“Time is an odd thing. Currency is what it is. Once spent . . . it’s gone forever.” — Andy Andrews from “The Noticer Returns”
Due to the conspicuous obsolescence of how we waste our precious time, the quote above relates the obvious . . . we are subjectively controlled by minutiae, false priorities/assumptions/narratives and a complete disregard of who we really are. Many relationships are often sought outside of ourselves, rather than looking within and finding out what makes you tick as a human being. Sometimes the people with whom we surround ourselves, often deplete our emotional, physical and psychological strength to such a degree that just being around them is toxic. Unless and until we discern exactly what we can tolerate on all levels, beginning with ourselves . . . we will be forever caught in an entanglement created by us, and sustained by a series of bad choices … poor decisions.
How then do we correct this, and will there be time enough for us to get it right? Epictetus has this to say . . . “The key is to keep company only with people who uplift you, whose presence call forth your best.” You may now think that impossible, especially where you believe you are in your life today. Not so. I believe once consciousness is alert and active in your present existence, nothing is ever to late only your inability by a lifetime of negative conditioning to see the potential of opportunity and growth that you hold in your hands. What’s the worse that can happen? You fall down a few times, take a few hard knocks, pick yourself up and fight on with the courage, conviction and confirmation that you are on the right track with success the best reward. Andy Rooney never minced words and this quote reflects just that . . . “I’ve heard that everyone wants to live on top of the mountain, but all the happiness and growth occurs while your’re climbing it.”
As a performing artist, I learned an invaluable lesson at a very young age that has sustained me since I was a small child. No matter how long a program, recital, concert or performance was, my preparation never varied even if I thought I could slide by with less. I decided early on that the audience deserved my very best at all times whether it was radio, TV, film, commercials, industrials, opera, operetta, oratorio, musical theater, Broadway, pop or narration. As a classically trained singer, I was trained by extraordinary teachers and was fortunate to have mentors that I deeply respected all along the way, beginning with the work ethic of my parents as role models. To this day, my preparation is 2 hours for every minute I’m performing in whatever genre. Challenging . . . absolutely . . . and the rewards are limitless. It is never to late to change once you’re aware that change is necessary. The words of Andy Andrews from his book “The Noticer” put it quite simply . . . “Most people live under the misconception that it takes a long time to change . . . this is not true. It can take a long time to prepare to change or to decide to change or even want to change. Change itself, however, happens in a heartbeat.” Now . . . remember with indelible reflection . . . one day . . . that heartbeat will stop. JLR