Day 8 - Breaking Your He(art)
Something that needs to be acknowledged when you’re living a life full of vulnerability and honesty - putting yourself out there every day - is heartbreak. It is inevitable when you show up with your arms open. People will tell you no, people will say not right now, and people will continually try to stop you from doing what you love. In this industry and in life on a greater scale, your heart is going to be broken. It’s what you do with that heartbreak that counts. It’s how you pause, relax, respond, fight back, or stand up for yourself that matters.
Another one of my favorite Pinterest quotes… “when one door closes, another opens”. I am a firm believer in this. One of my best examples of this is when I was diagnosed with diabetes. So many people told me and my family my life would be over. They put a “no” on my entire existence. But because of that, that heartbreak, I’m where I am today. Because I got diagnosed with diabetes I eventually started homeschooling. Because I was homeschooled I got to do theatre that normal school wouldn’t allow me to because of scheduling. Because I was doing this theatre I was able to be in the right room at the right time and audition for Spring Awakening. Because I auditioned, I made my Broadway debut.
My point is everything has cause and effect. Most people see the end result - the gold medal, the Broadway credit, whatever “mark of approval” you get - and don’t get to see the journey that led there which always, ALWAYS involves heartbreak. You can take every “no” you are given and turn it into a different “yes”. You can take every heartbreak you experience and turn it into something even more special. You can also surrender and find healing and support in moments of heartbreak. Let yourself feel hurt. Cry your tears if you need to. You are allowed to mourn. Being in the acknowledgment and acceptance of heartbreak is the bravest place to be.
Listen
Journal Prompts
Think of a “no” you’ve received. How has that “no” led to another “yes”?
List 5 ways that “no” has had a positive impact on your life.
How can you take a heartbreak you’ve been through and create art from it?
Can you write a poem? A song? Draw or paint a picture? Can you use it to relate to a character you're working on?
Can you use this heartbreak to connect with a person in your life?
🌎🌐
During a time of so much unknown and change, it may be helpful to also apply the above exercise to your current circumstances. While it’s difficult to see the silver lining, it’s always healing to understand where we can still find grounding amidst the chaos.
Think of the way your plans for the foreseeable future have been altered. Are you able to see the silver lining in any of it. Even it means just simply acknowledging the present moment and breathing into the discomfort? Or maybe it’s that you have more clarity on your true values?
Can you challenge yourself to list 5 things you are grateful for amidst the changes?
How can you take a heartbreak from this specific time and create art from it?
Can you write a poem? A song? Draw or paint a picture? Can you use it to relate to a character you're working on?
Can you use this heartbreak to connect with a person in your life even over the phone or online? It’s a great time of healing and what opportunities for connection (online or offline) are still available to you with the people in your life?
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Non-professional disclaimer: Instructor is not a licensed health professional. Any advice given is for educational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your physician.
Content Warning: This workshop content (video, written, audio) discusses sensitive subjects about self-care and strong emotions. If you need help at any time, please call 1-(800) 931-2237 for the National Eating Disorders Hotline or 1-800-273-8255 for the National Suicide Prevention Hotline.