The Successful Talent: Tips for the Actor & Model

TED TALK WITH SUPERMODEL CAMERON RUSSELL

In this TED talk by Supermodel Cameron Russell, we get to live from the model's point of view the true power of beauty and the entertainment industry.  Her disarming appeal and approach will win you over!   Think that modeling is the career path for you? 

 

Supermodel Cameron Russell has graced the cover of Vogue and launched the Victoria's Secret runway during her career, but those are just some of her accomplishments.  Russell began modeling at 16 years of age under the eye of Ford Models.  She is currently housed with Elite.  Her most notable credits include runway fashion shows for designers including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, Marc Jacobs, Versace, Vivienne Westwood, Ralph Lauren, Victoria's Secret, and Diane von Fürstenberg.

She majored in economics and political science at Columbia University.  She is involved in charitable organizations and gives her time as a model to give back to her community.

 

 

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SPUR OF THE MOMENT HOLIDAY VIDEO CONTEST

Time for some frivilous holiday fun!  I'm one of those people who believes in extending any holiday as far beyond the customary boundaries as possible.  Yup, I have been known to leave my christmas tree up well into April!  Why not keep the mood light and festive until we get that great spring weather back?

At this year's holiday party, The Avenue's talent were given an open forum to record whatever came to mind.  With no preparation or forewarning, many brave souls were willing and vulnerable enough to share a piece of holiday spirit with us.  In the following blogs, we will share their video choices and YOU will get to decide which video will win!  The lucky winner will be announced after all videos have been posted and can pick up their prize from myself at The Avenue.  So tell your friends, share on facebook, and tweet away -- will it be you?

Brigid O'Connell grabs a pair of dark sunglasses to share her rendition of a pregnant female Corey Hart.

 

 What in heaven's name is Zach Al-Chokhachi talking about?

  

Roy Cox shares his holiday vocals.

 

More vidoes to follow in coming blogs.  Check back to see yourself and your friends be spontaneous and cast your vote for the best holiday impromptu video by leaving a comment below.  The video with the most comments wins!  Will you vote for Brigid, Zach, or Roy?

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26 REASONS WHY YOU DIDN'T GET THE PART

The Avenue's own Susan Miller and David Ditmore shared this article from Backstage Experts writer Amy Jo Berman.  Read below for more on a seasoned professional's insight into what you are lacking.

 

Yes, I’m writing about why you DIDN’T get the part. Yes, even though your audition was amazing and you were totally on your game and you lit up the room with creative acting genius, you still might not get the part. I know, I know…you’re probably thinking, but Amy, you are always so positive. Why are you talking about something negative?

First, it’s not negative to understand why you didn’t get a job because it will free your mind of all that monkey-mind chatter that happens when you find out you didn’t get it. Second, and this is the important part so pay attention, it doesn't matter. By the end of this article, I hope you understand that.

Since this is one of the most frequently asked questions I receive and the one that hangs you up the most and twists you into knots as an actor and a creative being, let’s get into it.

Based on my years and years of experience as a casting director in film and television, these are some of the reasons you didn’t get the part.

 

 

 

1. You’re too tall.

2. You’re too short.

3. You’re too pretty.

4. You’re not pretty enough.

5. You’re too fat.

6. You’re too thin.

7. You’re too blonde.

8. You’re not blonde enough.

9. You’re too old.

10. You’re too young.

11. You’re too serious.

12. You’re too funny.

13. You look too much like the lead.

14. You don’t look enough like the lead.

15. You’re taller than the lead.

16. You’re shorter than the lead.

17. You remind the producer of his sister, and he hates his sister.

18. You are too ethnic.

19. You are not ethnic enough.

20. You were the first one to read that day.

21. You were the last one to read that day.

22. You’re more like the best friend than the lead.

23. You’re more of a lead than the best friend.

24. You’re too character-y.

25. You’re not character-y enough.

26. You look like the director’s wife and he had a fight with his wife right before he left the house this morning.

Okay, this is a small sample of the some of the reasons you didn’t get the part. Have you heard any of these after one of your non-bookings? Can you tell what the one common thread is among this small sampling of reasons?

None of these are within your control. NONE.

Yes, of course there are many other things that are within your control . . . but these are the ones that drive you crazy. Right?

What you must understand is that your only job in an audition is to do your best work. Everything else is not up to you. The role you are reading for is one piece of an entire jigsaw puzzle. It must fit with the rest of the puzzle or the puzzle won’t work. The casting director, producer, and director are fitting pieces of the puzzle together all day long. Your only job is to be the best “piece” you can be. Whether your edges fit in the slot for that piece is not up to you.

