Simple.

August 24, 2014- Simple.

Simplicity, to me, is one of the things that I try my best as an Artist to stay away from. I don't want to be simple or basic, I want to be bold and different. Let's make that statement out loud! I think that so many people try and conform and we forget that we are called "individuals". You know? After filming this weekend, I see that my flaws are that I take a script and go straight to the basics. Mainly because I was given the script about 2 days prior to filming but moreso I had to take this script and GO somewhere. I go through a process called "scoring". It is when you breakdown all the elements of a script. Granted it is FAR much easier to do so with a play script than a film script, it is beneficial to do it for both. 

While breaking down the script, you mainly are trying to assess your character and piece from multiple angles. Sure you can do the who, what, when, where, and why?---but this is to provide clarification and assist you in development. The script I was working with was part of a  bigger script that I was not given because of confidentiality. Which is normal, for the most part. But trying to "use" the elements to create and understand my character, who was an abused abductee, was a little difficult. But nevertheless, I made it work. I used the elements presented to me and the setting and I went for it. But for myself, I wish I would have went less basic and just outside of the box… it's just the "hindsight thing" that all artists do. 

And with life, that is not the "hindsight" epiphany I want to have. Sometimes as a person you have to learn to push yourself even more than what is on the surface. 

Funny, on the flip side of things, when it comes to my personal life I am the complete opposite. I love for things to be simple. Simple "Girl Meets Boy", Simple Best Friends…nothing immensely complicated. And that is how it should be… for the most part. But we all know what simplicity brings: boredom, curiosity, discernment, and I could go on and on. Which leads me back to that word "balance". Finding a balance between in your lives. I have actually had a counselor friend refer to it as "a healthy work/life balance". You have to take care of yourself on both ends. So something that may benefit you career wise may not be best for your personal life.  Simplicity may work in one way here, but not in the other there. And when the two cross paths…they collide! Boom! lol… But you get the point. 

Brit

Website: http://main.brittney-s-harris.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ActressBrittneySHarris

Listen.

August 22nd, 2014- Listen.

Going after the prize… I love this. After breaking down this script…scoring and developing my character…I have had a personal breakthrough. 

"Sometimes you just have to follow your gut, no matter how much logic tries to pull you in the opposite direction. Don't be so desperate for something or someone…if you know that you are not thinking of yourself first. It's okay to be selfish when it comes down to YOUR destiny."

On the road soon...wish me safe travels and blessings. (smiles)

Brit

Waiting.

August 21, 2014- Waiting.

The waiting game. Is it just me or does it feel like the older we get, the more we wait on things? I mean think about when you were a kid, you asked and basically…in the blink of an eye…get what you want. Like *finger snap* but the truth is… that is the most jacked up sense of reality that one could ever perceive. (laughs) But I am serious.

Not only do you wait in traffic constantly throughout the day or waiting on an appointment or whatever…. with any artist we are waiting, yearning for that next opportunity to fall into our laps. The waiting game for an actor is like frickin’ pulling teeth. Not only are you waiting for your next audition opportunity but even AFTER you get the audition, you have to wait on casting. And that’s when all the questions pop into your head: Could I have done it like this? Or that? Can you believe that is how I ended that monologue? I don’t really even sound like that. Could the reader be anymore bland? Give me something back! We all know the feeling…

 

And the sad part is…we sometimes never hear anything back. I mean at least with a normal job interview you can get a nice little call from HR letting you know that you have been selected or not selected for the position. However in the acting arena….nada. Nothing. Needless to say, being an Artist is about mastering the craft of PATIENCE. Even if you are spiritual or not, there is a time for everything in this universe. I have been going towards becoming a Professional Actor for about 10 years now. Professional meaning having constant bookings, higher pay, and developing a certain level of “status”. The status part is what I am working on the most. The thing is you have to learn not to be your biggest obstacle. I am still where I am...by choice. I made the choice to seek out one way or I have made the choice to seek it out another way…either way was my choice. But now that I am finally coming to a realization about…choices and will…I am ready for things to take off! WHY? Because I am FINALLY ready for it!

