Why I’ll never say “I missed my calling” again
A couple weeks ago I was invited to audition for a national hotel chain commercial. I sent in a few audition reels and waited to hear back. When I heard I got a principal role I was over the moon. And also extremely nervous. A serious case of imposter syndrome started setting in. Who do I think I am? What was I doing?
But I went in like I have gone in to everything I’ve done in life. Pretending to be confident and acting like I knew what I was doing.
I have been exploring acting/background work for a while. I’ve always had an interest in it and I knew from my 20s that I enjoy performing. It’s just this time around I’d like to keep my clothes on while I do it.
We filmed the commercial and while I didn’t have a speaking role (I’m not even sure if my scenes will make the cut), I met the most amazing production team and fellow actors on set. It was so fast paced and a world I am entirely not accustomed to. It ended up being a pretty long day with a lot of waiting to be called to set.
Waiting in line for wardrobe, hair and makeup…
Me, waiting in talent holding, a place the actors and background staff go to wait to be called to set.
They fed us really well during our lunch break from filming.
I realize now that I used to use the term “I missed my calling” when I embarked on something and found I enjoyed it. But looking back, I have never really missed my calling at all. I have done everything I’ve set out to do. I worked in real estate, got licensed as an insurance agent, I was a topless dancer, owned a photography business (and traveled around the country as a mentor assistant teaching others to be photographers). I’m an author of young adult books, romance books, and poetry, and now a memoir coming out in December with Koehler Books.
And now I’m getting involved in acting.
Whatever I set out to do, I can do if I put my mind to it.
And so can you.
The title of my upcoming book in December is “Dream, girl” and it’s a take on the trademarked name of the dancers in the strip club I first worked at - I was a “Dreamgirl”. As a Dreamgirl I was supposed to represent the ultimate fantasy for men and their desires. But I made the name of the book “Dream, girl” with implied instructions for any women/girls out there to continue to dream for their OWN futures, no matter how difficult it may seem at times.
Because it’s never too late to start and you’re never too old to begin. Just please remember to dream, girl.
xoxo
Holly
PS - Next step: I’m seeking representation for an agent! :)
