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10 Mantras That Increased My Happiness (And Bookings!)

August 12, 2018 Acting Success Mindset, Become The Happiest Actor You Know, Change Your Beliefs, Create Actor Abundance, Create An Inspired Life 0

Have you been trying really hard to make your acting dreams happen this year? Are you feeling overworked and overwhelmed? I get it.

I used to think that working harder would produce better results, but ultimately that thinking often led to me feeling resentful and exhausted.

(While I watched those who didn’t work nearly as hard as I reap all kinds of rewards.) Can you relate?

So, now, whenever I find myself pushing to make things happen, I remind myself that there is power in ease, flow + letting go.

In fact, just last month, when I had a quiet few weeks with no auditions, I reminded myself to let go of how I think it all should go + what I think should be showing up right now.

Instead I used the time to clear the clutter, update my online presence, play with my kids, swim in the ocean and trust in the future I could not see. (This guided meditation helped me)

And what happened? Auditions came in.

And in those auditions, I brought that sense of ease, flow + letting go with me, and it resulted in my latest feature film booking (as one of the lead roles).

It also brought back a voice-over campaign (where I was the initial voice, but then had to re-audition to get the job back.)

I auditioned again + I got the job back for multiple TV spots over several recording sessions. (But, wow, talk about letting go in the process!)

So, I hope these examples help you to relax about whatever is or isn’t showing up for you right now + help you realize how much power lies in letting go.

Here are 5 graphics I created for you of mantras I have been telling myself lately that have helped me to increase my happiness (+ my bookings.)

Feel free to screenshot your favorite + make it your new screensaver, or share them on your own social media.
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Want better results? Do this…

August 4, 2018 Acting Success Mindset, Change Your Beliefs, Get Unstuck In Your Career 0

The more I look back on the manifestations I’ve had in my life, whether it has been in my acting career, building relationships, creating abundance or even getting married and having a family, there has been a through line, a pattern, that has helped me over and over again.

That is one of ease, flow and letting go.

Whenever I tried to “white knuckle” the Universe into giving me what I wanted when I wanted it, I was not only acting from my ego, but ultimately creating more resistance on my own path. (This took me years to understand, so hopefully I’m giving you a shortcut here.)

I now know, I don’t have to do it all alone.

I am supported by something bigger than myself, and when I surrender to that power (whatever you wish to call it) I am always guided to a higher plane.

It has been through this deeper awareness through mindful meditation (or guided meditation, which has been easier for me), that I have come to know + trust that there has been a divine order to my life and how it is unfolding.

When I am carefree, and flexible with what is (or isn’t) showing up, I am signaling the Universe to co-create for my highest good.

The same is true for you.

Deepak Chopra explains that when you create ease + flow within, “you are then no longer bound by the ego’s insecurities + cravings.”

“The more detached you are from the results, the better the results.” – Deepak Chopra.

It’s not that we have to let go or lose sight of our desires or our intentions, but when we let go of our ego’s timelines (more…)

What To Do When Fear Stops You

July 28, 2018 Change Your Beliefs, Get Unstuck In Your Career, Overcome Self Sabotage + Audition Anxiety 0

Have you been allowing fear to stop you from taking action lately?

Do you convince yourself that it’s too late, that you’re not ready or that you don’t know where to begin?

Guess what? That’s just your ego’s way of trying to keep you safe + in your comfort zone.

When you align with your true self, you access a power within you that can overcome any fear.

When you seek this alignment first, taking action becomes easier. (Most people just keep taking more action without adjusting their thoughts).

To manifest your desires, you need to engage in both high vibration thought and action.

So don’t allow fear to stop you from doing what you came here to do. (more…)

How To Book More Often

July 22, 2018 Acting Success Mindset 0

My husband snapped this photo after I had just come home from a film audition earlier this month.

I went in to read for one role, and before I was even finished with the last page of sides, the director asked me to read for another role…the lead.

The casting director handed me 15 new pages of material and told me to “take as much time as I needed.”

Their session was ending soon, so I really only had about 15 minutes.

There was no time to rehearse, overthink or debate, but just to go with my instincts, make strong choices, and have fun.

And that’s exactly what I did.

I came home feeling so good. I was simply enjoying the journey of being an actor, and the fun of getting to play in a room full of creative people.

The whole experience reminded me that enjoying the journey is the most important part of getting to where you want to go.

Of course, I thought about the audition the next day. In fact, as I was doing laps in our pool, I reminded myself, “I don’t pick the jobs, the jobs pick me,” and just let it all go.

In that moment, I got back in alignment with feeling good, being present, and enjoying my time with my family.

Later that afternoon, I got a call (more…)

How To Conquer Fear

July 15, 2018 Acting Success Mindset, Take Inspired Action 0

I’m back from an unexpected trip to New York to honor my late mother-in-law at her memorial.

It was beautiful + our visit reminded me how we must all live more fully, even in the face of fear.

We spent one day at local pool + spa, where kids were jumping off a high cliff into the waterfalls and pool below.

I waited on the sidelines and watched, while dipping my toes into the freezing cold water.

