It's Time...

I’m tormented by my obsession to be creative, despite a lack of inspiration.
Feeling called to write, choreograph, perform––do something;
Not because I want to cross something off a list, but rather to stay active on my artistic journey.
Sometimes doing “nothing” is really doing something;
The stillness gives me a space to breathe, and then suddenly––out of nowhere––my soul is revived.
I spent the past two years working on my new book;
brainstorming, outlining, contemplating, writing, rewriting, and gathering with my writing group to share and rethink––finally finishing my 1st draft.
Now, I wait.  The agony of releasing my work into the hands of capable colleagues, who may not have the emotional attachment I have with my “book baby.”
I’ve poured my heart onto the page, now I have to move on.
I gave myself the space to rest––two months is plenty of time, right?
The idea of staring at a blank screen is daunting, but the vast emptiness that I feel when I’m not creating is excruciating.
So, back into the sea I go, not at all prepared for the storm that’s sure to hit, for now I’ll just focus on getting past the break and pray for a lifeboat when I need it.

Present Thoughts

The negativity that tries to rule my mind is instantly zapped when I take positive action.
The most useful tool for achieving my goals has been letting go of expectation and accepting the opportunity that exists in front of me.
Sometimes all we have is hope; and that is enough for me to get through today.

Acknowledge the Present

Sometimes––when I’m feeling sad or I’ve give weight to the thoughts in my head––I allow myself to live in a space of negativity.
A destructive habit that feeds my ego, especially because I know that nothing creative or productive is cultivated in the type of energy.
With one breath and a gentle reminder, I identify the issue causing my negativity, release the fear, accept the current circumstances for what they are, and take action to get back on track.
The simple act of acknowledgement inspires positive action, creativity, and the ability to see that the past and future are no match for the present.

The Past

The past is behind us, and we all know that there’s nothing you can do to change that.
So it’s odd that artists spend so much time living in the distant memory of a life they’ve already lived.
I’m currently in the process of completing my second book; no small task.  Especially because this book is a very personal account of the crazy adventures  and random circumstances I’ve encountered in my life thus far.
In order to accurately convey my story, I’ve spent a lot of time reliving terrible moments in my life––similar to re-watching any movie from the 80′s––you know there’s comedy somewhere in the mix; but you have to sift through a lot of shit before you get to the gold.
Essential I’m examining my life from a more clear point of view, and the majority of events that have transpired feel almost dreamlike.
“That couldn’t have really happened to me, did it?”
The answer, of course, is always, YES.
That was your life and somehow you maneuvered around it.  Once I wrap my mind around that, I continue writing.
It’s oddly gratifying to liberate myself from past indiscretions; and also heartbreaking to relive a tragic moment.
In the end, the truth will always set me free.

Six Month Check-Up

We’re supposed to go to the doctors office for regular check-ups;
So it makes perfect sense the I should follow up on my creative, mental, and emotional goals that I set in January.
It’s easy to start the year off with a newfound energy and inspiration; maintaining it throughout the year can be difficult.
Thankfully, I’ve tapped into a manageable way to stay accountable for my resolutions, without becoming insanely obsessive.
I’ve implemented a set of daily reminders to keep me on track without the crazy:

• Start each day with a morning meditation.
• Journal––to release my frustrations and talk through my goals.
• Allow no more than (5) goals or tasks on a list at a time; once I’ve completed an action, I can add a new objective to the list. (This helps me stay focused on the most pressing matters, and allow things to be resolved in order of urgency.)
• Remain positive; the moment I feel negative thoughts or energy, take a deep breath and refocus on a new action that incorporates positive action.
• Live in the now; accepting what is in front of me and making the most of it.
• Trust––maintaining faith that if I follow the steps above, everything will work out.

It’s important to check in with your goals regularly.  No one ever accomplished anything by chance or luck; there was a dream, which lead to a goal, that gave way to preparation, that later turned into opportunity.
Life is short––take action and be positive; everything happens with Faith, hard work, and positive action.

The Path Is Clear

When you release the fear of the unknown;
It becomes clear to see the road in front of you.
One step, in any direction, will lead you to the next step.
We’ll face challenges and setbacks no matter which path we choose;
Deal with those roadblocks when they happen––until then, enjoy the journey for what it brings today.

Take The Step

The first step can be overwhelming;
Anticipation, fear of the unknown, and doubt make it hard to lift your leg.
With a deep breath you find the strength to lift your leg––soon you’re walking one foot in front of the other.
Soon you’re in a full stride with grace and confidence;
Pushing yourself toward new opportunities.
With action comes adventure!

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.

Note To Self

If you think you don't have enough time in the day, consider this:
For every minute you waste worrying about not having enough time––you've lost an opportunity to take action.

Focus On The Work

Every overwhelming day starts with a list.
A concise plan which enable me to think clearly;
I begin with just one task.
As I continue to cross minuscule projects off the list,
I grow more confident in my progress and become conscious of my path.

Take Action

The most difficult challenge on tour is staying productive.
Either you work, or you don’t have work.
Stay focused.  Don’t be a perfectionist.
Get the job done and move on.
Life is short; take action!

The Power of a Choice

I have two choices:
Complain about the situation and expect it to change.
Or
Take charge of the situation and create positive change.

5, 6, 7, 8 Write!

Give a dancer a count off and they take action.
Regardless of what it is, a dancer is ready and willing to attempt the challenge.
I'm sitting at my computer, staring at a blank page––working on my next book.
The problem isn't a lack of stories or where to begin; it's finding the time to do everything.
I pride myself on being exceptional at making lists and getting things done, but right now I feel overwhelmed with lists.
The walls in my office look like that cliché scene from any TV show or movie with the crazy serial-whatever who is tracking down alien-govenment conspiracy-missing children.
I always thought writer's block derived from a lack of creativity or inspiration, but now I'm pretty sure mine developed because it's so hard to block out any time for writing!
Which explains why I have so many notes on the wall (and my iPhone app) that say: write about "_____" when you have time.

When You're Annoyed...

You have two options:
Do something about it.
Or
Sit and complain.
Right now I'm enjoying what I call the "stewing" process––where I let the issue build up until I have to "do something about it."

Motivated!

If you want to "do it all" you have to start by doing something.
Taking that first step in any direction is hard, however it will help motivate the spirt into action.
Action equals results.
So my choices today:
Sit around waiting for a phone to ring.
OR
Pick up the phone and start ringing-up some potential opportunities.
The only way to succeed, is by going after what you want!

Pep Talk!

There are twenty-four hours in a day,
Six of which I spend sleeping-
Which means I have eighteen usable hours in a day.
More than enough time to get shit done!
So I have two options really,
1. I can sit around and complain about what's not "working" for me.
or
2. I can get motivated, take action and make "it" happen.
Good talk, Matthew!

Focus

Creativity;

Constant pursuit of passion!

That is my success.

Daily Reminder:

Remove the doubt and take action!
Remove the doubt and take action!
Remove the doubt and take action!
Remove the doubt and take action!
Remove the doubt and take action!
[Repeat 15 more times]
Do this daily and you will be shocked how much more you can accomplish!

You Have Two Options:

Stay in bed and dream about it happening.
Or
Get up and do it.
In life we always have choices, but the only thing that's going to make your dream a reality is:  Action!

When In Doubt, Take Action!

The only way to overcome fear and doubt is to take ACTION!
There is nothing on this earth that can not be solved with positive energy and work.