Hitting Send

It was a lazy Sunday afternoon and I was enjoying coffee at a local Starbuck’s with an acquaintance when he brought up an interesting point. He asked how I was able to spend weekday time with so many of my friends. “Don’t they have jobs?” he wanted to know. And they do have jobs, just not in the conventional sense. They’re also hard working, usually putting in more hours than the usual 9-5 job would require. My friends are mostly artists, usually making good use of the slash career. Or they’re creating their own businesses. Either way, most are their own bosses. All are following their passions. And I’m proud of them for it.

Many in this town take a critical view of the aspiring actors/ writers/ directors/ musicians and others considered wannabes. I personally love to surround myself with creative people and I appreciate those who aren’t afraid to be an original, especially when they are following their dream. There is no other person like you. We are all originals. It’s important to act like one, and to have the courage to think like one. My friends personify this beautifully.

I understand that in a city like Los Angeles it gets a little cliché to meet yet another person with a screenplay. The vast majority of the people I know have at least one. Or they’re creating the next big television series, reality show, or hit record. They’ve almost certainly worked on sets in some capacity. It was recently estimated that the industry generates $30 billion a year for the county of Los Angeles. We live amongst numerous studios from which the majority of our entertainment comes and many here depend upon this to at least make a living, if not fulfill their calling. (Writers: I love and support you all. I’m hoping for a speedy, satisfying conclusion to your strike.)

Fortunately I have not become jaded and I can genuinely give my complete support to those close to me. As long as they have the courage to believe in their dreams and pursue them, I will give of my time and energy to helping them achieve their goals. After all, isn’t that what friends are for? And in return, I can say with gratitude in my heart, they are there for me as well.

Unfortunately, I don’t have the connections in the industry, nor a magic wand to wave in order to propel anyone’s career into stardom. So how do I help them? I care, believe in their goals, and I show up for them. We stay in contact: talk on the phone, text, email, and message. I enjoy listening to tales of who forgot their lines in rehearsal, crazy on-location shoots, or what stunt the drummer pulled off this time when he actually showed up. I also get to watch/ listen to the medium they’ve acted in/ performed on/ directed/ produced/designed/painted/sculpted. I find having creative-types in my life to be quite entertaining on various levels. How can one not enjoy those with a passionate nature? And yes, as was recently pointed out to me, we also find time for mid-week get-togethers.

I am incredibly grateful to spend an occasional weekday afternoon with my girlfriend the soon-to-be-famous actress. We also keep in close contact by phone, text, and (oddly) message more than email. I look forward to hearing about her latest endeavors. She may have just been to a mad-house audition, a desirable call-back, or had a challenging read-through and I want to know how it went. Once she’s gotten the part, I am excited to hear the latest dramas from the set and the all-night shoot it took her four cups of coffee to get through with the obsessive director’s incessant retakes. She’s an amazing person, for whose friendship I am very grateful, and it’s a pleasure to support her aspirations. It helps that I know that she’s talented. In return, she’s very supportive of me as well. And with texting, we can be there for each other in a timely fashion despite varying, busy schedules. For example, I can send her well wishes before her shoots/ performances to remind her, “Good luck 2nite! UR gonna b gr8!” She sends me texts such as, “I loved your blog!” How fun is that?

As long as those in my life believe in themselves and know that they’re doing what they love, I’ll back their endeavors. I’m hoping to encourage anyone out there reading this as well. One of the primary responsibilities in life is to be true to yourself, accomplishing what you are called to do- your unique and special vocation. We are meant to do what makes us happy and what draws upon our natural gifts and talents. This country allows us the freedom to dream big, follow our hearts, and fulfill the purpose for which we were created. What do you want to accomplish? Dream it. Be it. Do it.