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-Lessons From The Theater

I will forever be grateful for the many years I spent as an actor in the theater because acting (and specifically stage acting), taught me so much about rejection and survival. It also taught me how to adjust and adapt to not only performing onstage, but how to adjust and adapt to life in general.

Theater is such a valuable life-teacher in that no matter how much you prepare and plan (rehearse) for something, anything can happen to disrupt those preparations and plans. Stage acting, like life, can be altered in a split second. So it teaches you how to think on your feet and adjust quickly because theater happens in real time. There is no such thing as a "retake" like there is in film. You have to take whatever happens and keep moving forward in the moment until you get back on track because when you perform live, shit can and will happen.

But you eventually learn how to adapt to those things when they do happen. Very much like we all have to do in life.

Additionally, theater teaches you a lot about fear and uncertainty.

For as long as I did theater, and for as much as I loved doing it, I never got to a point where I didn't experience stage fright. I don't care how long I was in the run of a show, minutes before I had to go onstage I became riddled with fear. Also, in the theater, there is always the uncertainty of when you'll be landing your next job. You can be working for six months in a hit show, and then suddenly be out of work for the next four months. So, it teaches you how to ride the financial waves of life and adapt.

Theater taught me that it's okay to have fears and uncertainties, as long as I walk through them.

The reason I'm sharing all of this with you is because it always becomes crystal clear to me that my background in theater is what gives me strength, endurance, and insight during challenging times.

We are all having to adjust and adapt to something that is disrupting our lives at the moment. And some more than others.

How I'm moving through this is by putting my theater training into practice.

I am adjusting and adapting to this temporary way of life the best way I know how. By moving forward each day. Even though I'm not working at the moment, I am still getting up every morning; having my coffee and banana; shaving my face; showering; dressing; and even spraying on my favorite cologne because those things keep me proceeding with my life "as if."

Now, do some days feel like a royal pain in my ass? Yes. I've definitely had moments where I thought to myself, "I'm sick of all this disruption. And when the hell is it going to end?!?"

But then I realize how blessed I am compared to what others are going through and it immediately brings me back to reality, so I say to myself, "Shut up and quit your internal bitching, Ron, because you have it much better than some people."

I've got my health. I've got plenty of food on the table. I've got a comfortable roof over my head. And I am loved.

Those are all the things that I sometimes overlook, but are the things that make me a very wealthy man.

Especially right now.

So yes, I remain eternally grateful for my time in the theater because as gratifying as theater can be, it can also be an extremely tough business. But so is life at times.

It is said that art imitates life.

And in the theater, not only does art imitate life, but it also teaches you about life.

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-Thank You

I would like to take a moment to salute and applaud all the doctors, nurses, hospital and lab workers, and food store workers who are working round the clock to help get us through this major challenge. I live in a city that has a lot of hospitals and medical facilities, so whenever I see doctors or nurses walking down the street, I thank them. And I also thank the people at Trader Joe's and Mom's Organic Market.

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-Renewal and Hope

Two days ago the weather here was absolutely gorgeous. It was sunny with a bright blue sky, and about 60 degrees. So of course, I grabbed my camera and headed down to my two favorite parks so that I could mingle with nature and take some photographs.

I was totally amazed by how much color Spring has already sprung.

The whole day gave me such a wonderful feeling of renewal and hope.

And I hope it does the same for you...













I took this final photograph in front of the Rodin Museum over two months ago but thought it was perfect for what's going on right now with the shortage of toilet paper. And I also feel that we could all use some humor.

The guy you are about to see in this picture was being photographed by his friend for a school project. So, I positioned myself behind the photographer and took a picture of what he was photographing, which I thought was clever and oh-so HILARIOUS.

Notice what he's holding in his hand and offering to "The Thinker"...


💗 to you all!

Stay well and blessed. 

26 comments:

  1. Valerie DaggattMonday, March 30, 2020

    Yes, toilet rolls have taken on new admirers...lolol. I have plenty so I didn't have to scour the supermarkets.
    I thoroughly enjoyed this post, Ron, you are a master at telling it as it is and offering ways to cope. I thank you, dear friend. Have a good week.

