There is no greater drama than that of our own lives. The phrase, stranger than fiction, is often true. For some, they lead action-adventure story lines where danger lurks at every corner. For me, my life is more like a good indie movie – not many exploding cars, no bullets flying, lower budget, but a good experience from which something can be gleaned. At least, I hope that’s what it is and that it remains that way! With all due respect for those who enjoy their exciting plot lines, I prefer my life to be more like the undulating Iowa landscape – a gentle sloping forward. I believe happiness is more attainable this way, though not assured.
Some years back, I took some acting lessons during a school fest. What I did learn is that, to be believable on stage you have to know where you are going. Everything on stage is placed there for a reason. In my case, there was a glass of water I had to get to during my scene. That meant that during my time on stage I had to be by the glass of water at the right time. There were other places I had to be at during the scene, so I had to maneuver the stage well. Knowing where I had to be, allowed me to appear confident, and feel it too. It was very obvious when an actor wandered the stage aimlessly that they were novices.
This same principle can be applied to our lives. We must know where our ‘glass of water’ is at. In other words, we need to know where we need to be and approximately when we need to be there. To wander aimlessly through our own lives is frustrating. It is also obvious to friends, family and colleagues when we are doing so. We must walk through our lives with confidence, with purpose. If you are doing it well, you are not doing it alone. This is important. As with the stage where there are people there to guide you – other actors, directors, etc. – you need this same cast of characters in your life to help you along. Ultimately, when the spotlight is on you and you have to deliver your line, drink from the glass and break it against the fireplace; you’re on your own!
Years back I read something on crime and the best advice that criminals gave was to walk with purpose. When they saw people moving with confidence, they left them alone. When they encountered people who seemed a bit unsure, they recognized them as their next victim.
I didn’t cover what you do when you walk confidently, on time, you’ve got your lines ready and the glass is not there! We all must be resourceful enough to adlib once in a while!
Stay Happy My Friends!
