Cheers to the Fall

This photo wouldn’t have happened without my best friend. He gave some unexpected advice that would turn into a life motto.

Once upon a time, I was in the middle of having a midlife crisis. Although I’m a trained singer and performing artist, it's not the most stable career, so I work in a hotel while in between contracts.

It was audition season and I was going to every casting call I could get in to. After hearing a long series of “no,” “thank you, but not right now,” and every other combination of the sort, I was ready to throw in the towel. My career felt stagnant, my passion was running dry and I didn’t see a reason to move forward.

I went to my best friend for solace, when he tried to remind me that "when God closes a door, he opens a window." I quickly snapped back that it was just so we had something to jump out of. He then said the magic words that would change my life for the better. He gave a sly smile, looked me straight in the eye, and said, “so jump.” He urged me to, "enjoy the fall for the time being and know that you're always going to land." One would think such absurd encouragement would cause a great change.

Well a great change, there was. The last flop of an audition resulted in me saving a good amount of money in case I was to take a pay cut in exchange for a dream job. After getting the call letting me know I didn’t make the cut, I booked a direct flight to Paris, France. If I wasn’t going to work in a dream role, I could at least be in my dream city. The new year started with me hopping on a plane for an impulsive flight to Paris. When I returned home, I began going to casting calls outside of my comfort zone and jumping at every opportunity that came my way!

Getting back home, I was invited to sing in an empowering, spiritual event called the Beyonce Mass. I got to share the stage with old and new friends to give a moving night of songs, and feminist speeches. Soon after, windows and doors came swinging open and the “fall” quickly became a snowball! I got to explore Montreal at the Festival International de Jazz de Montréal, where I got to meet fellow singers and artists from as far as South Africa. Later that summer, I received an invitation to sing in Spain with the Barcelona Festival of Song and fall in love with the island of Palma Mallorca.

When I returned home, I had to turn down an opportunity to sing in Varna, Bulgaria to give my first masterclass! I got to perform and work with students looking to follow a career in the entertainment industry. Getting the opportunity to share my experiences and speak on what I was able to accomplish in a short amount of time was a true testament to the advice I had taken. I was now able to be walking proof and encourage others to take the proverbial leap.

This picture brings back memories of the start of a crazy ride, full of new friends and opportunities. It brings me joy and gratitude for my best friend who knew just the right thing to say. Who knew a simple phrase, an impulsive purchase, and a leap of faith towards champagne and baguettes would catapult to a wild adventure.

Cheers, to closed doors.

Cheers, to open windows.

Cheers, to enjoying the fall.