To invite in the new, we must let go of the old. (Even when it feels scary + we are uncertain of the outcome).
I’ve had to do this in a big way this year.
I’ve done a lot of inner work on letting go of my own lingering limiting beliefs + the outer work of taking actions that were way outside my comfort zone, in order to fly.
If you haven’t heard, I’m now on the ballot and in the running for an Emmy nomination.
Emmy nomination-round voting closes in one week. (Thank you for the outpouring of well-wishes + support. It is so deeply appreciated!)
If you are a Television Academy member, I hope you’ll consider me when voting for “Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series” for my work on Atypical.
This entire experience got me thinking about how we transform our lives and careers. When does that happen and how do we do it?
When a caterpillar becomes a beautiful butterfly, it goes through a radical transformation process, one that is inherently uncomfortable.
But the caterpillar does not fight the chrysalis, nor does it resist any discomfort that arises inside as it sheds its familiar home.
Instead, to invite in the radical transformation that happens within its own protective casing, it must surrender fully to the discomfort.
The only way the caterpillar can end up flying is to allow the discomfort, to move beyond its protective casing, to transform itself + then spread its glorious wings for the very first time.
Metaphorically, leaving the familiar + stepping into the unknown with its wings wide open is how the butterfly first takes flight.
Ancient Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu declares: “When I let go of what I am, I become what I might be.”
If we can use this process in nature as a guide for our own metamorphosis, then whenever any discomfort arises, we can (more…)
It’s been an amazing journey (and an emotional roller coaster ride, really) since the beginning of the year.
Today, I thought I’d walk back through the ups and downs of the last six months, and share the lessons I’ve learned along the way with you.
The most recent one came (as it often does), through my 7-year-old son.
When I was about to leave the house last week, all dressed up to go to a “For Your Emmy® Consideration” event + screening, featuring my work on Atypical (Netflix), he took one look at me from head to toe and said, “You’ve already won, Mommy.”
The smile on his face. The sound of his voice. The love in his heart. The wise words that he shared. All of it, hit me right in the heart.
It stopped me in my tracks, because he was right, on so many levels.
Here’s a quick glimpse back at some ups and downs of the last 6 months (and why you can begin today feeling that you’ve already won, too). (more…)
Do you scroll through email and social media before you even get out of bed? It’s not uncommon, but it’s also not helping you to be productive.
When your morning habit is to tune into what everyone else is doing, needing and wanting, you lose the valuable connection with your own inner knowing.
This connection is very powerful + will guide you throughout your day, but it’s not found by scrolling through Instagram.
Social media will most likely lead you to comparing and despairing. (Not ideal for motivating yourself to take action, first thing in the morning.)
Since your life is created by your habits, to wire yourself for success, you must(more…)
Happy Memorial Day! In the United States, we celebrate this holiday to remember the sacrifices that brave men + woman made to bring freedom to this country.
Growing up as the daughter of a Navy veteran, I was taught to have immense gratitude for the freedoms that we so easily take for granted.
My late father was a World War II Air-Sea Rescue pilot who helped to save those who were shot down in the Pacific Ocean. He was a hero to many, and especially to me. I lost him when I was 27.
When I used to volunteer in my son’s kindergarten class, I could barely get through The Pledge Of Allegiance without tearing up.
Seeing a group of 6-year-olds embody joy, love and freedom, so purely, gave me hope for our future.
I’m beyond thrilled to share some exciting news with you…
I am in the running for an Emmy® nomination for my work on Atypical (Netflix).
For Your Emmy® Consideration:
WENDY BRAUN
Outstanding Guest Actress In A Comedy Series
It’s been so much fun to return to this amazing show each season + play a character who tries so hard to keep it all together, while things around her are falling apart (especially while getting my “jai-ho” on in a Bollywood dance workout).
Not an academy member? You can view it here + help spread the love: wendybraun.com/fyc
I am so grateful to be part of a show that celebrates inclusion and acceptance, proves that being normal is overrated, and continues the conversation to help break any stigma around autism.
I’d also like to say thank you for all the love + support.
I moved to Los Angeles, 5 days before the Northridge earthquake in 1994.
Immediately after it happened, my mom called and asked what I was going to do and if I was going to stay in LA or come back home to Chicago. (more…)
Can you believe we are 5 months in to 2019? How are things going for you? Are you staying on track with the goals or intentions you created in January?
I’m hoping this will help reignite your fire today.
I choose a word each year that serves as the intention behind my thoughts, beliefs + actions, since I know it is our daily habits that create our success.
My word has been expansion.
To expand what I think is possible.
To expand what I think I can do.
To expand what I think I deserve.
To expand how I can help others.
To expand how I can serve.
To expand how I can give.
I invite you to do the same…
So often we want to expand into something bigger or better in our lives + careers, but something gets in the way.
To begin manifesting miracles, we must re-connect with an energy greater than ourselves + unite with it, we must release our blocks, and practice TLC.
Not only is this “tender, loving care” of ourselves at a deep level, but I’ve redefined TLC to give you a quick three step guide to begin manifesting miracles.
Here are all 3 steps to begin manifesting miracles… (more…)
Ever feel like this? Exhausted, not booking, a bit lost or unsure, and maybe heading down a dark rabbit hole of negative thinking…
Even though you know better?
