I know it has been a long time since I have made any new entries. Had no idea it has been almost 7 years! So much has happened in that time. A lot of awesome things like; released an album, joined the Dazz Band, appeared in 3 films, toured in the UK and so much more! Has there been some difficult moments? Absolutely. Management changes, personnel changes, financial challenges, break ups and all the other ups and downs of life personally and professionally. Survival in the entertainment business is based primarily on your ability to constantly re-invent yourself. No one way is the way. Being diverse has kept me afloat. Believe me!
I often get accolades from people who are impressed with all they see me doing. After I give GOD his just due I tell them that I've been rehearsing for this all my life. Which is actually true. I envisioned the things I am now doing for a living when I was a kid and many of my decisions and actions lead me to where I stand today. Not all were good but I've tried to learn from each mistake and make adjustments to the plan along the way. Sometimes you'll win and sometimes you'll lose so it seems but one thing is for certain DO NOT GIVE UP!
Being completely transparent, this lifestyle is not for the faint of heart. You are constantly looking for work. Always looking ahead to the next gig. When you're full-time like myself you have to always be proactive. Every job you book is accounted for in your monthly budget and if something falls through it can throw your whole month off. Keyword [CONTRACTS] Now don't get me wrong, I absolutely LOVE what I do and wouldn't trade it for any other career. I recently joined a production as a side gig in between Dazz Band shows and shows of my own. Something I could do whenever available, stay on the road and make some money. Of course, its fun too.
My issue is that because of poor communication in that organization things are very unorganized. I have never experienced so much miscommunication in my life! As a result, it has cost me literally thousands of dollars since I came onboard a few months ago. Imagine the frustration when you have done the work to secure the gig, discuss the particulars, block out dates, rehearse to learn the songs and routines. Not to mention calculate your budget based on the proposed number of performances only to find out things were not cleared properly with the executive producers (money people) , follow ups that were not done which caused me to miss shows.
Being a leader and employer I fully understand the importance of solid communication and good administration skills so it's safe to say that I am critical about that. In all of this I was reminded of other instances in my life where the turbulence or instability of a situation were GOD's way of telling me it was time to move on but because of fear you stay and endure more grief. Crazy right? Fear of the unknown can be crippling but so can remaining in a unproductive or unhealthy situation. All of my successes came as a result of ignoring my fears, obeying GOD and having the courage to take a leap of faith. Each leap has pushed me closer to my destiny.
What are you holding on to that GOD has told you to let go? What's stopping you from taking the leap of faith? In my bathtub prayer sessions I ask GOD for many things. Some are daily requests and some are more distinct. When I am really having a hard time feeling worthy or courageous enough to do something I believe is for me to do I say this simple prayer “Lord, please extend where I end…..” For me I'm acknowledging that He is bigger than all my fears and perceived limitations. Noticed I used the word “perceived”. Some things only exist in our minds which is directly connected to our fears. Have the courage to walk into your destiny.