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  2. Omg I can't believe you took that photo two months ago! So timely now!! And I love all your spring color. The daffodils just started blooming yesterday at our house. We need these images of rebirth right now.

    Thank you for also mentioning the folks who are on the front lines right now. I am very concerned for my son-in-law, who works in the ICU. All of his patients are Covid19. My daughter, who also works in a hospital, is stressing about them both getting it and how they will care for a 7 month old and 2 year old. At this point, I'm relying on my faith, because what else is there?

    Thanks for your positive post, Ron, I'm sending hugs your way!

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  3. Oh Ron, that last picture of the guy handing TP to The Thinker is PRICELESS! And how ironic is it that you took that photo over two months ago? Thanks so much for your always positive outlook and inspiration during the very trying time throughout the world. You're like a breath of fresh air!

    And thank you for sharing about what the theater taught you about life. You're so perceptive!

    Stay well and positive, Ron xo

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  4. Ron, I totally forgot to mention in my previous comment about how gorgeous your photographs are. The colors are amazing! x

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  5. Ron, I can't believe how much farther along your spring is than ours! Gorgeous photos, my friend -- I can tell you're getting really comfortable with that camera of yours. Bravo!



    You're blessed to have taken away such valuable lessons from your time on the stage. Learning how to entertain yourself (like during this time of forced isolation), how to weather the ups and downs of life, how to focus on your blessings rather than your lack -- all good things to know.


    Stay smiling. Stay healthy! xoxo

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  6. I know, isn't the timing ironic? And I had that photograph stored on my computer since then, not knowing what to do with it until now.

    Aren't the colors of the flowers just lovely? They make me smile! I took these photos at two different parks that I go to and both of them that day were so full vibrancy!

    " At this point, I'm relying on my faith, because what else is there?"

    Yes, and I know that has to be very worrisome for not only them, but you and the family as well. I live very close to one of the biggest hospitals in Philly, so I see a great many doctor's and nurses walking around. I just want them to know how much they are appreciated and admired because they are literally taking a chance every single day. And I can't even imagine how it must be in the hospitals in NYC right now. You know how much I love that city, so I am very concerned by the volume of cases there. And I feel so sad because it's going to be MONTHS before I can go back there for a visit.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. We all have to try and stay hopeful and positive during this time, so I trying to send out some positive energy through my blog.

    Sending hugs your way as well!

    (((((((((((((((( You and your family ))))))))))))))))

    X

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  7. HA! I know, Valerie, isn't that funny? I try to pick up a few rolls anytime I'm at the market or in Target, just to have them on hand. It's only me who lives in my apartment, so it's not like a need a TON of toilet paper.

    I hope all is going well with you and that you're finding ways to stay active and positive. I'm very stubborn in that I refuse to allow myself to succumb to any negativity at this time. That's my way of survival--always looking at the positive. I sometimes have bad days, but they don't last long. I'm actually getting back into exercising everyday and doing a lot of self-care to stay healthy and positive, and it's working.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, dear friend. Sending you and Charlie lots of positive energy and love...

    ((((((((((((((((((( x YOU and CHARLIE x )))))))))))))

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  8. Isn't that photograph STELLAR? I laughed so hard when I saw what the photographer was doing and told him I thought it was brilliant! Yes, isn't it ironic how that photo was taking over two months before the coronavirus?

    I try to stay as positive as I can. I do have off-days when I feel sucked into the media, but it doesn't last long. I try to get outside when I can, which helps. And I'm also getting back into my exercising and daily meditation because it really helps.

    Yes, I've always felt that my time in the theater was such a valuable lesson because it wasn't only about "acting", but also about how to perceive life.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a super week and be well!

    X

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  9. Aw...thank you, Candice! Those flowers made me smile when I saw them, so I wanted to share that you all there. Aren't the colors AMAZING?

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  10. Helloooooooooooo there Debbie!

    You know, I actually thought the same thing because when I saw all the trees and flowers in full bloom and colors, I thought it seemed early. But I'm not complaining because just seeing them made me smile and feel hopeful. And HAPPY!

    You know, I think because I've been single most of my life, I learned how to care myself during challenging times. A lot of people in theater are like that. They are very resilient because you have to be to be in that business. You develop a very strong survival mode.

