22 vs 32

One of the best things anyone ever told me was “Nothing loses you a job quicker than getting sick.” Nursing a sore throat here in the first days of rehearsal, I got to thinking…

I remember when I was 22, consciously being irresponsible felt dangerous and thrilling. I thought nothing of partying after 14 hours of classes/rehearsals/performances, indulging in various substances, even with classes/rehearsals/performances the next day. My teachers told me my body was my instrument but I treated my body like a garbage disposal…because I could. Man, the crap I could get away with! Junk food, no sleep, constantly pushing the boundaries of what I could handle before getting either physically ill or emotionally/mentally drained. I could handle A LOT, so I pushed it A LOT. I confused this kind of boundary pushing with being a grown-up – thinking that being an adult meant I could do whatever I wanted to do.
 

At 32, I am feeling not just the years of this instrument, but also the mileage. Day by day the maintenance work required to keep this puppy running smoothly increases. Forget about the old vices that come with partying – I was smart enough to give those up long ago. I’m talking about the responsible habits that are so hard to acquire and incorporate into daily life: taking my vitamins, staying hydrated, not eating garbage, getting a full night’s sleep, staying fit, protecting my health, and building a vocal and physical warm up into my morning routine. These are not habits that come naturally to me – they are choices I have to work at constantly and consciously. I CHOOSE to get up early for 30 minutes of yoga+warm ups. I CHOOSE to eat a salad instead of fries. I CHOOSE to go home and rest instead of grabbing a pint at the pub. I CHOOSE to turn off the tv or movie and go to sleep. I CHOOSE the responsibility of being 32 over the fun of being 22. Why? Because I like living and I want to keep getting better at it. Turns out growing up actually happens when the things you want to do matches up with the things you NEED to do.

And besides…you know what’s really fun? Being paid to do something you would do for free. You know what else is really REALLY fun? Making your own dreams come true.  

***favorite moment of the day: Cooking dinner while video chatting with Chad.