Just go to your audition. Do your best and let it go. If you’re good, they will remember you. And the next time you hear one of those things, remember these words, let a knowing smile creep over your face, and go enjoy your day!

Amy Jo Berman is former Vice President of Casting at HBO and for 14 years has overseen the casting of over 150 films, mini-series, and series. She is the founder of Audition Polish, a membership-based audition coaching program that has helped actors around the globe nail their auditions on the first take. Using her 18+ years of technical audition experience in the casting room, Amy has helped thousands of actors with her tele-classes, private coaching, workshops, and seminars. Amy loves staying in touch with actors on social media. Watch her video acting tips on Youtube, join her Tips On Acting community on Facebook and get her VIP event updates here.

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2012 HOLIDAY PARTY!

This year's holiday party was a blast.  We celebrated a roster of talent who had amazing years, break-through moments, and of course, of MVP money makers!

A special thanks to the generous professionals who donated their services for prizes this year, including:

1. Michael Gomez Photography, who donated a free 2 look headshot shoot and a 3 look full modeling portfolio shoot. (Check out WestLight Studios on Facebook.)
2. Alan Dysert, who gave a free commercial workshop class. (To work with Alan, visit The Actor's School.)
3. Caroline Locorriere, who opened a spot on her wait list for her scene study workshop at the Actor's Studio in Nashville. (to work with Caroline, visit www.nashvilleactingstudio.com)
4. Holly Allen, [Casting Director, Actor, and Coach] who donated a free 30 minute skype coaching for audition prep.
5. Steve Flanigan, who opened a spot in his 12 week acting workshop class.
6. Deanna Porterfield of Balance Massage gave two free 60 minute massages to relax those nervous & tense muscles. (To relax with Deanna, contact Balance Massage on facebook.)
7. Jennifer McCoy BS ACSM, personal trainer at One Body One Life, who agreed to work with two talent for free 30 minute training sessions. (To work with Jennifer, email her at jennifer@body1life.com.)

The Avenue Agency's talent who stood out this year include Alice Raver, Holly Allen, Stephanie Gamonet, Emily Landham, Diana Moseley, Jared Carter, Steve Caviness, Rusty Whitener, David Ditmore.  Each one of these talent stood out as a high money earner, had a break through that brought them to the next level in their career, or booked a major project, so keep an eye out for them on your favorite tv shows and moves yet to be released!

Check back for updates on who the lucky winners of our holiday party prizes will be!

Thank you to each talent, producer, director, freelance staff member and industry professional who graced us with their presence this past weekend.  We look forward to another great year in 2013 with each of you!

The Avenue Agency's David Ditmore and Stephanie Gamonet.

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WEARING YOUR GAME FACE

Did you know actors and models are hired on the most subjective criteria?  No one can ever guess what will determine a decision-maker's mind, but there are some things you can do to swing luck in your direction!  So the question is . . . do you have your game face on?

 

Here's a career tip from a Casting Director which some smart actors use with proven results, but which every actor can employ to their benefit:

To start, assume you're being sent out for an audition.  Your role reads:  happy, approachable, perky.    Can you walk into a room with a big smile.  Do you look perfect; like a winner?  Do you have a good "aura"; are you able to send out positive vibes? Do you turn heads?

That's your "role" as an actor.  You assume this role when you walk out the door that morning.  No thunderclouds over your head (with a permanent bolt of lightening).  You stay in character throughout the day, wherever you go, whatever you do, whomever you meet.  (Do you know how to walk down the street?  REALLY walk down the street?  Stars do - they practiced doing "it."  And everybody gravitates toward them - wanting to be in their aura.)

Keep in mind that you run into "the industry" on street corners, in subways, in the supermarket, in the most unexpected places.  Don't let them catch you out of character, looking disheveled or like you're having a bad day.  It can be a potential deal breaker, sooner or later.  We're always on stage.  Not to mention the emotional weight of being in a funk and then trying to get out of it for the few minutes you are in the casting room!  Energy is more often felt than we realize in subjective and emotional industries especially.  It isn't something you can force or pretend -- it's either there or it's not.

You step out of character only when you return home, if you choose.  Then (and only then) you may assume your evil twin, descend into that terminal depression, morph into a slug, whatever.  But at that point, it's OK.