    Honestly though, as challenging as this coronavirus has been, my eyes have been opened to many things that I've been overlooking. It is changing my perspective on many different levels and areas of my life. It has caused me to go deep within and see.

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Stay well and positive.

    (((((((((((((((( YOU )))))))))))))))))
    X

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  11. Haha!! That last photo is quite timely indeed.

    Gorgeous photos of the spring blossoms, Ron. We don't have anything like that happening here yet, but the grass is beginning to green up AND there is a chance of a thunderstorm later today. Two sure signs of spring in South Dakota! Oh, rumor has it that our native pasqueflowers are just beginning to bloom, so I intend to go for a hike tomorrow on my lunch hour and see if I can find any.

    Good for you for keeping up with routines. I think that's especially important now more than ever. It gives you a semblance of control in an uncontrollable world.

    Take care, my friend, and keep stopping to smell the roses!

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  12. Once again Ron, you've inspired me by sharing things from your own life. Thank you! I want to get to the point where you are in how you look at things because it's a healthy way to be. And you're honest about your struggles as well because that's part of it. Have you always been this way or did you learn it somehow?

    "And in the theater, not only does art imitate life, but it also teaches you about life." That is so cool!

    Beautiful photos! And both myself and girlfriend laughed at the final one of the buy holding the toilet paper. What a great image!

    Thank you, dude. Your words help a lot.

    P.S. Three cheers for the medical community because they are heroes!

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  13. Mark, isn't it ironic how timely that photograph is currently? And it's funny because I had that picture on my computer since I took it, not really knowing how I was going to use. That is, until now.

    Thanks. I was blown away by how abundant the blossoming was, and how colorful!

    "Two sure signs of spring in South Dakota! Oh, rumor has it that our native pasqueflowers are just beginning to bloom, so I intend to go for a hike tomorrow on my lunch hour and see if I can find any."

    Oh, that's awesome! Be sure to post them on either you Instagram or blog (or both) because I would love to see them.

    " I think that's especially important now more than ever. It gives you a semblance of control in an uncontrollable world."

    Yes, exactly. And it also keeps me in a positive mindset to keep going regardless of the madness going on.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend, and for also being a positive light during this time.

    Stay well!

    X to you and Tara

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  14. Thanks so much for your kind and encourage words, Matt.

    Yes, I think I was born an optimist (very much like my father). But I think it developed even more when I went into theater because it's such an unstable business. Yet, it's one of those things that if you love it and feel a calling, you do it regardless. It made me resilient and gave me a really good way to look at life, because if you think about it, life can be unstable at times as well.

    HA! I was so lucky to get that final shot because I was walking past the sculpture and saw those two guys setting up for a photo. I kinda hung back and positioned myself so that I could get a behind-the-scenes shot.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Have a grrrreat week and stay well!

    X

    You're right...they ARE heroes!

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  15. http://ladyfi.wordpress.comTuesday, March 31, 2020

    That last shot is hilarious! Thank you for your comforting words of wisdom and wow! those magnolia blossoms are gorgeous! Woke up to minus 10 C this morning, so I'm guessing spring is on hold for a bit.

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  16. Ron, I've read your previous post and this one and wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed them both. Thank you for sharing your insight at this scary time in history. You've got such a very special way with words and expressing yourself. Thank you for your positive outlook.

    Stay well and health!

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  17. HA! Isn't that photo hysterical? I thought it was quite clever on his part.

    Aren't those magnolia's gorgeous? And I can't over the color. Pink is one of my favorite colors, so I had to snap of photo of them.

    " Woke up to minus 10 C this morning, so I'm guessing spring is on hold for a bit."

    WOW....minus 10 C?!?! That's incredible. Our weather has been so bipolar because one day it's warmish and sunny, the next day it's cold and rainy.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, my friend. Stay well!

    X

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  18. Aw...thank you, Daniel. So happy to hear that these past two posts have helped. There is so much intensity and fear all over the news that I need to stay focused on what's good, humorous, and positive.

    Thanks a bunch for stopping by, my friend. Stay well and have a great week!

    X

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  19. Oh Ron, this post comes at such good time for me because this whole thing is not so much freaking me out for me, but more some of my family members and friends who still live in New York. It is so alarming what's going on there, isn't it? We have cases here in Florida, but nearly as many as New York. How has your area been. Do they have many cases?