Even though you’re trying to stay positive?
Even though you’re trying keep the faith?
Does it seem like the more you try to do that, the more you feel like you are entering a dark tunnel without the light?
This was exactly the way one of my students admitted to feeling recently + she was actually thrilled to find out she wasn’t alone.
Not only did other actors feel this way, I told her that she basically described my February!
Yes, that’s right. I have plenty of down days too.
I had a month of great auditions + no bookings. I was definitely wondering, “where’s mine?”
I had assumed that the show I had been recurring on (Atypical on Netflix) was back in production, but I hadn’t heard anything about returning for another season.
And when things aren’t showing up the way you’d like, that dark hole can feel like it goes on forever, right?
So what do you do?
I’m all for feeling your feelings + going through them, instead of slapping a smiley face sticker over your pain.
So just know that when you are feeling down, you’re not alone. Reach out + talk to a friend. (Most likely an actor you know is feeling the same way).
Then, remind yourself that tomorrow is a new day + treat it as a blank white canvas.
When you shift your focus, it will help shift how you feel, and ultimately effect what you do.
And as you take a new action, from a better feeling place, the light in that dark tunnel will begin to appear.
This is exactly what I did. (more…)
Did you know there are 1440 minutes in every day? How are you spending most of them?
Are you looking for what’s missing and commenting what isn’t working?
Are you looking for things to appreciate and talking about what is working?
If your thoughts and conversations all center around lack and scarcity, then you’ll have trouble aligning with prosperity.
So how do you let go of lack + tune into a more prosperous life? It all begins with your focus. As you look for signs of prosperity, you’ll begin to feel the energy of prosperity.
It may seem like “feeling” prosperous doesn’t matter if there’s not a ton of money in your bank account, but this where true prosperity begins. (more…)
My father would have been 99 this year. He was born in 1920, and passed away in 1997. I can’t believe he’s been gone over 20 years of my life.
We didn’t have iPhones back then, but we did have the old-school answering machine.
And one of his last messages to me was. “Keep going, sunshine.”
Friday was my birthday, and although, I can’t call my dad or mom and share my latest victory or have them talk to my kids, I feel them with me, deep in my heart.
I heard my father’s voice (as I often do), as I wrote this for you, the warrior. (while also doing the ugly cry)
You are among the bravest people I know, and on this birthday week, I wanted to give you a gift…
A gentle, loving, and hopefully powerful reminder to keep going.
Just as my dad told me, over 20 years ago.
Here are 18 reasons why you, my friend, are a warrior. Download this as my gift to you here. (more…)
I BOOKED THE JOB! LISTENING TO CREATING POWERFUL AUDITIONS MADE A DIFFERENCE!
"Been listening to your "Creating Powerful Auditions" mp3 daily since purchasing about a week ago. Listened to it on the way to an audition...took a few moments before leaving my car to do the visualizations. I walked into the audition room feeling totally empowered, feeling light. I booked the job. I feel your album made a difference. Thank you, Wendy."
SINCE LISTENING TO YOUR GUIDED MEDITATIONS, I BOOKED 2 FEATURE FILMS
"I bought Creating Powerful Auditions and I listen to it every morning. "Empowering Myself" is my absolute favorite meditation, sometimes I put it on repeat until I fully and truly feel every declaration. Since I've been listening to your guided meditations I booked my first feature film + also recently booked the lead role in my first horror film. Thank you for coming into my life!”
YOUR AFFIRMATIONS ALLOWED ME TO STEP OUT OF THE FEAR AND BE PRESENT IN THE ROOM.
"I just returned from an audition after listening to your guided meditations. Your affirmations allowed me to step out of the fear and be present in the room. As I waited for my audition I envisioned the session being successful and feeling empowered afterward. And it was and I did."
I'VE TURNED A SLOW STREAK INTO A BOOKING STREAK AND I FEEL REALLY EMPOWERED.
"Wendy is so generous with her knowledge and understanding of the deeper, inside work that goes into living a healthy, happy, well balanced actor life. Her daily inspirations mean so much to me...and I'm grateful for the custom guided meditation she wrote for me. I've turned a slow streak into a booking streak & I feel really empowered."
2013-11-25T02:34:15+00:00
Community, iCarly, Good Luck Charlie
https://actorinspiration.com/testimonials/bartag/
Hamilton Sargent
YOUR CREATION IS...VERY POWERFUL, IT CALMED ME, PREPARED ME & FOCUSED ME + I BOOKED JOBS.
"Since I began using your guided meditations I have now, in only a few months, booked up an entire year of work. Your creation is truly a blessing + very powerful. Before every audition I have done recently I have listened to at least 3 of your tracks and it has calmed me, prepared me and focused me."
I BOOKED TWO ACTING GIGS IN THE SAME WEEK BECAUSE I HAD HER CD ON REPEAT!
"I listen to Wendy's guided meditations pretty much every chance I get. I don't know what I'd do if I didn't have her amazing voice in my ear keeping me empowered, inspired + in the right mental space to persevere day in and day out. I booked two acting gigs in the same week because I had Wendy's Creating Powerful Auditions album on repeat. Thank you WENDY for your positivity + light!"