Tomorrow, repeat steps above if you need to practice this character more.  In this case, it might even make you a more likeable person, build your network, and you could even find new friends! 

Thank you.  And the world will thank you, too.   Not to mention how many more jobs you'll magically get!

THE ORIGINAL SCREEN TEST

After a lot of very hard knocks in the 1930s, Lyle had been given the opportunity to do a screen test for the second biggest studio in town, Warner Bros.

Lyle arrived at the studio looking his best, his dark hair shimmering with brilliantine, his two-tone wingtips just as shiny.  In his years as a travelling theatre actor, [he] cultivated habits that helped carry him through life.  He didn't have the steadiest of moral compasses, or much in the way of self-knowledge, and he would later be undone, more than once, by his love of a strong drink or the wrong woman.  (By the time he arrived in Hollywood, he had already ended a two-year marriage, to a strage actress, and had four more marriages ahead of him.)  But he always maintained his habits of professionalism, and of small ateentions to himself--the sort of ruotines that can hold a person together when little else does.  Lyle always showed up on time, and he always knew his lines.  He never left the house unless he was well turned out, anointed with Lilac Vegetal, a clean white handkerchief in his pocket.

One thing Lyle felt certain of: the material he had chosen for his test was perfect!  It was a scene from "Louder, Please," a play he'd done in Dallas.  He had played Herbert White, a brash and charming publicity man for a movie studio who runs afoul of the studio's obnoxious head of production.  The dialogue was quippy; the pace was modern and frenetic, with a lot of ringing phones and shouting.  In Dallas, Lyle's performance had earned him some of the strongest reviews of his career. 

Did it cross Lyle's mind that somebody in Hollywood might take offense at such an acid portrait of Hollywood?  It did not.  After all, the studio in the play was fictional.  After Lyle delivered all his lines, crisp and fast, the director walked over and said, "Talbot, that scene you did -- was that from a play called, 'Louder, Please'?"  Lyle nodded.  "Well, that play is kind of taboo on the lot here," the director continued. "The man you referred to as King, the one you're having a conflict with, is the head of this studio.  I don't think, uh, this test is something you want the studio head to see."

Lyle swallowed.  "Can we do it over?"   The answer was no.

Opportunity knocks and sometimes we are ready -- or we think we are ready.  Political blunders are rarely intentional, but can quickly kill a great casting, booking, or meeting.  Having advisors close at hand to help you navigate the unknown is one smart move, but being aware of the industry and who's who within it is an equally smart move on the talent's behalf. 

Lyle Talbot went on to become a household name starring alongside Carole Lombard, Barbara Stanwyck, and Bette Davis, despite his poor screen test choice.  You can reach the full article in The New Yorker. 

I am continually shocked by the choices talent make when they get an opportunity to read for an important CD or even meet me as an agent.  Bold and appropriate (or educated) choices excite me; whereas poor or humdrum choices make us want to pass before the actor even gets through their first 10 seconds.  Are you making the best choices to keep us interested and engaged?

YOUR EMPIRICAL AGE

Just today, I had a talent walk into the office telling me a story about being asked her real age during a casting session.  She is the exception to the rule in that she does not play anywhere near her real age, but she decided to answer the question with her legal age.  The Casting Director and she had a short and kind conversation about her not fitting the client's requested age range.   She was advised she would not be submitted because the CD did not want to have to lie to the client, should the client directly ask.  No one did anything wrong, so why isn't she being considered for the gig?

In an industry of perception, these words from NYC casting director Scott Powers are timely!

If you haven't been on the receiving end of this question yet, you will.  How you deal with it is critical to the future (productive or destructive) relationship between you and the person asking for this intrusive information.
 
Keep in mind we're in a visual industry.  What you look like is a big part of being submitted and booked for jobs.  This includes your age - your empirical age.  If you truthfully look 35 - 40, but are in reality 65, you should be submitted for 35-40 year olds.  Not for roles that are looking for 65s.  You don't look that age, so you shouldn't be going out for them.  You will not get that 65 year old part!  You will be wasting your time and your energy.
 
The age question comes up often in agents' interviews.  It's also on a lot of stat sheets.  That doesn't mean you necessarily have to answer the question specifically.  We never advocate lying, but did you know it's against the law to ask your age as a condition of employment, with the exception of alcohols, tobaccos and certain pharmaceuticals?  
 
Here's the smart way to handle the question of what your age is:  put down or tell them the middle year of your age range.  In dead earnestness, as if your own mother doesn't know how old you are.  We all try to get the skinny on you.  Now "they" think  they got some illicit information about you.  "We know how old she really is!"
 
