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Do You Need ME Time? 

1/14/2013

3 Comments

 
"Cuddling literally kills depression, relieves anxiety and strengthens the immune system." ~Anonymous

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Is this you?

Wake up, grab coffee, go right to work, come home, make dinner, check your email, social media sites, go to bed. Rinse & repeat?

Do you ever feel like this routine has you spinning your wheels? Constantly wondering when the big break is going to happen? 



Well I ask you this. Are you forgetting a very important ingredient to success in life and business? What is it? I'll give you a hint: YOU!

I've spent a lot of time recently wondering WHY WHY WHY?  I felt like a hamster on a wheel...I was going, going, going...nowhere! Sure, business is picking up and things seem to be heading in the right direction.  But I'm not  a thing. I'm a person. And I felt like I was going nowhere.  The need to be honest with myself I started noticing red flags fly up.

Red flags like insomnia, lack of energy, reduced social interaction and over thinking every little thing.  Sound familiar folks?

Well now that we are in a new year and I recognize these issues, I realized that I'm NEVER going to please everyone.  There will always be naysayers. There will always be people who you expect to support your dreams and aspirations that just don't.  There will always be people who'll never understand your business, why you started it, or how you can live not having a 'real job.'  With all of your energy and attention turned to these rather insignificant instances you are losing time with the people that do believe in you...including YOURSELF.  And that time lost means less creativity. Less productivity.  Less happiness.

So, I have a challenge for my friends and colleagues.

Starting now, wake up 60 minutes earlier.  Keep a journal.  Each morning when you wake up write one reason why you are proud of yourself.  Spend the next 57 minutes for YOU.  


  • Do NOT check your emails.
  • DO something that makes you happy - exercise, read, sew, crochet, knit, draw, paint, write, catch up on a tv show that you've been saying "I really want to check that out."
  • Do NOT go on FB, Twitter, Google +, Klout, Pinterest, etc.
  • DO make yourself a nice balance and healthy energy filled breakfast.
  • Do NOT think of your to-do list
  • DO HUG YOURSELF!



For many small business owners this challenge will be exactly that. A CHALLENGE!  We wake up and worry about our mile-long to-do list. If you are anything like me, this worrying causes me to skip breakfast, get tired, and then not want to do a single thing on the to-do list.  So what can we do to change this and be more productive as actors or business owners? 


Be selfish for a change! It's ok.  I promise.  Since January 1st I have got up, had my healthy breakfast, played some Angry Birds (and I'm sooo not ashamed of that!), learned new music, watched a favorite show, straightened up the house, reorganized, and I have done a lot of reading.  I find myself more focused, energized, and happier throughout the day.  Now, it's not an overnight fix.  It's a routine...and like any routine you have to stick with it.  The only way to stick with it is to wake up and write in that journal.  It is a reminder to ourselves that we are worth it.  We deserve happiness.  We deserve to be healthy - body, mind, & soul.  We deserve to live the life of our dreams. 


In two short weeks, I find myself filled with new ideas which makes me excited to tackle that to-do list. It gets me energized for what's ahead.  It fills the air with excitement and endless possibilities.  All because I decided to give myself some 'me time'.  


So, go ahead, hug yourself...I DOUBLE DOG DARE YOU!







3 Comments

How What You Do Affects How You're Perceived - by Robert Curtiss (The Actors Guide to Everything)

1/8/2013

1 Comment

 
"Behavior is a mirror in which everyone shows his own image" - Chinese fortune cookie
I recently read the saying above on the "fortune" in my fortune cookie, and it reminded me of other similar sayings, such as "Actions speak louder than words" and "You are what you do." All of these sayings boil down to the same simple truth: We show the world what kind of people we are by what we do. Literally. How we treat others, how we look, how we manage our time are some ways, to list a few. Our behavior gives powerful non-verbal messages to others that tell them what to think about us. After all, they may say, "Never judge a book by its cover," but we all make assessments and judgments based on the available evidence before us. Knowing this can help us shape how others perceive us.

Our attire and our personal hygiene send strong messages. People may not consciously note that you look clean and neat, but they definitely notice when you are sloppy or otherwise not well-groomed.

