Believe

    Hello internet, hope all is well with life. I apologize for being MIA for so long, I have a million excuses for it, but I've never really liked excuses, so on with the post! Over these past months I have come up with all sorts of great blog post ideas and I started writing most of them but eventually got bored with them and moved on to another idea. So after seeing an eclectic collection of half written posts on my computer, I took a step back and figured that I should just write a "where I'm at" post.
    The show that I am currently working in opened a few weekends ago, and this is the longest running show that I have ever been in, which is a really interesting experience for me. We give a total of 17 performances (the most I have ever done before is 8). On top of the number of physical performances we are giving, I have never had more extensive hair and makeup for a show before, which is really taking a toll on my skin and hair. Basically, I am getting to first hand learn the downsides to successfully being in a professional theater production (yay!).  Of course there are hundreds of upsides as well but for some reason this past month my brain is solidly stuck on the negative aspects.
    So, I got stuck in this spiral of negative thinking and second guessing myself and the choices that I had made this past year. And it didn't really help that I was becoming self-conscious about my skin or that I was getting quite homesick. I talked to my family and to Hudson about how I was feeling and they gave me great advice, but for some reason I couldn't motivate myself to take it. I just kept wallowing in my self-pity. Then, last week I was cleaning out my desk and I found my "Believe" bracelet that I usually wear everyday collecting dust on the shelf (I must have put it there after having to take it off for the show).  It reminded me that all of these negative emotions were coming from a negative mindset.  If I decided to be happy and to enjoy my summer in this amazing production, all I had to do was believe it.  So I started dressing in brighter colors, going for walks every day and listening to music that makes me happy.  Soon enough I was having all of these amazing experiences with my roommate adventuring in this amazing city.
    It made me think of the strength of the human mind and the power of belief. The definition of belief is trust, faith, or confidence in someone or something. You may not agree with me, but I think that belief is what separates humans from the other creatures on this Earth. I fully support the idea that if you believe in something enough and put enough work in, you can truly achieve anything. I know how cheesy that sounds, but there is something incredibly special about the power of believing. Which is why I bought the bracelet in the first place, and why I try to wear it every day.  In my mind, everything starts with belief: belief in myself, in my dreams, and in who I am as a person. And when that belief drifts, it creates room for negative thoughts and self-doubt which never got anyone anywhere in life. So, if you've got a dream or even just an obstacle in life to overcome, just believe in your ability to do it and you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish.
 Stay Awesome,
                    Kodi