    Thank you for your calming and healing words, I SO MUCH appreciate them. You're so right, there is really nothing we can do other than be cautious and move forward in faith.

    Your photos, as usual, are stunning. I cannot believe how colorful it is there. I miss the flowers and trees in the Northeast.

    LOL at that final photo! Too funny!

    Stay as you are, Ron. Happy, positive, and healthy! xo

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  20. Hola Denise!

    OMG yes, it is very alarming what is going on in NY right now; especially Manhattan. I've been watching Gov. Cuomo once a day, just to keep up. We have cases here in PA, most definitely. However, I'm surprised (and feel very blessed) by how small the cases are in the city of Philadelphia. But as we all know, that could change in a heartbeat. But so far, we've been luckily. A lot of that might have to do with how everyone here is really taking the health precautions very seriously. You hardly see anyone on the streets, other than going to the food store, or walking there dogs in the parks. For the most part, everyone here is staying indoors most days and nights.

    Aren't the colors of the flowers and tree blossoms beautiful? They make me smile when I see them.

    I am so glad I thought to take a picture of that guy taking a picture of his friend because it's so perfect for what's going on about TP and being scarce.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, girl. Stay well and keep the faith! NYC is a strong and resilient city, I know it will pull through this.

    X

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  21. My goodness, Ron, thank you for writing this uplifting post and sharing these beautiful, life-affirming photos.

    It's great that you can draw upon your theater experience and use it to navigate through these terrible times.

    And these photos--just bursting with life! They tell us that there is hope despite this terrible challenge we're facing

    Thanks for giving a shout-out to all these brave people on the front line. They've been thrust into the heart of this nightmare and they deserve all the support we can give them.

    Now tell the Thinker to stop hogging the willy rolls!

    Take care, buddy!

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  22. Thank you for your kind words, Rob. Happy to hear that you were uplifted; especially at this time and especially living in NY where it's been so very difficult, stressful, and scary. As I shared with you before, NY is a tough city with so much resilience and strength, so I know in the center of my heart that it will bounce back and heal. I just know it.

    I was so lucky to pick a day when the tree and flower blossoms were bursting with color! You could tell just by watching how other people in the park were reacting so happy and hopeful.

    "Thanks for giving a shout-out to all these brave people on the front line. They've been thrust into the heart of this nightmare and they deserve all the support we can give them."

    You are so right! I see them walking around all day wearing their masks and scrubs, knowing how hard they are working. I am so grateful for their service and courage.

    Thanks so much for stopping by, buddy. Sending MUCH Reiki your way everyday!

    X

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  23. Wowza! Those spring blossoms are gorgeous! Our trees are just beginning to bloom. I thoroughly enjoyed your post and agree theatre is a very good analogy for life in general...and especially now. To focus on everything we do have instead of everything we don't have is great advice. Staying positive and not giving in to fear will go a long way to staying healthy. Did you know anxiety and fear can actually lower an immune system? Thanks for sharing your thoughts and sound advice with everyone. Stay safe and stay strong! X

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  24. Aren't they gorgeous, Lisa? I was so impressed by their bright vivid color! Bellisssima!

    "To focus on everything we do have instead of everything we don't have is great advice. Staying positive and not giving in to fear will go a long way to staying healthy. "

    Love what you shared here because it's true. By not giving in to fear has so much to do with staying healthy -- mentally, physically, and spiritually.

    "Did you know anxiety and fear can actually lower an immune system? "

    Yes, I have read that and believe in it 100%. That's why I feel it's so important for me to walk through fear, rather than resist it because that's were I feel it affects the body (our immune system).

    Thanks so much for stopping by and sharing your insight, my friend. Stay safe and stay strong as well!

    X

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  25. Keep on fighting. I join in praying that your art activities can resume immediately, as the Corona epidemic ends. We all hope that things will recover.

    Your photos are very cool.

    Greetings from Indonesia, Ron

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  26. Greetings Himawan!

    Thank you very much for stopping by and for your kind words. Nice meeting you!

    Yes, well all hope that things will recover.

    Wishing you the very best. And stay well!

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