If you don't have a plan for yourself, you'll be part of someone else's.
American proverb
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Greetings.
I thank the people who responded to yesterday's request for thoughts and opinions about my dream. It seems there are as many ways to dream as there are dreamers. I guess that's not surprising. I'm glad to know I'm not the only one who has dreamt that he was dreaming.
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This proverb above really needs to be addressed to the young, if there are any young out there you know of. Now, in my 70th year, I sometimes think back and wonder if I took the right road in life. But then I realize it's a pointless endeavor. It's the road I took. A life was lived and is being lived as a result ot that choice, for whatever reason it was made, so what's the point of wondering about it?
Perhaps there is a point in passing on to the young the lessons learned about choosing the right plan for life. But for me that is also a futile effort since there are no young people around me, and they probably wouldn't listen if there were.
In my wild and restless youth I wanted to be everything and do everything. That was because I really didn't have the resources to choose anything, and I totally lacked the guidance I needed, the advice that would have steered me in some reasonable direction and the encouragement to follow through. Those are tools every young person needs and should have. Even when I felt I was on the right track there was always someone, family or teachers, who derailed me. Most of what I remember from my childhood is what I shouldn't, couldn't or wouldn't be allowed to do. Decisions were made for me and I had almost nothing to say about them. For a young person in the 40s and 50s independent thinking was not to be practiced in my universe.
Nevertheless, in my late teens I had managed to accumulate a few skills, a rebellious and independent vagabond streak and a reputation or two. I did have some real choices to make. But I also realized no matter where I was or what I was doing I was always going to be in someone else's playground.
I chose to be an actor because that's what people kept hiring me to do. I became secure in my skill and artistry but I also knew that probably never would I have the luxury of choosing what work I would do. I would play as I was cast, and the person who cast me was the one who owned the playground.
I settled into the life of a skilled actor who was also a hired hand, a blue color artisan, labor, known in the trade as "talent." I don't regret my working life. It has been a grand adventure. But I sure wish I had had the opportunity to make my own plan for myself.
DB - Vagabond Journeys
(Facebook, etc. is breaking up that old gang of mine.)
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Check out the Spring Quiz. 8 responses so far. We await your answers.
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9 comments:
I love your posts DB. I probably say that too much...but it is true
Linda:>)
In looking back all I ever wanted to be was a wife & a mother. That's what I wanted & I was brought up to believe that was an honorable desire. While it is...I wasn't prepared for the breakup of the marriage. I had no college and no vocational training. So all I had to fall back on was office type jobs. I still believe that being a wife and a mother is a wonderful thing but my hope for the young women is that they make sure they have some sort of training or a degree in something that will allow them to support themselves if their life doesn't go as planned. A beautiful sunny and warm (61*) day here on Saturday. We'll see what Sunday brings......Linda
Facebook isn't making me blog any less. I have too much to say!
Like Linda, I was brought up to expect to be a wife and mother only. That's what my mom was and that's what was expected of me. NOT. Yes, I loved being a mom, but I also loved my working life and wouldn't have traded it for the world. I think you are right about Facebook. I guess I just don't get it.
Hugs, Joyce
What's that saying about youth being wasted on the young?
I'm fortunate in that I had parents and other loved ones who encouraged me to be whatever I wanted to be, and made me believe that I could do anything I wanted to do. I even briefly considered joining the military after high school, and my folks never once said, "Don't be silly. You can't do that."
Unfortunately, I was also very stubborn (I'm so glad I grew out of that. ;) and I probably made some stupid decisions, and didn't always listen to my family's good advice. But it all worked out pretty well. I'm still alive and kicking, and so are you. I think that's quite an accomplishment!
Love, Beth
Believe you did indeed lived the plan life meant for you dear. Just think how many lives you touched with your acting, plays, broadcasting...now your wonderful blogs and story of Brian and Christy that holds all of us captive. You've touched so many people with you career and special talents...our good fortune indeed DB.
Are you sure you lost then to Facebook or maybe they got overwhelmed with too many not making it through the winter. Signs of the times. The weak die easier in a hard winter. Do have to be careful what kind of habits you cultivate as well. Gerry
I've been spending most of my time lately, trying to find a home for a lost cat. Blogger still takes up most of my online time. Facebook, not so much.
70? An actor? I'm in. I'm reading.
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