Sometimes you get stuck in the quicksand of the comfortable, everyday life patterns and you don't realize how unhappy you have become. You've stopped doing all the things you love to do, but you keep drowning your soul because you have become completely complacent. It's so much easier. You don't have to think whatsoever. Suddenly, the walls fall down on you and a great change begins to happen. You have new choices to make. You can either lay on the floor sobbing for days (being covered in bricks hurts!) or you brush off the dust and decide that it's time to go on a new adventure.
With some luck on my side, Sheri was already heading to the mountains and said that I could tag along with her. She was on her own journey, too, making a big move to pursue her career dreams. I was sort of drawing a blank on what I needed to do, but we kept seeing random signs everywhere on walls, license plates, and over hearing conversations from strangers told me that I needed to follow my dreams.
Sometimes, I would get carried away with different ideas of what I should pursue and focus on. It is easy to compare yourself with other people, but life isn't a competition and you need to focus on what it is that you really want. You can't change who you are; otherwise you get stuck again in that comfortable quicksand working a job that you hate, living a life that is a lie.
Sheri asked me, "What is it that you want to do?"
I responded, "I wanted to run my talent agency and write."
Sheri, "Well do that then."
Seems pretty simple enough. People have always tried to push me into different directions. Maybe it's because they don't understand what it's like to be an entrepreneur. You have to work for the money you earn. It's not easy. Sometimes you could go months without getting paid, and that can be terrifying to some people (most people)! Sometimes you have to pick up a few side jobs so you can pay rent, buy your groceries, whatever.
I wanted to create a talent agency that inspires actors to go for their dreams. It doesn't matter what shape, size or look; if you have the passion, the talent, and the drive, then your dream can happen too. I see the sparkle in their eyes and I can't help but say, "Lets make your dreams come true!" It's so exciting to be a part of this!
It is very important to me that the agency remains a positive one and to keep it like a family, so we can all help each other out, whether it is from training, carpooling to Toronto or Montreal, creating self tapes or just the overall support. When I give the call to let my clients know that they got the part... the feeling is indescribable. It just makes me incredibly happy, and I feel very fortunate that I am able to help people build their dreams and their careers in acting. I also have a great team that helps me with this! It took me a while to find the right people for my team, but when I did it was almost magical.
I know I'm not a doctor saving people's lives, but I'm a talent agent. My mom still doesn't believe me when I say that or understand what is it I do exactly. She usually responds with, "So what other jobs are you applying for?"
As I retreated to the mountains, I had lots of time to just think for myself. It is just so easy to forget yourself with all the background noise you get from others. You need to surround yourself with the people that support you and your dreams, otherwise you may lose your sense of self. I mean, it is pretty simple when you think about it. Just do what makes you happy, and not what other people imagine your life should be. Maybe all of us need to go to the mountains. Maybe all of us need to take the time out of our busy lives and go on a little adventure. The adventure of finding yourself again.
