Life is short. If you get 50 years, it's a blessing. If you make it to your 80's or 90's you've beat the odds. As I grow older I think more about the bucket list and what I want to accomplish before I die. I've never been an extremely adventurous person - never dreamed of skydiving or bungee jumping.
I'm beginning to have some regrets though. Why didn't I travel as a college student when I had the opportunity to do so for almost nothing? Why did I stay on jobs I hated for as long as I did? Why didn't I follow my passion sooner?
Fear of failure or the unknown? Insecurity? Not willing to take a risk? Probably some combination of all this, I suppose.
But now that the years behind me are gaining on the number of years left in my life, I wonder about what's held me back. It wasn't a former husband or family member. It was me and my inability to trod down a risky path. Life is so fleeting and not guaranteed. No one knows the exact moment of their last day on earth. Why waste time doing something you don't enjoy or that bores you? Even if you fail there will be satisfaction in the effort or trying. There won't be regrets later in life.
Go for it! Live life! Try something you never tried before - a trip to a foreign place, a job that's different than anything else you've ever done. Even if it's just to try new cuisine or drive a different route, wallow in the experience. A wide grin may emerge on your face as you discover something new.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
What Will Be, Will Be
Life is full of ups and downs and surprises. This was a trying week for me but as I eventually calmed down and realized I was doing all I could, I exhaled and released my anxiety into the universe. What will be will be. I think the saying is let go and let God. We cannot control everything that happens to us.
Friends will come and go but a few may be with you a lifetime. There will be times of wonderment as in the birth of a child or a stroke of good fortune at the gambling table. There will be disappointments and challenges. So we persevere, knowing that good times will roll again. A relationship may fizzle but maybe that's so a greater love can enter your life. A job may not work out but then you find a better one. You may wonder how you're going to make it financially through the week or month then a windfall or job offer lands in your lap.
Follow your dreams, keep pushing and know that the journey is worth it. Believe in yourself and your goals will become easier to reach. Stay positive even in the midst of dire situations and see what the universe brings you.
Friends will come and go but a few may be with you a lifetime. There will be times of wonderment as in the birth of a child or a stroke of good fortune at the gambling table. There will be disappointments and challenges. So we persevere, knowing that good times will roll again. A relationship may fizzle but maybe that's so a greater love can enter your life. A job may not work out but then you find a better one. You may wonder how you're going to make it financially through the week or month then a windfall or job offer lands in your lap.
Follow your dreams, keep pushing and know that the journey is worth it. Believe in yourself and your goals will become easier to reach. Stay positive even in the midst of dire situations and see what the universe brings you.
Sunday, April 22, 2012
ATLANTA, MY ADOPTED HOME
Spring is here and summer's just around the corner. On this beautiful Sunday I ventured out to Atlanta's Dogwood Festival along with hundreds of other people. I remember going years ago when there weren't as many people or traffic. Today after battling the cars and bumping into dozens of people I wonder if it was even worth it. This festival is free and that's why so many people show up with their lovers, spouses and kids. Where else can you go see Roberta Flack free in concert?
Growing up in Los Angeles I don't remember too many things being free. The only place you could go for free were the malls and beaches and you had plenty to choose from - Venice, Santa Monica, Malibu. I have to admit that I miss the ocean breezes and the calming effect of the waves. I miss the year-round warm weather but for every advantage there's a price to pay. L.A. is a very expensive place to live and that's the main reason I moved to Atlanta. Plus, there's a black history here that's indisputable. My daughter was exposed to Battle of the Bands and the historical black colleges here that did not exist in Los Angeles. I feel honored to walk on the same grounds as Dr. Martin Luther King and his father, to be able to visit the college (Morehouse) he graduated from. Though I get to L.A. several times during the year I am proud to call Atlanta my adopted home.
Growing up in Los Angeles I don't remember too many things being free. The only place you could go for free were the malls and beaches and you had plenty to choose from - Venice, Santa Monica, Malibu. I have to admit that I miss the ocean breezes and the calming effect of the waves. I miss the year-round warm weather but for every advantage there's a price to pay. L.A. is a very expensive place to live and that's the main reason I moved to Atlanta. Plus, there's a black history here that's indisputable. My daughter was exposed to Battle of the Bands and the historical black colleges here that did not exist in Los Angeles. I feel honored to walk on the same grounds as Dr. Martin Luther King and his father, to be able to visit the college (Morehouse) he graduated from. Though I get to L.A. several times during the year I am proud to call Atlanta my adopted home.
Thursday, March 22, 2012
The More You Try the Easier It Becomes
I understand the saying, "opportunity is when luck meets experience". The more I write the easier it becomes. The more I network the more I get out of it. The more I help others the more help I receive. Getting the theme here?
Whatever it is you're trying to do - finish school, become an attorney or nurse or teacher or actor just keep getting better. Keep learning, growing and putting your stuff out there and you will move toward your goal and eventually, have some success. I believe this is the way the universe works. But we cannot be selfish about it. Don't get involved just to benefit yourself. Give whatever knowledge and information you can to help others. Share your skills with others and others will share their contacts and inside information with you.
"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." Remember this golden rule? It still applies. If more people would do this there would be less war and more peace on Earth.
