Time to Press Play Again?
How Long Has Self-Discovery Been On Pause?
At some point between adolescence and adulthood, many lose their sense of curiosity and recreation. Either they’re told by elders to grow up and get serious (not always in those exact words); perhaps they tell themselves that, or life’s circumstances force it to happen.
The weight of big decisions; assuming more responsibility; deciding who we think we are and who we are not — all chip away at our willingness to play or try new things. There’s so much pressure to choose a path and reach expected milestones. But while maturity and direction are necessary developments for some elements of life, allowing it to completely eclipse our malleability and free spirit is a detriment.
I consider myself a very adaptable person. I’m able to connect with all types of people, and enter new situations with curiosity, rather than total intimidation. Don’t get me wrong — I still have imposter syndrome to some degree, but I don’t let it control my decisions. I attribute this flexibility to my refusal to accept stagnancy. I like to be kept on my toes, and it serves me well in many situations.
I also recognize that my lifestyle as a single, childless creative works differently than many of my peers who’ve chosen more traditional paths. But I think we can learn from each other regardless. I might benefit from more routine and structure, while they could use more flexibility and openness. It’s all about priorities — I know busy parents who run successful businesses, and still create time for ‘extracurricular’ activities. I can’t imagine it’s easy, but I commend their efforts to keep passions in their lives.
Re-finding the Joy in Old Passions
Sometimes I hear people talk about activities they used to do — that they have fond memories of, and light up when they talk about them. I often ask, “Why did you stop?” The answer is usually one of the following:
I had to focus on my career
I graduated and moved on
It wasn’t cool anymore
I wasn’t good enough
I had children
I don’t know
Sure, our lives change and we enter new seasons. But that doesn’t mean we don’t still love parts of the past ones. Can you think of events that happened at this time last year, that you’re looking forward to happening again this month? Our climate is cyclical — we might focus on certain pastimes during Spring and Summer — then Fall returns, and new activities start up. Amongst them, there might be hobbies that you’ve taken part in during past seasons of your life, but were long left behind. Or perhaps there are things you thought about trying, but never had the courage or opportunities for.
Do me a favour right now, and think about a time when you were surrounded by people you enjoyed, and you felt your most joyous self. Where were you? What were you doing? For me, it was spending countless hours in the Moncton High School auditorium as a youth, rehearsing for musicals. There were people there who might have never performed again since high school, and people like me who’ve dedicated most of their life to some form of it. But we were all there in the moment, even if for different reasons. Together, we created a chapter of our lives that held value, and gained tools that have helped us navigate life.
Being a ‘theatre kid’ gave me the foundation for my performing arts skills, and a place where I felt seen. For others, maybe it was a chance to spend more hours with their best friend, or it was a more positive space than their home. I bet almost all of the people I spent that time with look back on it fondly, and would love the opportunity to do it again in some capacity. What pastime are you thinking of, and do you see a way you could fold it into your current life, even a little? It’s worth considering.
Just because we’re grown-ups and life is more complicated than when we were younger, we still need:
Joy
Growth
Variety
Healthy discomfort
New ways to see the world
Something to work at and be proud of
Ready to Press Play Again?
This fall, I’m offering a few opportunities for adults to dip their toes into acting. I’m leading two sets of group workshops plus some private scene studies for pairs.
This fun 90-minute workshop involves exercises designed to dissolve personal walls, and build confidence and skill for the stage and camera. Participants will receive guidance and support, leaving with levelled-up skills as an actor, and maybe even some new friends!
Explore improv and comedic storytelling in a fun and supportive atmosphere. The Laugh Lab is a beginner-friendly improv workshop, using elements of sketch and theatre to create an outlet for comedic storytelling.
Get focussed direction and experience while working on a two-person scene. Scenes and pairings will be curated for the specific participants. Sessions will be scheduled on Tuesday and Thursday nights, based on the registrants' availability.
Take a look at the Classes page, and consider signing up for one — do it for your younger self!
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