How we manage our time sends a powerful message too. When we are on time, we are showing others that we are ready and eager for our appointment. Whereas when we are late, we may give the impression that we do not value other people's time, and we are not responsible. This may not be true, but it leaves a lasting impression.

When we are kind to others and offer them care and concern, our actions reflect kindly upon ourselves, and when we speak about others behind their backs, it says to others that we probably talk about them behind their backs as well.

How do you perceive yourself, and how do you want to be perceived by the world? Think about that. Think of ways to behave that promote that perception in yourself and in others.

Robert Curtiss always dreamed of becoming an actor and singer, and was in all of the plays and musicals throughout his school years in Massachusetts. He moved to New York City after college to pursue an acting career, and after many years of struggle and very little momentum or measurable success, he decided to go back to school to become a psychotherapist. While attending graduate school, Bob met his husband, entertainment manager John Essay. Together they decided to write a book to help actors navigate the confusing paths of show business, with information provided by John about the business, and information from Bob about maintaining a healthy mental equilibrium while pursuing the acting business. Over the next ten years, the “book” became a website – www.TheActorsGuideToEverything.com – and their dreams of working together were realized. Bob gave up his psychotherapy practice and started working for John full time.


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First and foremost, I'm an actress and singer.  I started Star of the Day as a way to continue my quest to work in the industry.  I read a lot of articles to help me out with those goals.  I read this article recently and thought it is perfect for anyone in any industry.  If you are doing business - whether as an independent actor or small business owner - what you put out there is important.  I hope you enjoyed this article as much as I did!

1 Comment

Where Is Your Focus?

1/1/2013

4 Comments

 
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"Passion is energy. Feel the power that comes from focusing on what excites you." ~ Oprah Winfrey 

So I had a great New Year's Eve.  That makes two years in a row that I've smiled and celebrated a New Year.  

But all day yesterday, I couldn't help but notice a lot of people posting on the social media sites about how they wanted 2013 to hurry up and get here.  I learned something 2 years ago...

In 2011 I lost my best friend, thought at some point I'd be living out of my car with my husband and 2 cats (talk about cramped), and lost my father-in-law.  I kept saying I can't wait for 2012...this year sucked! But, my career coach and friend, Doug Shapiro, sent an email to all his friends about his successes in 2011 and I thought what better way to enter into a new year than with positive thoughts about the year ending.

So I set out to make a list of successes.  And lo and behold I did it.  Some were small things like my parents getting remarried. Ok, so that was pretty big...AND AWESOME!  Once I wrote one down more came to me.  I did an off-Broadway show, 2 NYC showcases, a  beautiful concert in Queens of Civil War music, 6 months of continued work in theater, started a business, and met amazing people, and had the most amazing husband by my side through it al.  So during a year when I thought my world was ending because I was focusing on all the sad and depressing things wasn't so bad once I shifted my focus.

So, I challenge all of you to sit back and focus on the good that came out of 2012 to help you look ahead at 2013 with positive love and light.


In 2012...
  • My business flourished and expanded exponentially thanks to my friends, family, and business relationships.
  • I made my Broadway debut! 
  • I have been able to continue my personal acting career while running my business.
  • Raised money for early literacy, domestic violence and abuse, and relay for life.
  • Doubled our roster of Cabaret singers.
  • Performed in my first local theater show since 2008.
  • Paid off my car!
  • Went on a vacation with my husband.  First vacation together since 2008 (our honeymoon).
  • Ran my first 5K
  • Participated in Relay for Life.
  • Produced my first full-length musical with 6 amazing actresses and incredible staff.
  • Participated in a number of community events.
  • Gave away $350 in scholarships to local high school vocalists.
  • Celebrated my 4th wedding anniversary with the most supportive husband.



I look at that list (and there IS more) and I smile.  When I chose to redirect my focus at the end of 2011 it gave me the energy and belief system that I COULD DO ANYTHING in 2012.  And I did! 


Instead of dwelling on those who wrong us, hurt us, use us, etc. focus on the people who DO NOT!  When you focus on the people and things that help lift and raise us we can then, in turn, lift and raise others and help positive things happen.  And that's the kind of world I choose to live in.  


Happy New Year!  Let's FOCUS on a great 2013!


Kirsten Rani Almeida
Founder/President
Star of the Day Event Productions






4 Comments

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