There once was an acrobatic troupe from a land far, far away. As children they worked all day and rarely ever played. “Practice, practice, practice…you must practice!” Their stern coaches would bark. Despite never receiving any praise they would grow in strength and ability, until one day they would leave home to a place very different then anything they’d ever known. They were cheerfully received and celebrated where ever they performed. Their talents were esteemed as legendary. Suddenly, they didn’t work so hard. Suddenly they desired, even demanded accomodations they’d never known before. Suddenly, at every engagement they became increasingly difficult to work with. Suddenly their good fortune was something to be ignored, even despised. That same troupe that had been through so much, worked so hard, for so long and been received so generously, was now a burden not worth having around anymore, in spite of their great talent.

In the milieu of personalities and talents that is the world of entertainment, be it circus, theater, film, etc., one can only imagine the dynamic egos that reside. We all have those infamous egos, for better or for worse. Those egos have in many respects been the catalyst for each individual or troupe’s success. Left unchecked those egos have been the spark that has incinerated many a bridge for those who’ve believed the illusion of their irreplaceability. I’ve seen it many times before, men and women gifted with epic ability who amount to nothing more than cautionary tales for budding talents.

That reality in and of it self should be a warning for those prone to falling into delusions of grandeur. As we grow in our abilities and prestige it is the habit of some to forget from whence they come. A good memory is perhaps humility’s most useful asset, for it is the genesis of gratitude. By way of sincere gratitude we are reminded of the truth of ourselves and the grace for which we’ve been afforded. Gratitude is not possible with a poor memory. Seduced by the whirlwind of an ego gone awry we can lose sight of the good around us and the journey taken to make it to that place. As we elevate we must be rooted ever deeper and not given to false notions of self; or learn first hand the the hard lesson that we are all replaceable and the show will always go on.

 

 

It’s Your Dream, It’s Your Voice, Make it BIG!

 

© 2014