I have to often tell myself…. “Self, just because you want something right now doesn't mean you are ready for it.”  Discouraging?? Hmm…a little but…. There is a great scripture that speaks on this:

Galatians 6:9-  Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up (NIV)

And this can be applied to anyone …if you choose not to grow tired of the struggle, it will pay off in the end. So…enjoy the wait. It may be worth your while.

Brit

Website: http://main.brittney-s-harris.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ActressBrittneySHarris

Duality.

August 20th, 2014- Duality.

Hmm…get some rest. Rest? Sleep? What is this “sleep” you speak of? But yes, the life of an Artist can be one of the most rewarding career paths to flow into. Not only are you challenging yourself creatively, you are able to thrive aesthetically as well. But we are always going! Going, going, going…. We find the “art” in everything. And that sometimes leads to your mind and body constantly running and going at like…. 120 mph! Come on, you know it is true.

So word to the wise: REST. Sleep, especially those who are dealing with the duality of “jobs”. Having your 9 to 5 and then getting off to do what you truly love to do. It’s funny, I can recall someone telling me that it is impossible to love what you do and make a living from doing it? Why that may be true for the “simple minded”, it is not for me. See, he was a Realist. And I am what you call a ‘Realistic Artist’. I be damned if I will involve myself in any job or anything that doesn’t have a higher meaning or purpose behind it. I understand that bills must be paid and all that, but there is nothing wrong in finding something that pleases both.

Right now, my bipolar life consists of Non-Profit work and Performance. Literally, I worked with young women everyday on bridging the gap between creativity and self-esteem. How freakin’ awesome is that???  Granted, my “day job” does require a lot out of me…and leaves me sort of drained when it comes to working on the acting side of things…but at least I know I am touching someone’s life. Being an influence, a role model. Goal-setter. You know?

But how can I be beneficial to anyone if I am not well-rested and charged? Hence, finding a balance. Finding healthy ways to balance your duality until you don’t have to deal with both.  And if you do…it would be by choice.

Tips to Balancing Your Duality:

1. Always keep the "Big Picture" in mind.
2. Drink Plenty of Water.
3. Eat something at least every two hours…yes.
4. Fruits, Nuts, and Veggies should become your best friend.
5. Laugh at least 20 times a day
6. Surround yourself with positive, like-minded people
7. Take a little time for yourself. Yes, just you.
8. Thank God for the abilities you were given and the opportunities you are destiny to find.

Brit

Website: http://main.brittney-s-harris.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ActressBrittneySHarris

Crowded.

August 19th, 2014- Crowded.

Don't ever apologize for being yourself. Those who know you and your worth will learn to appreciate you for you…flaws and all. Sometimes as nuts as you may feel or as wrong as you may feel… you are still worth it. These blogs have been the most wonderful reflections for me lately.

The things in life what challenge or hurt us were put there for a reason…everything happens for a reason. Don't let the bad stand in front of your blessings. I am speaking from a personal standpoint on this one.

Sometimes it is okay to be scared… fear can be the greatest catalyst of them all.  Fear is what drives me every day to go after my Acting career. What's there to fear? The fear is someone taking my spot or opportunity because I was too "scared" to go after it in the first place. With so much going on in the world today, we must be able to be upfront and honest with each other and ourselves. I am learning that day by day…in my industry of film/television with so much dramatization….you can't seem to delineate between what is fact or fiction, real or fake. So what you must do… is take each day with a grain of salt and grow from it. I am not perfect. Those around you won't be either. I am writing this because I have been really hard on myself lately. Rejections, not getting casted, losing a friendship, all of those things are there to make you stronger. Yes, that is what I said…STRONGER. It is not meant to break you but to help you learn.

