Monday, September 27, 2010

There are no Accidents....

Earlier today I was chatting with a friend about the immense changes—transformations—I have had in the past three years and the incidents that allowed for them occur. Some good and some bad, yet nevertheless experiences I would not alter for anything.

Without these transformations, I would be a resigned, bitter, neurotic woman. *

I sit at my computer comfortable in my own skin. Present to life working around me. I am as happy as an Irishman in a pub.

The conversation got me reflecting on my journey in life. The very path that has me sitting at my parents’ dining room table while writing with a Red 1999 Ford Escort parked in the driveway.

People often say, “In life there are no accidents.” I believe that to be true.

In 1991, while a senior at North Muskegon High School, I entered a mentor program to work with a professional in a chosen field. I opted for theater and was assigned to Rich Oman, a professor at Muskegon Community College. I studied an array of areas and interviewed working professionals. One person was Neil Rosen, the Owner and Producer of Cherry County Playhouse. I not only learned about his job but also scheduled an interview that would lead to MY first paying theater job. ** I am certain that time I spent working at CCP  during the summer of 1992 (and 4 subsequent years) shaped the course of my whole life. I went on to study theater at DePaul University, founded as the Goodman School of Drama and work at Broadway In Chicago. While employed at BIC, I met some people who facilitated my next—non-theater—career; which landed me in Orange County, California.

Rich Oman opened doors that led to my fun, exciting, sexy and incredible life

Last week, I met with Rich for lunch at Main Street Pub and Eatery in North Muskegon. The day before I had, unknowingly, sent an email to his new wife--she is the editor of a local publication where I was inquiring about being a contributing writer. The following day he sent me an email informing me that The Muskegon Chronicle is looking for theater reviewers and I should pursue that as well. I emailed the Arts Editor and she is going to give me a shot.

Victories, failures, love and heartbreak have brought me to this moment. The person I am is the sum total of all those events. At 36 years old, I have no regrets or resentments. Opportunities abound and I am unabashedly seizing them. I encourage you to do the same. Every relationship, every interaction presents a possibility.

To everyone who has contributed to me in my journey, thank you. I promise, things will only get better from here.

Can you see the road map of your life? What was the incident that put it in action? Who was the person?

*Feel free to use your imagination for the last word of that sentence.

**$100.00 a week for 40-50 hours.

3 comments:

  1. It really never ceases to amaze me how things seem to work out as they should. Allowing things to unfold and realizing I have the power to say how things will go has made all the difference in my life! All my best to you Alyssa!

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  2. @ Dgraham, thanks. I think I am finding my voice.

    @ Beth, XOXO

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