Navigating the Holidays as an Actor

How are you doing? Can you believe the holidays are basically here?! I’m writing to you from Park City, Utah. My family celebrates Thanksgiving a week before the actual holiday to avoid bananas travel days. (Don’t worry, I have friends back in LA with the BUG – our cat!) It’s so good to be together, but it doesn’t come without its challenges, especially for me this year with the loss of my mom being so raw. But family always comes with some challenges, right? 

Different politics…opinions…about you…your hair… your weight… your career. Anyone relate? 

I just want to remind you that while the holidays can be glorious and oh so fun, they can also be hard sometimes, especially for us creatives. 

Just remember, you get to decide what you want your life to look like. You get to decide what you want your career to look like.

You and only you. Not your parents, aunts, uncles, grandparents or the kids on TikTok. 

If people ask you triggering questions like, 

“You still doing that acting thing?”

“What’s your backup plan?”

“How much money do you make acting?” 

“Have we seen you on TV?”

Just know, they don’t get it and you are NOT alone. If you’re having anxiety about heading home and dealing with these kinds of questions, make a plan for yourself in advance. 

Plan out how you’ll respond. Change the subject. Turn the question back to them somehow. Make a joke.

You don’t have to explain yourself. Think through what feels best to you. 

Maybe even write a simple reminder for yourself in case you’re triggered and put it in your pocket. It could say, “Take 3 deep breaths. You are talented. You are safe. Call your best friend.” –whatever works for you! 

You may want to ask a close actor friend to be on standby for you to call if something happens and you need support. Consider getting an appointment with your therapist or your best cheerleader on the books for the week of and after. 

Casting Director Erica S. Bream had some ideas for how to handle these questions that come up too. 

I hope you won’t need any of these ideas or reminders, but it doesn’t hurt to be prepared. 

And as we reflect on all things we’re grateful for this season…

I know I’m grateful for my health, growing this beautiful baby, my family and friends and who’ve rallied behind me, and you. I am oh so grateful for you. Thank you for reading, supporting and cheering me on. 

Wishing you a happy and safe Thanksgiving week, my friend! 

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