I cheered my 9 year-old son on as he tentatively stepped up to the edge.

I knew that the fear in his mind was greater than the actual jump + encouraged him to just go for it.

He did, and even though he was scared, once he took the leap, he felt amazing and went again and again.

Then he asked me to jump. (And I’m definitely afraid of heights). And it got me thinking.

Why do we sit on the sidelines and watch as just the kids jump in?
Why don’t we do the things that scare us more often?
Why don’t we live more fully?

So, I jumped.

And got the lesson.

(more…)

Why Alignment (Then Action) Is The Key To Your Success

July 8, 2018 Acting Success Mindset, Become The Happiest Actor You Know, Change Your Beliefs 0

Happy July! Can you believe the year is half over?

No matter what you have or haven’t “done” so far this year, I want you to know one thing…

There is nothing outside of your ability to accomplish it, but when you force yourself to take action from a place of lack-minded thinking, your efforts will often provide lackluster results.

There is so much more power available to you, when you choose to align your mind first, and then take action from this newly inspired place (and all that procrastinating ends!)

But how do you do this? (more…)

4 Abilities (You Already Have) That Give You Ultimate Freedom

July 1, 2018 Create An Inspired Life 0

This was a popular post from this time last year, so I’m sharing it again today.

As I was thinking of all the freedoms I am so blessed to enjoy in this country (including connecting with actors all over the world!), I ran across this quote from Steven Covey…

What an amazing reminder that we all possess the natural abilities of (more…)

The Real Key To True Happiness

June 24, 2018 Acting Success Mindset, Become The Happiest Actor You Know, Change Your Beliefs, Create Actor Abundance, Create An Inspired Life 0

I’ve been pausing more lately, without distraction from devices.

I’ve been listening to birds sing in my backyard, marveling at the freckles on my children’s faces and enjoying mindful moments where I deeply and sincerely appreciate my life.

And it seems the more I do this, the happier I become and the more unexpected wonderful surprises start to show up. (In the form of auditions, helpful people + exciting offers).

So, just for today, give yourself the gift of a mindful moment. How?
Put the phone down.
Go outside.
Take in the scenery.
Love yourself, right where you are.
Just for today, let go of needing anything to be different.

Let go of striving and pushing to change where you are. (more…)

Today Is A Gift

June 17, 2018 Create An Inspired Life 20

Two weeks ago, my in-laws came to town from New York for a wonderful visit. It was idyllic, actually.

We ate brunch at Paradise Cove and relaxed on the beach in Malibu, while they enjoyed watching our kids surf.

We had long + lovely outdoor dinner conversations in our backyard, as the kids laughed and played in the pool.

They sat in our soothing spa, soaked up the sun while napping on the lounge chairs, and then took the kids to Toys R Us for a special shopping spree – grandparent style.

My mother-in-law said so many times what a perfect weekend it was, and thanked me for the blessing I have been in her son’s life.

She even told me that she looked at a picture of my own late mother on our bookshelf, and thanked her for bringing me into the world.

I know it was a soul to soul moment, where they connected, mother to mother, feeling the gratitude that they both had done an amazing job of raising their children.

I can only imagine what a gift that would be, to one day see your own children thrive as adults, and witness the beautiful lives they lead.

She told me how content, peaceful and joyful she felt.

The next weekend, while back at her home in upstate New York, she suffered a massive stroke, and on Monday, June 11th, she passed away.

I am still in shock, and even in tears, as I write this now.

My mind doesn’t quite comprehend how quickly someone you love so dearly can be here, enjoying life, and then be gone, in an instant.

But it happens. Every single day. Without warning.

Even though it’s only been a week now, and I am deeply saddened, Fran Cox is now helping me to live a more present life.

I hold on tighter to my children. I play with them longer, before saying, “I have to go make dinner.”

I sit in my backyard and listen to the birds. (She loved birds, and could name them all.)

I take more time to give thanks for my health, my home, my husband, my boys and the life I live.

I remind myself that today is a gift.

Because it’s really all we have.

And we have a choice, each and every day, how we spend our precious time + where we focus our attention.

It may sound like a cliche, but it really is the truth. Today is a gift.

Connect more deeply.
Notice the abundance that surrounds you.
Give thanks more often.

And if my mother-in-law’s sudden passing can somehow teach me to live more fully, then I hope it can also be a gift to you. (more…)

We All Feel Sad At Times: Ask For Help

June 10, 2018 Create An Inspired Life 10

At my sons’ elementary school this past week they put in a “Buddy Bench.” This is a bench that someone can go to if they feel lonely, left out, sad or depressed.

Others know that when someone is sitting on the bench, that they want to be asked to play, and the children are encouraged to invite whomever is sitting there to join them.

Not only does this teach compassion and empathy at a young age, but it also lets our youth know that it is okay to feel these feelings and let others know about it.

Gifting this Buddy Bench to our elementary school brought tears to my eyes, for the message of inclusion and hope it will now bring to those who are in pain.

It made me wish more adults had a Buddy Bench. (more…)