Recently, I had new people enter my life and put that in prospective for me. And every day I overcome my adversities. Actors and Artists are real people too. I think that is why I started sharing these blogs .And I can see what my flaws can do…it pushes people away, it crowds you in a vast of sadness and doubt. Gross, right? And with all that's going on…all the wonderful qualities about you seems to just disappear. But you are there. Still underneath it all. Well, don't push away your blessings. Just be you. And pray and hope that you are accepted for that. And if not, well there are at least two others…that will. You and the One Up Above.

Brit

"Con-Cited"

August 18, 2014- Concited.

It's amazing how swiftly things can change. Sometimes when you are just open...and listen you will start to see your paths illuminate.

Usually I don't write posts like this--but I feel like it's something that needed to be said to myself and...it may be for someone to hear. (Another fellow actress told me the same thing a couple of weeks ago...)

Sometimes you may think that what you want is the best thing---a career choice or a relationship or whatever, but indeed if it truly doesn't benefit your soul, it will not prosper. After last week, a rather interesting week of twists and eyeopeners, I am realizing that there were things on my path that I didn't necessarily agree with or want but it was there because I needed it. Also, they were things there because I wanted them to be and it was time to let it go.

Point Blank: Don't lose your soul (mind, memory, and affections) over things...  For what would it profit [you] to gain this whole world and lose your soul while doing so?-- T.D. Jakes, Mark 8:36.

Be true to yourself and open and listen. Sometimes being led is better than going on your own beat and path.

So needless to say, I am declaring that I won't take the new as something wrong. And I won't take something wrong as a testament that something needs to change. You would think that is normal, right? No. See to me, I thought taking on something new was a challenge or a test to see...to see if I could try and JUST be happy and content with what I have and not seek out more. But...sometimes the opportunity just falls into your laps, 'y'all. AND THE BEST PART, you weren't even expecting it. At all.

This career path of an actor has to be one of the most "concited" paths that any person could ever choose. Yes, I said "CONCITED", not conceited.. Have you ever been so excited about how the way things are moving and shifting in your life, but just are as confused as to how it will end up or what is "exactly" going to happen?? See that is being concited. (smiles)

Like I mentioned I wrote this for myself but mainly for anyone that wonders the "WHYs" and the "HOWs" like I do.


Brit.
8/18/2014


Website: http://main.brittney-s-harris.com
FB: https://www.facebook.com/ActressBrittneySHarris

Clear Mind.

November 22, 2013- Clear Mind.

OK, I am usually not this enthused to write…well not anymore that is. Granted the last time I have actually sat down to write something for this blog was back in April of this year…something has sparked in me to write. You sometimes unexpectedly cross paths with someone or a group of people or even hear about a cause that just inspires and uplifts you. Motivate.

About what? Well a number of things. It has just occurred to me that…I DON’T write anymore. I had this journal (wasn't’t an online journal) but I kept this journal for about 7 years. 7 years! Single spaced and documented my life from my senior year of high school to late 2012. And this thing was my…mirror. I always said if someone really wanted to get to know the real “me” read that…and believe me, it was a shocker.

So what happened? Well…after a while I realized I was only writing about the negative. My shortcomings, failures, and though it was a “realistic” view of me…it was only me at my lowest. So, to go back and see patterns of my life from over the past 7 years: struggling with weight, my fluctuating acting career, failed relationship and friendships, it was only showing me the worst of things. So I took my 7 year journey…and locked it away. I didn't destroy it, but more so just let it go.

Funny, this blog was supposed to be about my journey as an Actor…to stardom. And when I look at my life and progress…I could be so much further right now. But I kept trying to emulate other people’s paths rather than just following and finding my own. Listening to God. I let lies become the truth and failures become the outcome. And that is not case. And in 25 years…I think I am approaching one of the clearest epiphanies I have ever had.

 "Be happy where you are and as long as you don’t stop moving forward…neither will your life." -Brittney

This picture...says it all.