Negative Chatter Is For Chumps

So, we all know the world has gone to hell in a hand-basket.  We are in a dire economical state, blah, blah blah.  How could we not know?  It is on TV day and night.  President-Elect Obama -- interrupting the heart warming segment i am watching on Good Morning America -- to hold a press conference informing us that yes America we are in trouble.  It's even on comedy shows.  Aaaah!  Calgon take me away.  I can't hear anymore of 'how poor we are garbage'.  Crap, I am an actor.  No one cared how poor I was a few years ago! But why do I bring it up yet again you wonder?

Heed my warning...are you ready for the all important knowledge I am about to impart?  Oh wait you do realize I am just kidding right? I hope you know that I really know just about as little or as much as the next person but I will impart my limited knowledge anyway.  Here goes, as an actor, your psyche, your I-can-get- this state of being, is crucial.  Thus, just as we've been told not to always buy the good press, choose not to buy this press either. 

Recently I have found myself thinking, "Gee if there is no money, should I bother sending to that agent?  He's probably not signing anyone new anyway."  Or I thought when I was about to reproduce pics, "Maybe I should just do one set.  I need to save my money."  Now while none of these is actually a bad thought, really quite practical in nature, the problem is that these thoughts are not coming from me.  This is negative chatter cluttering my brain from all of the news I am hearing that we are in a depression.  

Don't misunderstand my choice to shut off the chatter as disregard or a lack of a compassion for the millions of Americans who are suffering.  They are certainly in my thoughts.  But that doesn't mean the media has to inundate us with constant images of disparity.  And even if you turn off your TV you would have to be dead to miss it.

So if you are a worrier like I can often be, understand that opportunities are there to be had.  Productions are still happening.  Agents are still seeking.  And, if anything, you, the lesser paid actor might benefit in hard times.  Keep the negative out of your brain! Go audition and prosper.

If you have to cut something because you are worried, cut the caramel macchiato you splurge on every day.  You've got to stay trim for that hot supporting role in 2010.  Oh didn't anyone tell you?  You're booking a major role in 2010.  See doesn't it feel better to think about that, however fantastical it might seem, then these dire times we're in. 

If I have to hear one more report...

I feel like I am listening to my grandfather go on and on about when he was a child!

-- Heather Langone