I truly believe that one of the best things you can do for yourself, regardless of what career path you take in life, is to read. Reading (not to mention watching movies and television) opens up so many doors to places and experiences that you may never encounter in your own life. It is a powerful way to gain knowledge, learn from others' experiences, increase your tolerance and love for people, and hear some amazing stories along the way. I have always loved reading biographies or autobiographies of people from the entertainment industry. I find it fascinating to hear from people who are doing what I would love to do, what I dream of doing, and how they are going about it, how they are handling it.
These last few months, I have really made it a point to get back into reading books apart from things for school, and doing it just for myself instead. I’ve started with two books written by a couple of the fiercest, most hilarious ladies in the industry.
Tina Fey’s Bossypants and Ellen DeGeneres’s Seriously…I’m Kidding
(I have to admit that I am currently not finished reading Ellen’s book yet, but perhaps I will write another post later once I have. I’m sure there are about a hundred more quotes I will want to discuss.)
Anyway, I have compiled two quotes from each book that I think are really important. Here they are in all their glory :
1) “Do your thing and don’t care if they like it.”
- Tina Fey
I think to be a good artist, you have to be willing to break through some of the norms of the industry. In doing that, there will always be SOMEONE who won’t like what you are doing. Learning to be okay with that is a huge battle. You can’t please every one, so you just have to follow your heart and “do your own thing.” Who cares if they don’t like it?
2) “When you take risks you learn that there will be times when you succeed and there will be times when you fail, and both are equally important.”
- Ellen DeGeneres.
Entering into the entertainment industry is a huge risk in itself, but in that, there are little risks that you have to take along the way. I’m the kind of person who has to put 100% into whatever it is I’m doing at the time. If I’m working on a song, 100% of my energy is focused there. If I’m working on something for school, 100% of my energy has to be in it. Typically, I don’t even entertain the idea of failing. If I’m doing something, I will do it until I get it right. But sometimes that doesn’t work. Sometimes, you simply have to accept that whatever it is isn’t working and be able to learn from that and move on from it. Failing and succeeding will teach you vastly different things, but the things they will teach you will become invaluable to you. I promise.
3) “To me, beauty is about being comfortable in your own skin. It’s about knowing and accepting who you are.”
- Ellen DeGeneres
As a young woman who has had my own struggles with self-acceptance, this quote really hit home for me. It is easy to forget that the things that are different, or quirky about us are the things that make us who we are. It is easy to slip into comparing yourself with others. I think this is a great reminder that it’s okay to take some time to figure out who you are. And once you have a grasp on that, spend some time learning how to love who you are. I imagine this is something everyone can relate to, which just shows that it is something we can all learn and do together. Be gentle with people. We are all struggling with the same basic things.
4) “Last advice of the book; everything will be fine.”
- Tina Fey
Following your dreams is scary. Going out on a limb…running past the bounds of your comfort zone with no hopes of returning to the safe little box you’ve kept yourself in is absolutely terrifying. But in that, in doing what you were created to do, there is joy and there is hope. Everything will be fine. That’s something we can count on. Let it be well with your soul.
These last few months, I have really made it a point to get back into reading books apart from things for school, and doing it just for myself instead. I’ve started with two books written by a couple of the fiercest, most hilarious ladies in the industry.
Tina Fey’s Bossypants and Ellen DeGeneres’s Seriously…I’m Kidding
(I have to admit that I am currently not finished reading Ellen’s book yet, but perhaps I will write another post later once I have. I’m sure there are about a hundred more quotes I will want to discuss.)
Anyway, I have compiled two quotes from each book that I think are really important. Here they are in all their glory :
1) “Do your thing and don’t care if they like it.”
- Tina Fey
I think to be a good artist, you have to be willing to break through some of the norms of the industry. In doing that, there will always be SOMEONE who won’t like what you are doing. Learning to be okay with that is a huge battle. You can’t please every one, so you just have to follow your heart and “do your own thing.” Who cares if they don’t like it?
2) “When you take risks you learn that there will be times when you succeed and there will be times when you fail, and both are equally important.”
- Ellen DeGeneres.
Entering into the entertainment industry is a huge risk in itself, but in that, there are little risks that you have to take along the way. I’m the kind of person who has to put 100% into whatever it is I’m doing at the time. If I’m working on a song, 100% of my energy is focused there. If I’m working on something for school, 100% of my energy has to be in it. Typically, I don’t even entertain the idea of failing. If I’m doing something, I will do it until I get it right. But sometimes that doesn’t work. Sometimes, you simply have to accept that whatever it is isn’t working and be able to learn from that and move on from it. Failing and succeeding will teach you vastly different things, but the things they will teach you will become invaluable to you. I promise.
3) “To me, beauty is about being comfortable in your own skin. It’s about knowing and accepting who you are.”
- Ellen DeGeneres
As a young woman who has had my own struggles with self-acceptance, this quote really hit home for me. It is easy to forget that the things that are different, or quirky about us are the things that make us who we are. It is easy to slip into comparing yourself with others. I think this is a great reminder that it’s okay to take some time to figure out who you are. And once you have a grasp on that, spend some time learning how to love who you are. I imagine this is something everyone can relate to, which just shows that it is something we can all learn and do together. Be gentle with people. We are all struggling with the same basic things.
4) “Last advice of the book; everything will be fine.”
- Tina Fey
Following your dreams is scary. Going out on a limb…running past the bounds of your comfort zone with no hopes of returning to the safe little box you’ve kept yourself in is absolutely terrifying. But in that, in doing what you were created to do, there is joy and there is hope. Everything will be fine. That’s something we can count on. Let it be well with your soul.
I will be doing a show at The Paramount, OKC!
From 8:00 - 10:00pm
( This Friday February 13, 20157 North Lee Avenue, Oklahoma City, OK 73102)
Come spend your Valentine's Day Eve with me!
Coming Next Week :
A video of one of my favorite songs that I’ve written : “I’ve Built These Walls.”
A video of one of my favorite songs that I’ve written : “I’ve Built These Walls.”