Attitude of Gratitude

I’ve been trying something new lately and it’s working for me – an attitude of gratitude.

As I struggle with the business side of my business, it is so easy to get depressed and grumpy. Am I making enough money? Can I survive on this? Is it going to work out? Am I going to have to go back to a “real” job?

The answers are: No. No. Yes. Maybe.

Then it struck me.  So what?  I am living the dream. Right now, at this moment, I am doing exactly what I want to be doing.  I get to bring laughter to people’s lives.  How cool is that?

So, rather than whine about how the higher-paying gigs are not coming in at the rate I’d like, I’ve started telling myself every day how cool it is that I get to do this at all.  Rather than immediately turning down events that are below some artificially set fee threshold, I talk with the client in more detail.  What is your situation? What can you afford?  Are there ways we can get creative with the financing of the performance?

Now, understand, I’m not doing this kind of “creative financing” for gigs that are 6 months out and I’m not doing it for corporations that are just being cheap.  I’m mostly talking about those last minute calls. Shows that are 2 weeks from now (or less!) and I can see that my calendar is empty on that date. I know that the chances of another gig coming up in that time frame are slim.  Why not take it?

I’m also actively seeking opportunities to donate performances.  These fall into my guidelines that I spelled out in an earlier posting.  Last night I got to do one of these.  I did 3 hours of strolling close-up magic for the Children’s Hunger Alliance.  It was a blast!  They brought kids in from all over Columbus, mostly inner city areas, to the Nationwide Arena.  The kids got to ice skate on the main ice, the same place the Columbus Blue Jackets play their games.  How cool is that?  Half the kids skated while the other half got a good, hot meal.  Then they traded places.  There were about 600 kids plus another 150 volunteers to run the event.  I strolled around the tables while they were eating their dinner.  Sign me up again for next year!

What are you grateful for today?  What are your gifts?  Share them!