,

the most annoying sound in the world

I saw a negative review for a project I worked on.


Not only did they critique my performance, but also went after my voice, calling it the most annoying sound they’ve ever heard.


The. Most. Annoying. Sound. They’ve. Ever. Heard.


My voice.


The thing I use to make a living.


Maaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaan.


I’d be lying if I said it didn’t sting a little.


As much as we can pretend to not care when something someone says hurts us, that’s exactly it… we’re just pretending.


We’re still human. We still want to be liked by others. We still feel.


I’ve been an actor for a long time. I know the ins and outs of rejection and not being the right “fit” for a project. I’m no stranger to reading reviews and feedback from directors and critics alike.
There’s absolutely something to be said for constructive criticism and learning where we could improve, especially when it comes to our craft. As an actor, you’ve got to be directable.


Generally speaking, I think we should strive to be better and grow where we can.


But sometimes, we aren’t everyone’s cup of tea.
And that’s okay.


Because I’m a coffee drinker.
But seriously.


Don’t let the world dim your shine because of a bad day or a bad review.

Because the people who DO love you for who you are, the clients who DO love your voice and your work, and the world… well, they need you to be your authentic self. To give what you’ve got and keep showing up.


Shine on, my friends 💜

/by

“You’re selfish.”

“You’re selfish.”

If that’s the voice of your inner critic, too – maybe take a step back and think. Is that YOUR voice or someone else’s?

Chances are it’s not yours but someone close to you, who you loved, who called you that. Maybe more than one person.

I once read that our meanest inner criticisms are not things we’ve thought about ourselves, but what someone else has called us. Makes sense, right?

So… are you selfish for taking care of yourSELF?

No… At least, not the “bad” kind we focus on in society when we think of the word “selfish.”

Doing what lights you up, what makes you happy, what makes you a better YOU is not the bad kind of selfish.

Being a better version of yourself makes you better for the people you love.

If you can’t take care of yourself, how on earth can you take care of anyone else?

Take back the power.

The next time your inner critic pipes up and calls you selfish when you’re pursuing your dreams, you can always respond with, “Yeah – I am. But this isn’t your story. This is mine.”

Or… Think of something cool, pretend I said it.

I believe in you 💜

/by

It’s okay to rest!

Real talk, friends.

I’ve been really tired lately. A lot has been going on. From teaching a camp all day long and then working at night – it’s been nonstop. I’m making plans for big moves. I’m trying to figure out the future.

I’ve missed all of my workouts since Monday. Normally I’d be really upset with myself for choosing to sleep in for an extra hour versus getting that done before work.

But I’m doing what my therapist has been trying to get me to do for two years now: show myself some grace and chill a little bit.

Not all of my progress will be undone in three days.

Getting a little extra rest might pay off for my own mental health, my physical health, and make me a better teacher for my kiddos this week. It might even help me have more energy for the other people in my life who need me.

And it’s okay.

So to my fellow Type 1 enneagrams and perfectionists, I see you and I give you permission to breathe and rest for a little bit.

/by