It’s ok to be terrified

I’ve done it! I’ve finished my MFA and can now go back out into the world. Rather terrifying right!? But, I have learned a few things while in grad school and one of them is it is ok to be terrified as long as you don’t let that paralyze you. New things are always frightening. The fear of the unknown is a real thing and when working as a freelancer in the arts most of your life can feel a bit unknown. Feel that fear and then plow ahead with your plan.
There have been many times where I have been cautious about something new or a bit scared of how it will go, but I come at it with a plan and sense of experimentation. I recently had the opportunity to meet the head of a large costume shop in New York City and sit down with the staff to practice a bid for a project play. I was terrified of messing up, looking unprepared, etc. but, I didn’t let that stop me. I came with a plan, a positive attitude, and the knowledge that this was a fantastic opportunity that would never come around again in such a nurturing environment.
You can be terrified. There is no weakness in being scared as long as you don’t let it rule how your life. Feel that fear, acknowledge it, and use it to fuel yiurself forward.

New can be good. It brings a freshness to your spirit. Here’s to all the new terrifying things to come and may we all meet them with gusto. Happy Holidays.