I'm funny??

Day 25 - Something someone told me about myself that I'll never forget

Well, as we've discussed, I don't really have a great memory.

I certainly remember bad things that people have said about me...but I'll choose not to focus on them.

And to be honest...it took me a while to remember something good that really stuck with me! Sad story!

BUT I do remember writing down the good things people have said about me in my journals....those journals just happen to be put away in an attic and I just really can't be bothered to go search for them. Maybe I'll do that soon, though!

Allllllllright, sidebar over....after racking my brain for something, I DO remember one of my teachers in college saying something significant to me.

Her name is Holly Thuma and I love her. She is a really great teacher (I actually had a LOT of great teachers in college, which I am so thankful for!) I had her for theater my sophomore year. She was hilarious, smart, honest, and really good at helping each of her students grow in their craft.

I was seriously struggling with some self confidence issues at the time (I mean, I was 19 and I chose to major in Muscical Theatre, which basically means that you are critiqued every single day...SO, I think self confidence issues were a given) and I think Holly picked up on that...she was intuitive...or I wore my heart on my sleeve, whichever.

Anyway, I was working on a comedic scene with my partner and I was struggling because I just felt like it wasn't working and I knew it was my fault!! I was holding back because I felt insecure.

I don't remember EXACTLY what she said....but I do remember it felt like she was peering into my soul and telling me precisely what I needed to hear to get me out of my slump and she meant every word.

Holly stopped the scene and said:

"Brittany! You are funny! You are so funny! You are gifted with comedic talent and timing that is natural and hilarious. Just go for it! You can do it!!!!!" 

Now, please picture a precious, trendy woman enthusiastically saying that with all of her passion and might....and maybe you'll get a picture of just how startling it was!

Up until that point, I didn't have much confidence in myself as an actor, but after Holly laid that on me I really felt like I could do it. I felt like I was actually talented enough to be there and do what I was doing.

Doing something like musical theatre is really hard, especially when you start questioning your talent, which happens often. Having someone affirm your talent and your instincts is a really really great feeling.

When someone tells you that they believe in you, it really does stick. It took me a little while to dig up that little nugget of belief in my memory...but it's there and I'm thankful for it.

- Brit