreams;
I knew exactly what I wanted and no one could convince me that my path might be a challenging one.
I stayed focused and confident.
Slowly I began achieving small victories that guided me to new opportunities.
I've made a career out of following every twist and turn,
I've said "yes" to new adventures and unexpected offers.
It's important that I "check in" with myself at every stage of my life to realize that I have enjoyed a continuous journey of growth, discovery and success.
As long as I stay committed to my Faith, confidence and hard work, I will soar.

I Love Mondays

I'm up and ready to start the week.
First things first:
Coffee, morning journal writing, creative blog post, check in on social media.
Then-
Review the tasks and goals I'd like to accomplish and create a game plan.
Followed by:
Morning meditation, thirty minute hike and breakfast.
I'm focused and ready to give this week my full attention.

Daily Reminder:

Stress and fear distract me from success and Faith.
There is always room for positive action.

Reminder on "Making It" in the Entertainment Industry

The ability to work, be creative and sustain a life for sixteen years in an industry that fights to crush your spirit on a daily basis, is a huge success.
That is the very definition of "making it" in my book!