SAY A “HEARTY YES” TO YOUR ADVENTURE ON THIS INDEPENDENCE DAY

“The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure.” -Joseph Campbell

 That is exactly what I’ve decided to do.  It has taken me years of experience and preparation to get the courage to “say a hearty yes”, to the adventure of starting my own music and theatre production company. It’s both exciting and frightening at the same time. The amazing thing is that once I made this decision so many doors opened for me.  

 One day while having lunch with my friend, Kristen,  who owns one of my most favorite places in the world, The Urban Muse Day Spa, (You need to head there)we were talking about my dreams. I started talking about wanting to open my own business that would incorporate my love of Irish and Scottish harp, theatre, technology and community. (I have been talking about this for years.)   While all this talk of my dream business was in the air Kristen’s friend, Missy, stopped by. Missy’s company, Wellness for Makers, helps artists set up their businesses and she also gives artists techniques to help them stay healthy at work. Well, if you ever believed in signs, that was a good one. Missy helped me take the first steps to setting up, Moon Over the Trees Music and Theatre Productions.  

But the serendipity didn’t stop there.  I decided to go to a lecture at Princeton University on women in leadership in theater.   While there I met: Emily Mann of McCarter Theatre Center, Princeton, Bonnie Monte of, The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey, Madison, and C. Ryanne Domingues of the, Passage Theatre, Trenton.  They are strong supportive women in leadership in theatre; and are so inspiring. They all told me to, “Do it! Start your company and keep us posted and let us know if there is anything that we can do.” 

I have spent so much of my life in fear of failing or having that stupid imposter syndrome and doubting myself.  I got tired of that and have been spending a lot of time working through my fears. Though meditation, exercise, journaling, and of course, playing music and reaching out to others for help,  like my wonderful husband, Blair; I have found the courage to take these first steps on my new adventure.  I keep finding the help that I need is given to me with open arms. To create this company to share my varied interests with others and to form a community centered around music and theatre is such an exciting opportunity. I want to help others find their voice.

I like a world that has this kindness and connection.  Let’s do more of that and, “say a hearty yes to your adventure.”