So what now?
I decided to share my thoughts in this article because every week I spend the day with Oprah and Super Soul Sunday. God I love that show! But very rarely do we get to take an up close and personal journey with someone as they seek the Oprah life experience. We always see the final product and maybe photos or videos of how she got there. But the public should be able to experience the ride, as it happens! The nice thing about seeing her is that she’s one of us… Fierce over 50’s! And make no mistake, that IS the kind of success I seek! My personal challenge is that I would never have thought that at 58 she would have lost my home, my marriage, my business, would not have a steady salary, and would be back on the dating scene.
Now, I realize that this is just another part of our life journey. And being the son of showbiz, I’ve chosen to call it ACT 2… Now what? My ACT 1 has been a wonderful journey (well… until the end, with no home, no husband and no business) and I have been blessed on so many levels. I’ve performed on Broadway in hit shows, one being Smokey Joe’s Café for which I received a Tony Award nomination. I have performed in CHICAGO on Broadway alongside wonderful co-stars such as Rita Wilson, USHER, BeBe Neuwirth, Brian McKnight, Lisa Rinna and Patty LaBelle. But nothing really prepares you for this kind of turn in your life…over 50!
I always wanted to be an example for women on their ACT 2 journey. There are millions of women going through the exact same thing. It’s nothing new, but more and more women are deciding to enter their ACT 2 by redefining themselves. Not for “entering gently into those good nights.” They just need a helping hand and a pair of FIERCE pumps… gotta have my pumps!
So here I am entering ACT 2 in all my glory (and those days that make you say WHAT…?!). But I feel like if I share my ups and downs, it might make the journey for other women a little easier. I want our trip to be carried out with grace, humor and fun! At least you know that anything is possible and that you are not alone.
I’m sure I have questions, thoughts, fears, and new emotions (some of which change second by second) that I’d love to share and get feedback on.
My question for the day is, when did you realize that your life had moved into ACT 2? Was it so gradual that you didn’t feel it, or was it as abrupt as hearing the equivalent of “they’ve decided to get younger!”
A gradual switch to ACT 2 seems very human. While hearing that “get younger” phrase, especially for an actress, is pretty devastating! Especially since you knew you were still ALL THAT! Now don’t get me wrong, I still know I am “all that” just in a different way!
On a good day I can still get ready (takes a bit longer but…) go out with friends and have a good time! I can calmly say to myself, “The Creator hasn’t sent me a loving partner yet because I have things to do to prepare for my ‘new life.'” That mindset usually works, but there are days when nothing I can say to myself makes me feel better. “. There are emotions that arise that I can’t explain and then just as quickly go away and the words “hot flash” have several new meanings!
A bad day could include crying, depression, feelings of insecurity, feeling unattractive, lonely, I’m ugly, I’m fat, and the ever-popular I’ll never have sex again! That last one is another blog unto itself. But all you can think is “please don’t make me get up, take a shower, brush my teeth and get dressed unless there’s nut butter or cookies and cream in between!”.
Anyway, I hope this journey we’re going on together is amazing or at least a calm place to land. In any case, come on…
Stay fierce!
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