Never Lose Sight

Here's something of importance:

No matter if you're a creative assistant, mail room clerk, administrative assistant or McDonalds cashier, never lose sight of who you are and what you would like to become.

During another day of "manning the fort" I watched a film called "Moscow on the Hudson" starring Robin Williams made sometime in the late 80's early 90's. I had never seen it before, but it turned out to be one of those movies that I wished I had sooner. In it, a man (played by Williams) "Defects" while on a trip to New York City, only to find himself penniless (but free). He works hard to gain citizenship, make a living and start a life from nothing...just for freedom. It made me realize how easy some of us have it...including myself.

We are brought into this world, if fortunate enough, with all of the tools to help us on our journey. A roof over our heads, food in our bellies and loving parents to show us the way. If we fall, they'll help to pick us up. How often to do we stop to realize what generations before us have sacrificed to make us who we are? To save us all of the struggle that they went through. Me, my great grandparents came from Italy with the only the clothes on their backs, a small amount of money and their love for one another (if they were lucky enough to have their wives or children come over with them). From nothing, they built something through hard work, dedication and sacrifice.

One thing that I refuse to do (and I would hope that you can adopt the same philosophy) is whine and complain when I don’t get what I want out of this life. You are NEVER entitled to anything in this world. There are no promises. There are no guarantees. This country. This world is only what you make of it. Yeah, I may sound all preachy and blah blah blah, but it all comes around full circle when it comes to handling life at the bottom of the workforce’s Totem pole.

Surround yourself with other things that you like to do. Whether it's music, photography, cooking, singing...anything to help further your career in the things that you REALLY want to do. For me, it is writing and directing (occasionally a side career in performing). I always keep my talents in shape. If yours aren't, I’d suggest brushing them off and giving them twenty reps of creativity. Life is too short for you to wait for others permission to do something that you love. Follow my lead and there will be no smack talking producer on this earth that will be able to snub that mysterious smile from your face caused by doing the things that you love. Ever…and honestly…we all know we can do a much better job than they can. That’ll be our little secret.