...and a happy new year?

As a new year approaches, we once again begin our traditional lists of resolutions we will devoutly work on until about January 13th... Whether it be a new outlook on life and the future or fitness goals towards a better you, there is always a road block that prevents this. No, it is not the lack of daylight hours or the onslaught of post-overbinging on carbs...Nine out of ten times, the problem is YOU.

Shocking, I know... But we are our greatest enemy.

Imagine you are a house with many rooms. There are the rooms that are open all the time for everyone to see and then there are some that are closed and very personal. And then, at the end of the hall there is the room that is never opened. To enter that room, you would have to enter total darkness. That room is fear.

We self-sabotage ourselves at great lengths and most of the time we don't even realize it. We fear what is uncertain and do everything to protect ourselves from getting hurt. A natural defense mechanism (I mean, who WANTS to get hurt?) but how will we ever discover what we are capable of without a few scrapes and bruises along the way?

This is the year to become aware of this challenge. Each and every one of us has dreams; it's one of the perks of being human. But why let dreams stay dreams when you can make them a reality?

Here are five suggestions I give to myself that may help you as well:

1. Journal: It doesn't matter how long, but simply write. Every day. Write anything. This is an opportunity for self-discovery and you will start to notice certain patterns in your life (and possible ways to change them).

2. Surround Yourself with what You Love: Credit cards are the Devil in disguise but there is absolutely nothing wrong with a little retail therapy. True- Money does not buy you happiness but money can help build stability in your life. Stability thus allows you more room to experience moments of being content. If buying a new outfit makes your feel great, then why not use your hard earned money once and a while to treat yourself?

3. Surround Yourself with PEOPLE You Love: Just like the good old cleanse you do after the holiday sugar rush, you should do the same with the people in your life. Remember who is important. If there are negative people in your life, there isn't much hope. They will pull you down faster than the strongest current in the sea. It's better to have one true friend than to have a hundred acquaintances who don't have your best interest in mind.

4. Say What You Actually Want!: Enough beating around the bush. Speak up for yourself. This is your life. If you want something, go and get it. Don't expect that it will come to you or that you are entitled to anything. When we say how we feel out loud, we are more likely to act.

5. Prepare to Fall Down...and then Pick Yourself Up: You will fall down. You will make mistakes. You will lose sight of what is truly important. You will feel like you have failed. That's fine. Just don't stop. Keep going. Focus on your path and don't you dare compare yours to someone else's. You will get to where you want to be in your OWN time.

2013 is another opportunity for you to become your greatest. Are you ready?

J.

2012 and Other Ramblings

Looking back on the New Year's Eve that occurred almost a year ago, I'm still surprised I made it this far through the year... I will never forget the utterly epic night with one of my best friends, a pair of incredible Brits, and a stranger who, to this day, is still the most interesting person I have ever met (and then who disappeared just as quickly).

And now, here we are; about to embark on another new year. I remember, when I was little, time seemed to move so much slower. The days leading up to Christmas were endless and there was always enough daylight to be outside.

Not so much anymore. Days go by faster than it takes to put product in my hair, trying to get outside for a run is as difficult as parking in Boston, and the holidays come and go with only remnants of hangovers from red wine (or your own personal preference).

This, more than anything, has been my first true glimpse of adulthood. Bills, rent, health insurance, and realizing that teeth whitening is actually a lot more expensive when it's coming out of your own pocket... I promised on that New Year's Eve that I would do everything in my power to make being twenty-five one of the most memorable years, if not THE most. I sit here with my hot chocolate and customary one marshmallow (I always start with two but I end up eating one while the water boils) and have so many emotions regarding 2012.

Some highlights:

Returning to London: The time I was able to spend exploring RADA and, most importantly, wandering the streets of one of the most beautiful places on this earth (yes, I like grey and cold) was life-changing. I finally taught myself the difference between being lonely and alone. Neither have to prevent you from living the life you want. And above all, I was able to see some of the kindest people who have come into my life.

Directing and Choreographing at Clark University: Words will never describe the experience I had for two semesters while being back in Worcester, MA. Both FOOTLOOSE and SPRING AWAKENING opened my eyes to the importance of storytelling truthfully and to appreciate those years in college when you are able to do anything you set you mind to. Both productions granted me opportunities to work with groups of incredible people. Not only talented, but caring, compassionate, and sensitive towards their future and their world. If they are the next generation to lead this country, we will be more than fine.

Returning to Saint Michael's Playhouse: Which is basically like going back home. This time, I was able to bring the whole family with me. There is nothing like being able to hire talented people who also happen to be your closest friends. Children's theatre is an art in and of itself. The timing, the attention spans, the ability to share a story to a audience that is much smarter than you would imagine but have very tiny bladders and in inability to sit still (can you blame them?); this experience reaffirmed my greatest question before starting a production: WHO IS YOUR AUDIENCE? It forms a lot of answers that are so crucial to how you will tell your story.

     Aside form work, I was also able to revisit Burlington, VT and appreciate one of the most beautiful summers I have ever had. And I was able to spend time down at the Flynn Center for the Performing Arts with a group of very talented youngsters.

And, as I said, those are just a few highlights. During 2012 I was able to direct/choreograph 7 shows, perform in 4, music direct 1, write, direct and produce my very first play, and continue spending every day trying to figure out the course my life must take to growing as an artist.

And now, here comes 2013! I'm moving back to NYC after 6 months out of town working. If I said I wasn't scared, I'd be lying. New York City can bring out the best of a person but it can also be the most unforgiving city as well; as most beautiful things are. I am looking forward to finally settling down to enjoy everything the city has to offer and hopefully the city will do the same for me.

As always, we have so many moments to look back and reflect upon. A re-elected president (!!!), the almost constant news of disasters that tear communities apart, and, just recently, the slaughtering of the most innocent humans on this earth. 

How in all of this darkness can we even begin to find a shred of light and hope? How can we continue to follow our dreams when it almost feels so utterly selfish when there is so much help that is needed in this world? The answer, on the contrary, is very simple...

Our eyes must be open. Our ears must be listening. And our hearts must be prepared. The ignorance and self-entitled tendencies that plague our world must come to an end. It is time for action, open communication, and a universal respect that holds each individual on this earth to the highest standard. 

That is something I have learned this year. The power to act upon anything; that is ours. The power to say YES rather than turning one's back. 

I've always been afraid of growing up; the little Peter Pan inside of me. Now, I fear growing old. Only because I wish to use every ounce of my energy to do my part in this world to ensure the future, though not including me, will be bright for those to come. 

Take the time to truly reflect this holiday season. Let's make 2013 the year the world decided to change.

My first resolution is to come back to my blog and writing. I hope you'll join me throughout the new year.

xx

Josh