Keep Moving Forward Challenge: Week Five

A STEP IN THE ‘WRITE’ DIRECTION

I’m riding the waves, walking through those open doors, and gaining momentum along my journey.

This past week, I wasn’t just moving forward…I was walking with my head held high, confidence in each step, and a song in my heart.

If you’ve read my bio or followed along the 111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge, then you know that my creative interests are many: writing, acting, jewelry design, singing, film/TV, and theatre. Each and every one stimulates my mind and awakens my spirit. During week 4 of the Keep Moving Forward Challenge, I embraced almost all of them and took steps forward along my path.

2016 BROADWAYCON

On Friday of last week, I posted an entry to my entertainment blog about the first-ever convention for Broadway fans! Though the event is not until January of 2016, the tickets go on sale soon and the first thirteen special guests were recently announced. I’ve written blog post after blog post about my love of theatre, you only need peruse An Entertaining Idea to see the multitude of entries focused on this interest. So, I was overjoyed at the announcement of this convention and had to write about it. Visit the BroadwayCon website to learn more about this wondrous event!

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP

I attended a workshop this weekend that put the confidence back in my step and reaffirmed my love of written communication. While I started writing as a source of cathartic expression, it quickly turned to a spiritual and artistic outlet with which others connected. Fittingly enough, the Delaware County Press Club held its “How the News Works” workshop (part of its Professional Development Workshop series) at a lovely place called Open Connections.

The attendees listened to an insightful discussion about broadcast news, online & print media, and the impact of social media in the industry. I listened with intent interest to each of the guest speakers: CBS 3’s consumer reporter Jim Donovan, syndicated writer and radio journalist Debra Wallace-Forman, and accomplished anchor/reporter Susan Barnett. I laughed, took copious notes, and met some creatively inspiring individuals. I discovered that Susan grew up in the same town that I call home – Levittown, PA – and we had a delightful discussion about our shared appreciation for this beloved community.

ACTING

I studied acting in college and discovered a creative interest that both captivated and motivated me. I happened upon an art form that I hadn’t considered prior and found that I not only enjoyed it but was good at it. The confidence I had as an actress didn’t hold when I transferred colleges, and it certainly waned over the many years since. However, while the flame diminished it never extinguished. I took a risk, stepped out of my comfort zone, and signed up this week to audition for a play at one of my local theaters. I’m excited and nervous, but mainly proud, to take this step.

I may lose my footing as I walk along the path, but I’ll keep moving forward with the creative arts guiding my way!

*REMINDER: Use #keepmovingforwardchallenge on social media to connect with others who have joined in this journey.*

What helps you move forward when you stumble? What motivates you to keep going?