"Things I'm 'Here' For" Part 1

HELLO!  It's the middle of December and I am so excited to end this year on a good note and start the new year on a spectacular one!

 Although this entire year has been transformative, the  last quarter of the year has been truly inspiring and life changing for me.

 In the last three months I...

• performed in my first play in New York City
• have begun to  develop a support system that includes lots of amazing folks
•  started this blog
• started seeing clients independently as a speech therapist
• took a hosting  and interviewing class and am preparing to pitch a show idea (stay tuned!)

During this time, I've come across a few very inspiring things that have contributed to my re-awakening.  Since this time of year is often full of giving, I decided to share the things "I'm Here For," meaning things I support, promote, and celebrate.  The list (in no particular order) is as follows:

1) JENIFER LEWIS
Ms. Jenifer Lewis has always been one of my favorite actors.  She has always been consistently stellar in her performances, and is a role model for longevity in the industry.  Her speech at the screening for the movie "Baggage Claim" was widely shared back in September.  When I watched it, she "got me together," and inspired me to get back to my craft.  I have watched this at least 10 times, and it never gets old.  Check out her advice to aspiring actors HERE:
(BTW, did you know she had bipolar disorder? Check out her inspring and intriguing interview with Oprah HERE.)

2) BRENE BROWN
If you don't know about Dr. Brene Brown, you need to look her up right now. She is a qualitative researcher that studies shame, vulnerability, perfectionism, and authenticity in all people, but mainly women.  She breaks down how shame and fear of imperfection can be huge barriers to living authentic and happy lives.  When I first started her book "I thought It was just me, (but it isn't)," I had no idea that so much of what was in her book hit so close to home for me.  According to Brene, everyone experiences shame, and realizing how to cope with it can allow us to have more resilient lives.  Through reading this book I've learned that we have to explore those uncomfortable places in our lives to heal and get to the next stage of our greatness. Check her TED talk out HERE.  Thanks to my friend Joy, I am part of a fabulous book club that is currently reading "I thought it was just me."  Check Joy's blog, "Joy in the City" out HERE.

3) THERAPY
Real talk, I've been  going to therapy on and off since 19.  I am an advocate of mental health and a huge proponent of therapy.  I recently started  going again, and I must say it has been essential and sorting through a lot of the noise in my mind.  If you haven't already, and you feel like you want to talk to someone, go to therapy.  You don't have to have a mental illness, be in a dark place, or have "issues" to go.  If anything, it's great to just share things with someone objective. Most insurance plans cover it, many churches and other houses of worship have it for free or suggested donation, and private therapists often have sliding scales.


4)WORKING OUT

This is not me.

Although I have an inconsistent workout schedule, every time I go, I get some life.  Those endorphins are so wonderful for boosting my mood and relaxing me at the same time. I have to make myself go most days, but when I do, I'm always glad I did.
Get you some.

5) BEYONCE

So, anyone who knows me, knows I'm a huge Beyonce fan.  I'm a STAN. I've been a die hard supporter since I was in high school when "No No No" came out. I am currently conspiring to find a way into this concert at the Barclays on Thursday.  I could not write this post without discussing Bey.  If you don't like Beyonce, I forgive you. Kind of. But you may want to scroll down to the end of the post at this point:)

I have been in a BEY trance since I woke up Friday morning and saw she released her album. I was late for work downloading it.  I have listened to it everyday, for the majority of each day, since then. I'm listening to it now.  I am not at a place to eloquently articulate my adoration for this album. Or my admiration of her choice to release it with no promotion, no announcement, nothing.  Or my awe at her evolution. Or my inspiration to get my body snatched up after seeing her body in all of these videos.

I'm still a bit in shock and glee.  I'll just have to dedicate a whole post to her. In short, this album is definitely getting me through the rest of the year.

5) SUPPORTIVE FAMILY AND FRIENDS
Everyone I've talked to about my journey, including my parents, husband, and friends (including all of you) has been extremely supportive.  It means so much to me to know that I have people on my side as I take some scary steps to the next phase of my life.  I am truly blessed and eternally grateful. Thank you.

I'm "HERE" for so many other things, but since it's close to midnight, I'll wrap up for now.

Goodnight:)
Rhonda Marie

VLOG: Procrastination and Distraction

Hey guys! Today, I had so much swirling in my head and I couldn't express it through writing. So I did a video!

P.S.  I ended up watching Braxton Family Values while working...a nice compromise for myself.


Rhonda Marie

Keep it moving

This was a great idea I had at work.

I'm full of ideas.  All the time.  In fact, some days I can't even sleep for thinking of all sorts of exciting possibilities.  I LOVE to start new projects. At any given time, in my head, I could have about 5-10 projects in the works. (Apparently I'm 81% right brained, so there you go!)



I HATE not finishing what I start.  The most upsetting  thing to me is not that I did not finish, but the fact that I got so excited in the first place.

Over the years, I've realized that everything takes time.  A great idea is not a bad idea if does not come to fruition right away.  The lesson is to keep working.

When I had my epiphany last month about re-igniting my acting career, I devised a plan to quit  my job by a set date and get a certain amount of private clients by another date in order to make enough money to have flexibility to pursue my career while still maintaining my lifestyle financially.  In order to achieve those goals, I registered with two different early intervention companies to obtain home based clients,  completed an inhumane amount of paperwork, record gathering( I waited 2.5 hours for medical records, name changing, approval lettering (NYC is ridiculous with paperwork), and looked into some other private companies for work.  What I thought would be a very easy process and my ticket out of full time work turned out to be wrought with obstacles.  Right now it is looking like my "deadlines" are not going to be met.

I was starting to feel discouraged because I feel like the longer I stay at my job,  the longer I'll feel guilt about leaving, and I'll eventually end up staying.  This is a common pattern: I'll make a plan, then feel like I have to "do-it-now" or else it won't happen.  I've recently realized that this not the way to approach change.  I can allow myself to be disappointed, but not to the point where I stop the work.  The idea that "anything is possible" does not mean "everything is easy."  I have to keep working, even if I get annoyed with minor setbacks, and simply revise my plans instead of canceling them.


I figured this out as I typed it, hehe.  Then I got another idea...how about if I got encouraged  by reminding myself what I have done thus far:
1) Hired by two different early intervention companies to pursue part time work.
2) Started taking an on-camera hosting and interviewing class (more about that in another post)
3) Gathered all on-camera clips to prepare a demo reel.
4) Changed my headshot to reflect my married name (look for that story in the next post also)
5) Connected with people in the "industry" for the possibility of future projects.

Not bad for a month, and I've got a whole lot more to do. No need to be down, I simply have to keep it moving.
Rhonda Marie