There’s this thing you do – or probably do – that is very common. (People have been coming to me with this thing.) It’s that moment when you’re waist deep in ABUNDANCE – things are going incredibly well for you. You’re on a roll on that script, you got nominated for something, you won something and rather than celebrate, your brain takes a left turn. Suddenly you think: “What about the next thing? How will this look?” or “How will I actually be able to DO this thing I’m now given the opportunity to do?”
These questions come up, essentially, to block the thing that’s happening in the first place. By focusing on the problem (or creating one) you’re keeping yourself from fully enjoying your life. You commit to the worry and, effectively, push yourself away from the moment at hand.
This summer, for me, has been incredible in a variety of ways. One of those ways is this: My web series got nominated for an Emmy! It’s one of those pinch-yourself moments. And it’s a moment that lasts. Since the award nominee is Tracie Thoms (the kick-ass lead actress in the series), she has been given a ticket to the show. (It’s the Creative Arts Emmys on September 11th – not televised). I inquired about going and found out the ticket price – $250.
Now $250 is not chump change (when was the last time you heard that expression?) – and it immediately sent me into a tailspin. Could I afford that? Would it be worth it to go? I managed to turn the price tag of the ticket into a series of existential questions about worth and value. Wouldn’t I feel awkward there anyway? Wouldn’t I have to rent a tux?
Somewhere during this wrestling match with myself I checked in with a few industry friends. They were not on board with the torture piece. They said “Go!” Do the thing, buy the ticket, rent the tux and enjoy yourself. It was suggested I take this extravagance and lean into it as a tribute to every creative thing I’ve ever done that didn’t get the recognition I imagined.
It was such a compelling argument – so clear and sensible, I could feel it in the core of my being. Within a few days I bought my ticket. I said yes. (Tux rental to come.)
What can you say yes to? What can you appreciate in your artistic life rather than looking at it as a ‘problem’?
How things land for us depends on how we look at them. It’s time to embrace what’s happening – and see it as an adventure. Say yes!
Remember, if you need perspective, or cheering on, coaching could be the thing.
Enjoy the ride!
