Just Be.

Yesterday was the communication symposium where I met with the guys from LA who I've been trying to get an internship through. The experience was really great and eye opening. There was one part that stood out to me more than anything else, that I just figure I should share to hopefully inspire others. I had a conversation with a guy, who is directing unscripted shows in LA, about my interest in writing for a TV show, it went something like this:

Him: So, you want to be a writer?
Me: Yes.
Him: No, wrong answer. Don't WANT to be a writer, BE a writer. Write everyday, find actors who can act out scripts that you write, find a director to film scripts you write, never stop writing. BE a writer.

I don't know why, but this just hit me. It makes so much sense. Of course you're not going to get anywhere saying "I want this." You're always going to want it, never actually have it. But saying it in a way like it's already true and practicing what it takes to become that, of course you will become that. You'll begin to see yourself that way, as will others. So, I no longer want to be a writer. I am a writer.

I also realized, this whole "just be" motto can be applied to any part of your life. Stop wanting things and just start doing them/being them. Instead of "I want to be healthy," just think "I am healthy." Instead of "I want to be happier," just think "I am happier." Always wanting is never going to get you anywhere. I don't know why this didn't hit me sooner. It's just like the secret, you have to be able to visualize having the things you want now. Because thinking that you have something so strongly, is like thinking you do have it, so it will happen. What needs to happen for it to become reality will fall into place like there was no other possiblity for what you're doing.

Now, continuing on with the secret. I believe it was again in full swing last night. Not even with me consciously knowing it. We had a scholarship award banquet, where the students who won scholarships sit at tables with the professionals who came for the symposium. It was 2 students and 6 professionals at each table. All the seating was pre-assigned. I get assigned to table 15. There were probably 30 tables for the entire banquet. Who ends up also being assigned to sit at my table? The two guys from LA. Okay, now to be completely honest, one of the guys was one seat away. I saw his name tag, sat there and thought "this is a once in a lifetime thing, why not make it better for myself?" Maybe it was bad, but when an opportunity arises, sometimes you just have to do what's best for you. So, I just happened to switch his name card with the guy's directly next to me.

Am I happy with doing that? Absolutely! I ended up talking to him about all sorts of things being related to our school, moving to LA, getting an internship, the 80s bands that toured at the school when he went, how we both play Rock Band. We made side comments during the banquet and symposium speeches. All because I decided to move his name tag. Also, them seeing me receive several scholarships I think helped realize I'm not just another girl who has some silly dream of going to LA. Proved that I work hard and was recognized for that. The director guy said he felt like he really needs to find me an internship to get me on my right path. It was really nice to hear him say that. Oh yeah, and the guy who's name tag I moved away from me, he ended up not evening showing up!

Overall, the symposium was a great experience. Minus being in heels for 12 hours. My feet were killing me by the time I got home. But, it was well worth it. I have a very good shot at getting an internship this summer in LA, incredibly exciting! It's so weird when something you've always wanted starts to become real.

So, my advice to others, just like the advice I was given: Don't want, just be.