Step two of this process, determining what is your empirical age range.  This is not the time to get too creative crazy.  As a rule of thumb, age ranges tend to be max in a 10-year range (for older actors) down to a few years (for younger actors.  Each year on an older actor is not as specifically registered as on a  younger person.)  To be objective on this, you don't do the numbers.  Have a trusted agent, casting director or manager do this.  Ask more than one and get an average.
 
BTW, did you know you'll drop to the bottom of your age range (the youngest you'll look) when you are smiling?  So on those oh-so-blue days we all have, smiling will make you the youngest you can be.
 
Every few years, recalibrate your age range so you stay current and competitive.
 
AND, now you will be submitted for roles that are truly age-appropriate for you.  AND will continue to have a constructive, rather than destructive, relationship with whoever is doing that asking.

No one in the casting room is going to bother with checking an ID in most cases.  (You shouldn't be taking unnecessary materials in with you anyway, so leave it outside.)  You're an actor, after all!  It shouldn't be difficult to convincely state your character's age if you are in character.  The casting session isn't about you -- it's about your character!

Have your [birthday] cake and eat it, too!  What age are you playing?

GOOD ACTORS. BAD CHOICES.

One of my personal favorite bloggers is Back Stage's Secret Agent Man.  In the following post on his blog, Secret Agent Man poetically clarifies why good actors do bad things . . . and how it ends up sabataging all their best efforts and intentions.

I met Lucifer in a bar the other night, and he confessed that he likes to put bad ideas in the heads of smart actors. Curious, I asked why he did this. The author of all sin smiled. “Creative people annoy me. Just look at the so-called great works of art that claim to capture my image. You would be upset too.”

Lucifer had a point. The man in front of me wasn’t a horned monster with a red tail. He actually looked a little like Jeremy Irons.

We ordered another round. My new friend went on to explain that actors are especially open to suggestion because they’re such desperate beings. “Convincing them to get in their own way requires little more than a whisper in their ears.”

I was stunned. Actors are always cutting their own throats for no apparent reason. Could the devil himself be the root of all that self-destructive behavior?

Just last week, a client shocked me by ruining an opportunity I created at her request. Clara, an established actor in her 40s, had been begging me to get her in the room for one of her favorite TV shows. So when the right part crossed my desk, I convinced the casting director to give her a shot.

The show’s office was on the Universal lot, up in the Valley. Since it was hard to find, casting sent me a detailed map with parking directions. I told Clara to leave early, just to be safe.

After the audition, she was in a state of shock. Everything went wrong, and it was all her fault.

Here’s what happened. Clara barely glanced at the map before leaving her home. She just assumed it would all make sense when she got there. Well, it didn’t. Clara couldn’t find the right parking structure so she left her car in the wrong place, a spot which was half a mile away from the casting office. And this was on a summer afternoon when it gets past 100 degrees in the Valley.

So she arrived at the audition 20 minutes late, covered in sweat. There was no time to waste because the director had to leave, so casting rushed her into the office. Naturally, the audition didn’t go well, and now it’s going to be a hundred times harder for me to get her back in the room.

When I asked Clara why she had behaved in such an unprofessional manner, she wasn’t able to give me an honest answer.

I finished my drink and turned to Lucifer.

“Was that you?”

He grinned.

My mind started to race. I remembered the time I had to drop a young client because he was badmouthing me in public. The idiot had been at a workshop, waiting for his scene partner, when he decided to talk some trash. A passing casting assistant heard him and called me in the morning.

Then there was the time an actor followed me into a restaurant, interrupted my dinner, and begged me for a meeting.

And what about those clients who passed on auditions because they didn’t think they were right for the parts? Why wouldn’t they allow the casting director to make that decision? 

Or worst of all, how about all the actors who write in to Backstage, begging for a meeting with Secret Agent Man when they don’t even know who I am or where I work?

Lucifer stood up. It was time to move on. He explained that Hollywood was keeping him busy.

I had to ask.

“Will I see you again?”

“Perhaps.”

As the Prince of Darkness strolled off into the night, I made a mental note to pick up some holy water and a few crosses on my way home.

To see more of Secret Agent Man's blog posts, visit his site. 

Are you listening to the angel or the demon sitting on your shoulders?  Choose wisely!

I'M SO SORRY . . .

