Do Not Fail Yourself!

Shannon O'Brien wrote the message I'm sharing today. I haven't edited it at all. I'm sure it will bless and inspire you.

“When I packed two bags and left Wisconsin to pursue my acting career in NYC...I took a running leap...I worked my butt off auditioning, taking dance classes, acting classes, voice lessons. I spent hours in lines for auditions, auditions that sometimes I wasn't even seen at...I kept plugging along. I wasn't going to give up on myself or dream even despite all the rejection....eventually, I was in a place where I could no longer afford to keep pursing acting...my student loans kick in 1,450.00 a month, my rent was 1,750.00 a month...etc...the day I took a job and left NYC, a part of me truly died. The biggest regret I've had in life was leaving NYC and giving up my one true passion that made me feel alive. The one thing I felt gave my life purpose/meaning.

Once I moved away and took a job that could pay my bills...I ended up getting t-boned by a semi truck on my way to a doctor appointment to get a "doctor's note" from being out sick at work...that accident nearly killed me. I had to re-learn how to count, read, write, walk, feed myself, dress myself, etc....I broke almost every bone in my body. I've now had 12 surgeries to repair nerve damage and all my fractures. I know now, I probably will never see the stage again.

Everything I worked for my entire life was gone. In a blink of an eye. I remember laying in my hospital bed thinking, if I had never gotten scared about not making it in life, I would probably still be in NYC living my dream. I would have never been in that accident.

What I'm trying to say is, in life, find what makes you happy and go to the end of the earth pursing that passion that brings you happiness. That's what Really matters... doing things that bring out your happiness. It took me nearly dying to realize that life is shorter than we can even get our minds around, it's so important to spend each day doing things that give your life meaning and purpose...and ultimately bring you true happiness. Nothing else matters.

Don't give! You can do it. Don't make the mistake I made. Keep fighting. I believe in you! Don't take the safe route...if acting is what you want keep going! Always take the running leap in life. Acting in NYC is tough but, the one thing I didn't realize until my accident is...it's possible. You may not end up on Broadway, but, I believe there's so many beautiful pieces out there and so many wonderful theaters that you can find and be apart of, places where you can bring characters to life and create beautiful art with.

Just don't lose your hope. Don't lose your drive. Don't take the safe route. Always let your inner sparkle shine! Best wishes to you!”