A couple of weeks ago, we began the rehearsals for Joseph and The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. It is so exciting to finally be engaged in the show. The cast is amazing. I feel so fortunate to be a part of it. Being Joseph is at least a 15 year dream of mine and I am excited to finally be playing the role.
Last week, I was in Argentina, which meant that I missed the second week of rehearsals. One of the cast members is my understudy and he filled in for me. I was bummed out about not being there and even felt insecure about it.
It was only the second week of practice and somebody else was singing my role. I was worried that he would be better than me. I was worried that the cast would want him to play the role instead of me. I was worried that the bonds that form in a production would form without me and I would return as an outsider.
Any Dream Will Do
Yesterday I worked in Sacramento. My flight home ended up being delayed by an hour which meant that I was an hour late for our rehearsal. I was already anxious enough about my return to rehearsal, being late made it even worse.
The thoughts of inadequacy and rejection flooded my mind. I am a positive person. I feel comfortable with who I am and I possess adequate levels of self-esteem, yet at times, I find it very easy to engage in negative self talk. This cracks me up - I can't believe it happens, but it does.
I could tell by the expressions on the faces of my fellow cast mates that they were happy to see me. Even my understudy smiled brightly and said, I am so glad you are here.It made me feel instantly comfortable and it was a good thing because I had barely sat down before my songs were up for rehearsal.
Kind Words From A Friend
Eddie, one my fellow cast mates stayed a moment after practice to speak with me. He made me feel so loved and welcomed. He told me that I bring a different energy and spirit to the show and that it is not the same when I am not there. He was expressly complimentary of our cast, and he wanted me to know that I am supported.
His kind words were a great lift to me. I nearly floated home. I felt redeemed from my negative self-talk and I committed to give even more to our show.
A Call To Action
When was the last time you paused to lift another up? It is so easy to get caught up in our own self interest. Sometimes we do so at the expense of others. Do you see the people around you? Are you aware of the impact your words, whether they are kind of derogatory, have on them?
Today is a great day to catch somebody doing good. It may make you feel a little uncomfortable to say it, but just step out of that comfort zone and say something nice. It won't just make the other person feel better. You will feel better too. Give it a go!
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