The phone rings. The letter arrives. You get that text you’ve been waiting for. You finally receive the news. But wait a second – it’s not what you wanted to hear. BAM. Your spirit is deflated in the same amount of time it takes you to realize – that not only is life full of struggle and unwavering shit that seems to only hit your fan – well, it’s just plain unfair.
If only there were a courtesy warning light to flash on our emotional dashboard, alerting us to bad news. But let’s face it – we’d ignore it – even if it did exist. There’s so much power in wanting to succeed, that even when we know it’s not the right time, or the elements of our vision just aren’t quite aligned, we close our eyes and get lost in the beautiful tapestry of our dreams. And why wouldn’t we (it’s much more pleasant there; not a shit-covered fan in sight, and the lighting is fabulous).
There’s nothing wrong with dreaming. It’s free. It’s fun. And for those of us who were born without a financial horseshoe in our crib, it propels our motivation to strive for a more stable, monetarily-stress-free life (not that wealthy peeps don’t have their share of issues). But we get into trouble when our dreams trump reality – believing that once we create our imaginary vision board (or a real one, if that’s your thing), it’s enough. We figured out what we want and where we want to go, and that’s it. If this were remotely true, I’d tell you to look for my toned and flawless ass on the cover of Fit Magazine – I mean, I pay the monthly gym membership (you saying I actually have to go?).
There’s nothing that satisfies our sustainability of following our passions like doing everything possible to avoid doing the actual work. Or maybe that’s just me.
I’m no stranger to bad news, but there was something so intrinsic about the longing for this game-changing answer I’ve been waiting to hear (I sent sample chapters to a publisher who expressed interest).
I read the email. My heart sank. But then something cool went down. I read the email again, and instead of bitching about being deflated, I shook myself out from the clouds and realized – it’s just not the right time, place, person, whatever. There was as much positive as there was buzz-kill in that email. So, I’ll keep working – dreaming – and working even harder. But not before doing what every self-respecting ex-stripper, drug addict, narcissist would do: I Googled myself. In a much-needed stroke of my overly sensitive ego, I read my reviews, watched my videos (essay reading, not stripping, there was no You Tube back in my day, pervs), and settled into moving forward.
Then I came across this gem of a video and was reminded of one helluva valuable lesson: one “no”, does not define who we are, but rather, makes for a way cooler story when we finally get our “yes.”
Enjoy.
Christine Macdonald 
Keep dreamin’, girl!! You are amazing & I believe in you!
The Universe has something in mind for you, doll.
xo
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I will thank you! xx
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I agree, keep on going sista! you know my saying, “what would Madonna do?” and she would get right up and push harder until that dream comes true!
You Go Girl!
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Haha! You made me smile, Joey. Love you, Poodle.
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There are so many of us that love what you write, love how you write it and can’t wait to read the next piece you write. So we will all wait along with you, until a publisher finds you…and us!
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Wow Karah – thank you so much.
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Many years ago, I got cast in a pilot called “the Martin Short show.” I was put on tape in NY, and it was my 3rd audition that day.
I remember wearing glasses & throwing on a heavy New Yawk accent…the character was his producer of the show within the show.
I was sassy, bitchy, and got the part. My big break!! I was so excited. I’d never even been to LA before.
Then, during the week of rehearsals, nothing was working. I got no laughs from the network during run-through’s. (Then again, only Marty did.)
As the week went on, my accent was cut, as were my glasses & most of my jokes. My skirt got shorter & shorter, my boobs bigger.
By the time we filmed it, I was bland, pretty, boring, unfunny & charmless. I looked like every other actress in LA.
But I was young & innocent. It didn’t surprise me that I was fired. It devastated me. My career was over. LA had gotten a taste of me, and had spit me right back out.
“The Martin Short show” soldiered on without me. It ran a year. If I hadn’t been fired, I wouldn’t have been available for the role that changed my life – Sally on 3rd Rock.
Everything truly does happen for a reason. You are an enormously gifted writer & a lovely human being. You continue to inspire me.
It will happen, hon. Just not in the package you expect.
Much love
Kristen
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This made me well up with tears. Thank YOU, friend. I’m open to any and all packages! xxoo
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I’m am not worried about you a bit, Christine. Keep pushing yourself and believing because it will happen for you! xo Lina
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YES! Keep pushing myself. Love it. Thanks mama. xx
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You’re an amazing creative writer! Truth is, everything happens the way it happens for those silly god damn reasons. I believe in you, and you will get just what you deserve. Never give up, you are truly gifted!
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Patrice – thank you! I believe everyting does happen for a reason and this experience has truly been a blessing. I’m learning so much. Thank you for believing in me!
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Great video!
Keep pushing. They’ll come around.
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Thanks EG! I must have watched this video fifty times! Love it!
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