Agents, managers, and casting directors find it amazing that actors and models so frequently start a conversation with the words "I'm so sorry . . . "  Insert any completion to the sentence.  We've heard them all!

 . . . I didn't get the message.

 . . . I haven't checked my email.

 . . . I'm not off book (e.g., I didn't memorize my sides).

 . . . I'm late.  It's the a) traffic; b) I was up really late last night; c) nobody called me; d) my alarm didn't go off; e) I didn't know I had to be on time.

 . . . I forgot my a) headshot; b) resume; c) pen to take notes

 . . . I'm too busy right now to write down the info.  Shoot me an email!

 . . . My headshot is still black and white.  I've been meaning to . . .

 . . . I didn't return your phone call the other day.  Can casting still see me?

According to one New York casting director, these excuses send the deal-breaker signal to those who could hire a talent.  The industry doesn't hear whining excuses daily -- we hear them hourly.  No one with money behind them cares how great a talent looks or how skilled they are if the first thing we hear is multiple reasons why someone isn't up for the job.  There is always another option in the talent pool!

So knowing what NOT to do is only half the battle.  Should you ever find yourself in a circumstance where you feel compelled to start with an apology, bite your tongue.  Apologizing at that point -- after you've already done something blaringly wrong -- will not fix the mistake.  Acknowledge your failure and move past it.  Choose to hear whatever frustration is shared with you from the inconvenienced professional and then choose to only say, "Yes, I hear you.  It won't happen again."  After that, you can move on and give them reasons to change their impression (because you'll nail it despite the stress, right?).  The words "I'm sorry" have no place in entertainment.  After you leave, be sure that you follow through on never letting the mistake happen again -- at all costs.  Actions speak louder than words.  Make yourself heard through people's experiences working with you and your mouth never has to even open!

In this business, the savvy talent must remember that in order to pursue significant well-paying work, there are NO excuses.   Period.   The actor who got the job had no excuses.  Did you?

WHAT SUSTAINS THE CREATIVE MIND?

New York actors were asked what sustains them day after day working in their creative endeavor.  Their answers were uninhibited.

CD Scott Powers says:  Wow! Nobody should look at actors the same way again! The clichéd actor stereotype has bit the dust. Thanks for all the well-thought-out replies - everyone one of them inspiring in their own way. And THAT'S what we mean by us being special - you just proved it.   Below are all the replies; please read all of them, you are sure to pick up some that resonate with you and will sustain you.

 
Writing down all of the things I've accomplished in the past year, and looking at that list frequently.

Doing something everyday, no matter how small, to move forward in creating contacts and making myself more visible.

Saying affirmations while looking at myself in the mirror. It's really hard to do at first, but I think it helps.

Getting involved with projects I care about and being with other artists I care about.

God and His grace are what keep me breathing

Every time a casting goes well

Watching myself improve and gain confidence

Knowing that I am not "just" an actor. To know that if this all goes to hell, I have intrinsic value and so much to offer besidesgives me strength to "go for it" without inhibition.

Loving what I do.

Less is more...If I can't fully commit to something. I simply don't do it. I go in 100 % and sometimes i fall on my face but at least I know I gave my all with no regrets. My time is my most valuable asset and if I'm not going to give it my ALL than it's not worth it.

I watch inspiring documentaries, inspiring bio pic films, visit the museum, reading moving books that feed my spirit. I do work on myself and always work from integrity because it's foundation of life. Without Integrity nothing works. Honoring my promises I make to myself first.

Being connected to the source of my gifts and my life.

Understanding that before I am an entertainer I am a light.

Knowing how to come back home to myself.

Looking for love and acceptance within my own heart.

Faith to stay in the present moment.

The sound of applause after a good improv show. Doing a good improv show is such a success.

Seeing my friends succeed in this business encourages me not to stop trying.

Creating my own work; making things happen on my own.

Meeting industry that already "knows" me.

My parents, who believe in me, and still call me their little star!

Hearing the laughter from the audience when you've just nailed a funny line!

The rehearsal process, joy, laughter, and comraderie

Several community theaters in New England are refurbished churches; and it is so fitting because Theater, like all art forms, feeds the soul.

It took a great deal of maturity, but knowing NOT to take it personally if I don't get a part.  I've done the work. I can act. I just may not be what they are physically looking for. 

I never gave up on anything. I refuse to lose. I dont give up. Ever

When your daughter says, Dad, I was watching a movie last night on TV and all of a sudden You popped up on the screen, WOW. you didn't tell me you were in that one.  Hey, we went to the movies last night and there you were right in the middle of things as big as life. What a thrill to see someone we know personally in a movie.

