Presenting yourself to the world.

This month we will look at how we physically present ourselves to the world. When growing up we were taught to be seen and not heard. Not to talk about ourselves for people would think we were egotistical. Now you are grown up and there could be nothing further from the truth.

If you have ever seen children playing they are totally truthful. They will tell you who they are and what they can do. We think it is charming. Children are not necessarily trying to be better than others they are simply being honest about who they are.

What a lot of us failed to learn is that being honest about who you are is not egotistical, it is simply being honest. Being egotistical is speaking about yourself as if you are better than others are. The truth of the matter is you are no better or worse than anyone else. In all honesty, there will always be someone better at you in somethings and you will be better than some in other areas. Things tend to balance out. You do yourself and the world a disservice when you lie about who you are.

Each of us should take the time to get to know ourselves;learn to like who and what we are. The great joy of being human is we can change what we do not like and improve those things we do like. It takes courage to really look at yourself and admit to your faults and approve your greatness.

In the grand scheme of life we all want someone to love, but I would suggest that we love ourselves. In fact we should care enough about ourselves to want and be the very best we can be. Too many of us spend our time comparing ourselves to others. The only person you have to compete with is yourself.

How others use your talent

Let's face it. Unless you are your own boss, others are going to be making use of your talent. It is called a job. You do the work, they pay your wages. Sounds simple. Now let's take a look at the reality.

For an actor, you will many times be called upon to use your talent for no monetary gain. This is the case for community theatre, being background in commercials, you get the idea. You choose to do this to build your resume and make contacts.

Then you finally get to the point where you are paid for your work. Many times you again work for little or nothing, but you get the experience, contacts and building your resume.

There will be times when you will have employers who love what you do, they make money, but you will be treated as less than special. It is a reality, whether you are an actor or any other worker. At that point you will need to decide if what you are receiving is worth being treated poorly. Make the choice. There is nothing wrong with your choice, it is the one for you. Be careful, however, when complaining. If you complain about a situation that you have chosen to remain in, it will probably get you labeled as someone who is difficult to work with.

If you have chosen to leave, then you may state your opinion, but be careful about continuing to complain. Those who work in the industry do not like those who just complain or find fault. You are the one who makes the choice. Be adult and live with it.

It is a great job, enjoy it whatever your choice. Most times people will treat you fairly, help you grow your career and just plain be great to work with. Don't dwell on the others, just be aware and make the best of what you have and what you choose to do.