To recap really quickly, here are the new affirmations I have written for myself.

1. Making friends comes easily to me.

2. I both love to work and play.

3. I like being alone, but I also enjoy being in the company of like-minded people. I love to engage in stimulating discussions.

4. I enjoy sharing my thoughts and feelings, and being an active member of conversations.

5. I have something to say.

Yesterday I attended a screening at VAS where several different web-series’ premiered. Greg directed one (in which he cast me in the lead role) called “Loving Your Inner Critic.” Fitting, I know. The screening went incredibly well, and I was super impressed with the quality of work that came out of the school. I was extremely nervous to see myself on the big screen, but I was pretty happy with my performance. The experience taught me that although I still have an enormous amount to learn, I feel that I am pursuing the right profession.

While watching the other films, there were certain actors who definitely stood out as being better than the rest. As I sat in the theatre, I pondered (as artists do) what made these individuals stand out. The answer: they believed in themselves. There is no way that I can move forward in this profession without this crucial ingredient: “CONFIDENCE.” I’m not talking about arrogance here, I’m talking about an unwavering belief in yourself, combined with a healthy amount of ignorance as to why you’re dreams are difficult to attain.

I went on an inspirational photo splurge after work today (as you can see from the facebook page), and I’m in an incredible mood right now.

After the screening, we all went out to Yaggers (a pub) where we hung out with people from the screening. As we left the theatre I began repeating the above affirmations to myself, while also thinking about how important confidence is to my career. When we arrived at the pub, moments later, I smiled sincerely and introduced myself to a few different people. Then, I slid under the table and hung out with a girl named Danielle I knew from residence back in New Brunswick.

I gave myself permission to be me, to have a great time, to have a couple of beers, and to completely forget about any work I had to do. The result? I had a fantastic night. The experience rejuvenated me, and helped me to see how much easier life is if I adopt these new paradigms. Sure, it might be uncomfortable at first, but the change is needed and well worth it.

It’s easier to be sad, than happy… so I’m going to start consciously taking the more difficult path. These are my new paradigms, so they better get used to sticking around.