Hello Peter, This is casting calling to see if you are available tomorrow for a featured spot in 'What's Your Number' as "Uncle Charlie' ?. Ah, let me check my calendar.

Morgan Freeman called me over shared his heater with me on the first cold day of the season. At the end of the shoot when he was leaving the set, he walked by me and shook my hand and said, "It was great working with you."  I said to myself, Wow, What a Class Act."

An understanding of what I bring to the world - bridge building.  I look to connect people, connect "situations" with solutions or resolutions and provide clarity to otherwise confusing and daunting tasks.

Loving the things I do in life which sustain me (even when they're annoying, like my survival jobs and the fact that I, HAVE THEM).

Always seeking a new thing to learn every day.

Mind games with myself.  For example, when someone asks how I'm doing, my normal response usually is "Another day in Paradise".  Most folks usually scoff at that, to which I retort "that's my story and I'm sticking to it."  The responses usually shift to amazement.

Throw folks a curve ball in life that's unexpected.  For example, one of my joys is driving a bus.  I drive a line run to Atlantic City on weekends whenever I'm not doing a show or other artistic endeavors.  When a (female) passenger boards my bus and informs me it's their birthday today, I usually say "oh, that's nice, happy birthday" then they take their seat.  What they don't know is when I reach my last pick-up and make my announcements about Atlantic City protocol, I will walk the length of the bus towards where that person is sitting and just before I finish my announcements, I'll ask the question "Oh, by the way, what's you name again?" to which they'll tell me, then I belt out HAPPY BIRTHDAY.  The responses I get amongst the passengers: PRICE-LESS.

PRAYER/FAITH. These go hand in hand

Optimism- for each No, i'm closer to my Yes.

Determination- there is nothing else for me. Been workin since 14yrs old and I believe Ive been in almost every field from food service to nursing to finance to law enforcement. Since I was 7 I knew I was an Actor/character.

Passion- I eat, sleep, breath my craft and know that its my gift from God.

Perserverence- my drive to excel and never quit. Don't focus on how many ppl doin the same thing but concentrate on the unique talents I have to offer.

No Sense- not enough to even think For one minute that I won't make it. As long as I stay dedicated, there is no failing.

Physical well-being: having a gym, yoga, dance class, etc. routine. Maintain a good diet.

Mental well-being: keeping an audition journal, having an understanding friend/roommate/partner that you can vent to without getting negative feedback, writing your memoirs or an anonymous online blog. Join a book club, check out novels from the library for your daily subway commute.

Creative well-being: watching local TV shows. Taking acting class, voice lessons, etc.

Emotional well-being: making sure you keep up a social life/dating life! Keep it in check (going out is expensive!), but do make time to see your friends and go on dates (or take your partner out if you're in a relationship) - doesn't have to cost money, and you can combine them with other goals such as going out to see a show or taking a walk in the park.

Financial well-being: having a flexible day job or side catering/waitering job. Unemployment. Barter with friends for mutual coachings if you're short on money for lessons.

Weekly one-on-one coaching keeps me audition-ready at all times.

Always maintain curious attitude without being intrusive.

Bringing everything I work on to a higher level.

Seeing I've played my position on the team (shoot) to the best of my ability and have had fun doing it.

Learning for forgive -- especially myself .

I got in this by the back door -- through looking to better express emotions like vulnerability. Finding out I had talent was a major surprise. I learn something new every day which is a hoot!

Jeremiah 29:11 - For I know the plans I have for you", declares the Lord, "plans to Prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Heb.11:1 - Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.

1 Cor. 2:9 - No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him.

Isaiah 30:18 - The Lord longs to be gracious to you; he rises to show you compassion. For the Lord is a God of justice. Blessed are all who wait for him!

Ecc 5:19 - Moreover, when God gives any man wealth and possessions, and enables him to enjoy them, to accept his lot and be happy with his work---this is a gift of God.

Faith

Belief in myself

Belief in the Universe and Natural Law

Family

Friends

Recognizing the strengths of others and knowing I have the ability to surpass what has already been proven possible.

Recognizing the weaknesses in others and knowing i am nothing like them and will never be like them.

The joy and happiness that comes from setting and obtaining goals.

Being lucky and grateful of having the people who inspire me most in my life.

Realizing my potential and refusing to do it injustice.
 

 

What sustains YOU day in - day out?