“A winner doesn’t have to actually win to be a winner- a winner tries to win, a loser accepts defeat.” Ivana Chubbuck, The Power of the Actor
I took my first acting class today. It was actually just an observation. My initial reaction was:
What am I doing here?!?
I need to get out of here NOW. I don’t know if I can do this.
I don’t think I’m as Brave or as talented as everyone here.
Can everyone tell that I don’t belong?
I felt like a fully dressed clown, complete with red rubber nose and oversized shoes… in an operating room. So out of place. It was amazing observing the actors demonstrate what I perceived as bravery. I was in awe and how they were able to bare their souls on that tiny stage. They might as well have been standing there naked.
As they poured their hearts out the acting coach guided them into areas of deeper vulnerability and authenticity. And in a moment they were able to take on those notes and transform their performance. Amazing!
I realized that they were not just being brave, they were stepping into an arena. An arena where they were declared winner no matter the outcome.
I decided that winning will be my mantra. In every word I speak, every expression on my face, every movement I make in this acting class I will step into that arena and take my win.
I still feel a sense of fear and excitement, but something is different.