Have you ever found yourself in a situation where the best
explanation for how you got there is “well…one thing led to another?” Okay,
that sounded a little less G-rated than I meant it to but stay with me here. In
the last week I have found myself as a lead in a school play. I have no acting
experience…at all; nor have I ever had a passion for anything theater related.
How the heck did I end up with the second biggest part in a play? One thing led
to another. The content of the play is very important to me and I’d do anything
to make it happen; I’ve been saying that since the only role I had in the
production was bringing the director lunch, never imagining that this is where
it would get me. I never auditioned or anything to that affect. I was promoted
from food-delivery to stage manager and now I’m an actress for the next month
and a half.
I am learning to roll with whatever comes at me. It’s really
hard to do and is very uncomfortable but good. How many times have you heard
that, it’s good to be out of your comfort zone? Yeah, it is but nobody really mentions
how stressful and nerve-wracking it can be. I only got involved in this at all
because I have something to prove with the content of the play. I’m letting
this process go where it may and giving my director a hard time all the way
along; but I’m doing it.
Last night I saw a dear friend of mine go through a really
rough time. He was lost, confused and most of all scared but he pushed himself
to take the next step. As my mom would say, he did “the next right thing,” baby-stepping
himself into a better place. As uncomfortable as it is, it’s easier and better
to roll with life as it comes at you instead of trying to fight it.
Let me clarify, when I say you should roll with life, I am
NOT referring to a situation where you say something to the affect of, “well I
had a couple drinks with him and one thing led to another…I woke up in his
bed.” No, don’t go blaming me for your dumb decisions because I told you to
roll with it. I’m talking about joining something you didn’t know you’d like or
be good at, or telling your parents something you’re uncomfortable with.
In all seriousness though, what’s the harm in going outside
of your box? To be frank, I thought the worst that could happen was a lot of
family turmoil (since the play has some controversial aspects), over exaggerating
as usual. I was wrong, as was my friend who assumed similar ramifications in
his own situation. I’m so much more confident in myself than I was a week ago;
I opened up to my parents, I have a director who has faith in me and I feel
like I may actually do a good job with this play. I won’t be going into acting
as a career but hey, I’m proud that I have the guts to do this despite my
trepidation around it. It’s given me a chance to learn more about myself.
All I’m really trying to say is that taking chances and
rolling with life instead of hiding from it.
Dedicated to my amazing director and incredible parents. I love
you.