We are also at a point where we want to EMBRACE all of what LIFE HAS TO OFFER!!! Too often, we have goals and dreams but we procrastinate and let them fall to the side ... you know, because everything is just so much more important. Especially when dealing with any tough issue in your life (like addiction for most of you reading this) but the reality is that if we don't take care of ourselves and find things to keep us going, to fulfill us, to empower us ... we will just go on existing! And just existing is NOT finding our HAPPINESS. It is up to each and every one of us to find our passions, embrace them and not let the crap of every day life hold us back!!! We all deserve that!!!
What are those things in life that you have always wanted to do? Well, my family and I decided we wanted to be in a play and we got involved in community theatre. To make a very long story short, Craig, has always wanted to be in a play. He has been breakdancing and rapping since the 7th grade (he's now 42) and had the chance to be the Tin Man in his high school production but chickened out (partly because it wasn't cool AND partly due to outside influences). He has regretted that decision for the past 21 years!
For me ... My fear was singing in front of people ALONE .. but that is what you have to do in an audition! I thought to myself after everything I have been through and shared with people ... "I am scared to do this???!!!!" .... that just wasn't going to fly with me. I truly want to practice what I preach so it was important to me to do it too!
Well, we decided to do it and do it together as a family. And luck, or awesomeness, would have it Craig got the part of the Tin Man. The stars were aligned on this one ... first of all because that was the part he never embraced in HS ... and because of the character himself. The Tin Man wants a heart, needs a heart but in the end he ALWAYS had a heart .... he just needed to embrace the LOVE that he truly had inside. So, this was inspiring on many different levels for us!
I wanted to share Craig's words on facebook about this experience ... his words should inspire each and every one of us to live our lives to the fullest. For guys who are struggling with addiction ... to know that they aren't alone and there is hope! That you can change the way you think .... not as a victim but as someone who CHOOSES their path .... right here and right now!!!
"In high school I had the chance to be in a play but I chickened out. I loved to rap and dance but I was a jock that's not what jocks do. I said, "that was gay." (of course I didn't know better).
I put myself in a box . . . as a sexual abuse survivor this was a very confused and ugly box.
I've thought about this cowardice every single play I've been too since 1989. Every single one. It doesn't matter if it's a kids play about the biosphere or Miss Saigon. . . I did't matter. Like clockwork Michelle would look over and there I was with a face full of tears.
This Friday I restore balance to the force. I slay a dragon that's been haunting me since 1989. Good bye box.
l am the Tinman . . . and I've always had a heart.
And I get to do it with my incredible wife and two awesome kids. We are all in this play. Wait till you see Michelle's dancing. She is incredible - and she is my soulmate."
As for me ... this gave me the opportunity to find myself again! It has felt incredible. Back in my younger days, I was quite the athlete (gymnast and high jumper - actually went to a Division 1 college for high jumping) and it has been hard to keep up with that as an adult. Especially once kids come into the picture ... it is very common for women to just focus so much on our families that we really forget what our dreams once were ... or what we were good at ... or what lights a fire under our ass ... or what just makes us feel alive!!!
Theatre itself was out of my comfort zone but competing, being on a team, dancing and flipping is all the stuff that I once loved! This made me realize that I still can rock it ... I am doing things again that I haven't done in 20 years and it feels wonderful. And it is all because I TRIED ... I faced something that seemed uncomfortable ... I faced my fear .... I did something for ME .... I just tried something new and threw away the excuses of why it wouldn't work or why I wouldn't be good enough.
I walked down a completely new road and guess what? It created a NEW BEGINNING for me! Who knew I was still great at dancing and my cartwheels (and remember, I am not 20 anymore) were the best of anyone there. And I was asked to participate in the theatre's next production because I WAS good enough!!!! And I never would have known that unless I tried something new!!!
So, I am telling you this story because there is a lesson to be learned here ...
- What Fear Is Holding You Back From Something YOU Want To Do?
- How Can You Face That Fear And Try Something New?
Decide what you want to do in your life and MAKE THE COMMITMENT to actually doing it! A dream is just a dream until you create ACTION!!! Create action in your life ... YOU are the only one who CAN!!!!
