Life Updates
Discernment + Well-Being
Hello everyone.
As you know, I’m Jess – a dancer, actor, choreographer, artist in all things. And today, we’re roll in’ in with a little life update.
I got signed with an acting manager!
Holy moly. It’s so freaking cool!
I’ve been signed with her for about a week and a half, and we are diving into the work! The door has been flung fully open and the work has begun! I’m so freaking grateful.
I haven’t really taken a moment to celebrate or process any of it because we’ve just been going full force! This week, I also got asked to take over a class (at the college where I teach) as a choreographer had to pull out mid semester, so I’m diving in full swing there on top of my existing classes. Additionally, I auditioned to teach dance at a gym that they’ve invited me to audition several times. I finally said okay and got the job on top of my already existing job at that gym.
To say I’m a little over committed feels like a truthful understatement.
I’m grateful for paid work to keep my bills paid and to hopefully help me invest in my future.
I’m beyond excited and grateful to be acting and actively submitting!!! This is what I’ve been working towards and dreaming of for a while now.
A lot of energy is in motion! The year of the fire horse is running full speed ahead!
Last year, I burnt myself out so intensely by saying yes to things that were actually a no, and I refuse to do that moving forward. So in real time, I am recognizing my pattern of overcommitting, and I’m learning what it means to be discerning and set boundaries for myself to stay well, whole, and grounded.
This week, my body started to say no for me. I very rarely get sick and felt something try to sneak in. So I listened this time, and made adjustments where it was possible, and navigated the best choices I could make when obligations/schedule adjustments were impossible.
My buddy reminded me how valuable it is to be discerning. There’s no obligation to say yes to everything or to submit everything the moment it comes into your inbox. And mindfully, I know I need to put myself out there more and more and more to get more work. It’s a balance.
Making a choice is allowed in life. If I’m overbooked, it’s okay to say “no, thank you for thinking of me”. If I’m not actually interested in that self tape, I can say “this one doesn’t feel aligned”. If that audition is asking me to work with a choreographer that’s a hell no in my books, I can say, “no, thank you”.
Then I can use the energy I have towards things that refuel me, light me up, and give back to me, so I can give back within my work and do quality work!
So this week, I will not burn out.
I will say yes when it’s a yes and no when it’s a no.
If it’s a survival obligation, and I have no choice BUT to say yes, I will shift my mindset and support my nervous system, so I don’t burn out.
No one cares about you and your well being more than you!
Advocate for yourself, kid (I’m saying this to myself).
Prioritize living not just surviving!
Cheers to a week of alignment, joy, wholeness, well being, and celebration.
Let’s do this, friends. Let’s do this!