Working Too Hard

In this society that rewards over-achievers and people who sacrifice personal lives, when do people get to rest? When I moved to L.A., I was thrilled by the vast and rich resources here including experts in almost any field, artists of all ilks, and a melting pot of cultures and generations. I must admit, though I grew up in Chicago, the last place I lived was a rural town in Ohio. That sweet small town did not boast much diversity... of anything.

However, I did learn something of a gift in Ohio. Though I did not enjoy the ability to learn from masters, have throngs of friends, or wonder continually "where did the time go?", I did have solitude to contemplate my life. I lived there two years and it felt like 10 - but I never felt my life was flying before my eyes. I actually joked with my husband the other day that we should visit Ohio because it always felt like time stood still there -- because we both need a rest.

So what is it about L.A. versus Ohio that makes time seem so different? Commuting to anything in L.A. requires a commitment of time and energy. Driving, well - wading through traffic - is not usually my favorite part of the day. Yesterday alone I heard two T-bone thumps of accidents in the span of 20 minutes.

The biggest problem I see with living in Los Angeles (drum roll) is all the opportunity inspires me to over-commit, and then I struggle to get it all done. My tendency to over-commit has led to multiple migraines headaches, restless nights of sleeping, nightmares, tension, and occasionally bitchy behavior.

What are the options? DO LESS. Pick the things you love to do, promise yourself a solitude date where you don't do ANYTHING for at least a few hours of every week (aside from one FULL DAY OFF), and start telling people NO. When life isn't fun, revive the important and joyful things! Your life is made up of moments; are you creating the moments you will cherish?

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

Transplant to L.A.

Yesterday I was transplanting a huge lemon bush from my neighbor's yard to mine (what a great gift!) and it occurred to me that many elements are necessary to uproot from the place where you have sprouted and lived for years.

For example, much of the root system of the shrub is disturbed or gone because the act of digging it up is tough when it is near a wall. Most of us are near a wall when we decide to move. Plus, for a successful transplant, the top of the plant needs to be removed so that the depth of the root matches the height of the plant. Transplanting anything is shocking to the organism, so to give the plant its best chance to adapt in its new home means cutting it down to a size where it can start again. Uhm... I have to point out the lemons to lemonade reference (groan here).

I have made several moves in my lifetime, 3 were cross country. Whenever I did move, I did an extreme "cutting of the fat" in my life and rid myself of items and things that were not necessary to my life.

Though you may not have the formidable goal of moving anytime soon, take time to notice your root system (people in your life), how you are living, where you are living, to make sure all of these elements are working for you. Every new season gives us a chance to make sure we are thriving - or make the changes necessary to thrive! Happy Spring!

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

Get a taste of Other Times

In our modern day of 2010, many of the rituals and everyday doings of yesteryear can be fleeting, or even unbelievable. If you want to see how people lived in other times, PBS and the BBC (I'd rent them on Netflix!) have treats for YOU!

Another reason to view these gems is you really get a clear idea of where we came from as a society and how a time period can affect the mind, body, and being.

I'd love to hear from you if you have more to add to this list!!!

Click on the image and you'll be directed to Amazon for more information on the series, (other than 1940's House).

Enjoy!

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

1940s House (image to left)

Family Matters

You can't regrow a family, much as we dream about it when we're young. In spite of miscommunications and hurt feelings that all relationships have, your family is yours for better or worse.

You don't have to like your family. Heck, you may not even choose to have them in your life. Or you may talk to one or more of your family every day and they may be the most consistent people in your life! Family defines who we are, the roles we play professionally and personally, and instill in us our self-worth.

If you have a great family - do something a little extra special for them today. If you have struggles with your family, do one activity today and dedicate it to growing love and tolerance in your family. Either way, the time you spend will increase love in your life.

And if your family is no longer in the physical realm, creating your own family whom you choose is a worthy and wonderful endeavor.

Family matters.

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

NO is a Great Word

So many actors - and people - think they have no power. Not true!

The only power we often have is the ability to say "no." When we get an offer for a role and we don't think it's enough money, we can say "no." When we are asked to scab, we can say "no." When we are given a script that looks vastly different than the one we agreed to (provided it's in the contract) we can say "no."

The bottom line is you are going to asked to do things you are not comfortable with doing. Your job is to figure out where your line in the sand is and avoid crossing it.

Hear and use the existential advice Polonius gives in Shakespeare's HAMLET, "To thine own self be true."

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

Grief and Living

When a loved one exits my life, I am in turmoil. The History we built together cannot be replaced. They are no longer someone I can call, cry to, laugh with, and with whom I can build memories.

If you are unsure to seek out help to address grief, Rondi Lightmark, M.A. , offers "ten reasons why you might want to spend some time with a counselor:

1. You want to understand better about death and what happened to your loved one.

2. Your support system has moved on and you’re still struggling.
   

3. You can’t function, are losing sleep, crying every day, or having bad dreams.
   

4. Your health is breaking down.
   

5. You are filled with guilt and worry.
   

6. You have been having dreams or the sense that your loved one is near and wonder about life after death.
   

7. You are sad because you haven’t felt the presence of your loved one.
   

8. You need advice about how to help a grieving family member, a friend, or a child.
   

9. You feel angry, abandoned, or overwhelmed.
   

10. You want help figuring out how to share your experiences and find ways to integrate your loss through personal creativity."

If you feel a variety of healers might be appropriate for you, Guided Healing Journey is a local collective of healers that include working with a variety of healers who talk, touch, listen, and guide you through your solitude to help process grief. Getting Through Grief is an option to consider.

If you don't have resources to use healers, online resources might be an option. Journey of Hearts offers a variety of online grief resources.

Whatever your loss, please know support is everywhere.

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin

What's Your Sign?

Do you ever wonder how much credence astrology has in our world of science and technology? Well, some would argue astrology is science - proven and practiced for millenniums.

If you have an interest in this age old art, you have many great resources to choose from. My pick is Astro.com. You can get all sorts of charts done (for free), compare your chart (example to the right) to friends' charts, and get your daily horoscope.

Astrology can be a fun avenue into character - yours or one who you are working on. The ways to creatively think about character is limitless!

Use our technology to your ends!!!

Copyright 2010 Heather Corwin