Whatever it is you're trying to do - finish school, become an attorney or nurse or teacher or actor just keep getting better. Keep learning, growing and putting your stuff out there and you will move toward your goal and eventually, have some success. I believe this is the way the universe works. But we cannot be selfish about it. Don't get involved just to benefit yourself. Give whatever knowledge and information you can to help others. Share your skills with others and others will share their contacts and inside information with you.
"Do unto others as you would have others do unto you." Remember this golden rule? It still applies. If more people would do this there would be less war and more peace on Earth.
Friday, February 17, 2012
LIFE IS NOT A DRESS REHEARSAL
Did you notice that the second month of 2012 is almost over? Time is flying folks. Are you on track for accomplishing what you want this year? Are you keeping track of your efforts, wins and losses? If not better get with it.
I saw Safe House and wow, what a movie. Denzel has got to be one of the best actors of our generation and is still bringing it. But great actors never lose their edge. Look at Robert Deniro, Meryl Streep. Talent like theirs never gets old.
I know what my goals are, am moving forward on my plan of action. Should be interesting to see how things play out this year for me. I'm still reeling from Whitney's death but life continues on for the rest of us. She will be missed and loved always, just like Amy Winehouse and Etta James and Michael Jackson.
Life is not guaranteed people. None of us know when the grim reaper will come knocking at our door so get out there, be bold, grab that dream and don't let go. It's on for real. Life is not a dress rehearsal.
I saw Safe House and wow, what a movie. Denzel has got to be one of the best actors of our generation and is still bringing it. But great actors never lose their edge. Look at Robert Deniro, Meryl Streep. Talent like theirs never gets old.
I know what my goals are, am moving forward on my plan of action. Should be interesting to see how things play out this year for me. I'm still reeling from Whitney's death but life continues on for the rest of us. She will be missed and loved always, just like Amy Winehouse and Etta James and Michael Jackson.
Life is not guaranteed people. None of us know when the grim reaper will come knocking at our door so get out there, be bold, grab that dream and don't let go. It's on for real. Life is not a dress rehearsal.
Friday, January 6, 2012
RESOLUTIONS
I've made some resolutions for 2012. One of the top ten resolutions that everyone makes is to lose weight and save money. Guess I'm no different because I've started off with a new exercise routine. ...zumba. It's great and what a work out! I'm dropping at least one size and am gonna get back in those skinny jeans this year. Oh, it's so on! Another resolution is to write something every day, not every other day, not twice a week but something every day even if it's just one scene or for fifteen minutes.
Hope you follow through with any resolutions you make. Otherwise, what's the point? I mean, who are you fooling? Life is short and each year it gets shorter so make the most of it. Set your goals, write them down and follow through. Sounds simpler than it is, I know but if you're serious you will be very proud of yourself at the end of the year when you assess what you accomplished.
I will be doing a lot of networking and making new friends and that I look forward to. I resolve that 2012 will be a great year!
Hope you follow through with any resolutions you make. Otherwise, what's the point? I mean, who are you fooling? Life is short and each year it gets shorter so make the most of it. Set your goals, write them down and follow through. Sounds simpler than it is, I know but if you're serious you will be very proud of yourself at the end of the year when you assess what you accomplished.
I will be doing a lot of networking and making new friends and that I look forward to. I resolve that 2012 will be a great year!
Thursday, December 1, 2011
THOUGHTS FOR A NEW YEAR
I'm ready for 2012. Can't wait because my gut says it's gonna be a great year! 2011 wasn't bad but not great for me. If I can stay sane through the maddening holiday shopping of December I'll be fine. I go through this every year - shopping during the last month of the year and declaring each year that I won't let it happen again. And guess what? It's the same routine the next year.
Thinking about making resolutions for the new year. Yeah, think I will write some down because it's fun at the end of the year to see what I accomplished. 2012 is an election year. That should be exciting. Can Obama overcome all the obstacles thrown in his way? Will the republicans get it together? When will our country recover from the near depression we're in?
This year I wanted to finish another screenplay (didn't do it) but did re-write one and started another one. I volunteered at and attended one film festival and joined two screenwriter groups. I entered several screenwriting contests and am waiting to see if anything comes of it. I made some new contacts and friends and finally met some of my mysterious neighbors. I was beginning to wonder if some of them were axe murderers or something. They are not, thank God!
So, bring on the new year! Soon we'll all be saying good night to to 2011 which is fine with me. Ring out the old and bring in the new. May 2012 be a banner year for all of us!
Thinking about making resolutions for the new year. Yeah, think I will write some down because it's fun at the end of the year to see what I accomplished. 2012 is an election year. That should be exciting. Can Obama overcome all the obstacles thrown in his way? Will the republicans get it together? When will our country recover from the near depression we're in?
This year I wanted to finish another screenplay (didn't do it) but did re-write one and started another one. I volunteered at and attended one film festival and joined two screenwriter groups. I entered several screenwriting contests and am waiting to see if anything comes of it. I made some new contacts and friends and finally met some of my mysterious neighbors. I was beginning to wonder if some of them were axe murderers or something. They are not, thank God!
So, bring on the new year! Soon we'll all be saying good night to to 2011 which is fine with me. Ring out the old and bring in the new. May 2012 be a banner year for all of us!
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