The Summer of "Mom"
Confessions of a Rock Opera Nut
This past weekend my husband and I opened our local repertory theatre\u2019s production of Jesus Christ Superstar, an absolute dream come true for both of us. When we first got the call that BOTH of us had been cast-- (leaving our childcare situation in a bit of a pickle)--- we decided that it would be better to beg for forgiveness rather than to ask for permission to bring the kids with us to every rehearsal. What we feared might be disastrous and chaotic ended up being a delightful and enlightening experience for everyone.
This was just the beginning of the pleasantly surprising lessons awaiting us this summer.
8 Things I Learned as a "Superstar" Mom
1. Your children LOVE watching you ...when YOU are loving your life.
At first we worried that we were selfishly subjecting our children to our self-indulgent desires to return to the stage, but the most unexpected thing happened. Our kids began to revel in the entire theatrical process! They learned what it was like to be a part of a team with a common goal, how to respect every role, crew member and technical element, and how to push physical limits further each night. They watched as we turned that first "read through" rehearsal into a full-fledged, performance-ready production and there was no one more proud of us on opening night.
2. You are never too old to go for your dream.
.... even though it may look different when you get there. I never would have imagined buying dance clothes in my 40s, perfecting stage makeup around a few too many wrinkles, having my kids fall asleep in the dressing room during tech rehearsals or that I'd ever be so busy that I'd subject myself to fast food again (and then actually drop a few pounds!) One thing is for sure--- it is way harder now to keep up a schedule like this than it was in my 20's.
3. Even villains are well-intentioned.
I was cast as ANNAS, a biblical b*tch who is resentful of JC. Opposed to change, she's the sort of hateful person that I have would normally have no tolerance for in my personal life. When pouring into my character work, I realized that it wasn't an accident that this "role" found me. I learned that most "bad guys" are merely MISUNDERSTOOD and that when we open our minds we are all capable of viewing the polar opposite perspective. ...(and perhaps we should make the effort more often?)
4. Not everyone is your audience.
We opened to an adoring audience who gave us a standing ovation, but we didn't get the same response 2 performances later. Should it matter? Ten years ago this would have been earth shattering, but at some point you need to make a decision about WHO you are performing to and how to stay in the moment regardless of those who are approving or disapproving of your actions. Not everyone will love what you love and that shouldn't ever impose on your desire to stay on your path. The right people will find you, ALWAYS. And... The show must go on.
5. Rock operas never get old.
Music makes everything better. Just sayin'.
6. Everything always comes together at "lights up!"
The week before we opened, we were nervous. The cast was still singing off key at times, the technical elements still had not come together, the newly built set wasn't meshing with much of our choreography, and the production itself was SLOPPY. We were all a little tired and cranky and we began to worry that we'd disappoint our audience. However, as soon as that curtain was drawn, everything miraculously came together...just as it ALWAYS does.
7. Appreciate your team.
Center stage divas can't do it alone. Without the light board operator, you'd be standing in the dark. Without the costume designer, you'd be standing there naked. Without your village, your kids would not be taken care of. (You get the picture.) No matter the size of your role, everyone is an important contributor to the overall performance.
8. We are all better with age.
Taking the stage ten years after my last stage show, I was now one of the oldest in the cast. Expecting to be less limber and less interesting, I found my experience made me more of a leader than ever before. Instead of being rusty, I was poised. Instead of being self-conscious, I was self-assured. As a 41 year old active mom with an at-home-career... I didn't have time for B.S. I made the choice to be in this show because I knew that despite the hectic schedule, it was going to be an amazing experience. ( and I wouldn't have stood for anything less than that.)
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On Today's show...
We'll have a quick discussion about being a self-employed (and in many cases a self-indulgent!) parent, and how to energetically set yourself (and your family) up for success. My good friend, Terri Britt, former Miss USA rejoins us as our guest expert. Terri is a spiritual coach, energetic healer, mom-preneur, motivational speaker, and author of The Enlightened Mom. She has been studying energy and the family for nearly two decades and gives a unique spiritual perspective as to why families struggle and how to heal it.