ASK BARBARA
By Barbara Niven
Actress, Author & Motivational Speaker
"Those who danced were thought to be quite insane by those who could not hear the music.”– Angela Monet
Are you a Dreamer too, like I am? If so, then you know this quote is true. Sometimes people do call you crazy, and do everything in their power to knock you down. They don’t want you to upset the apple cart. Because think about it. If you succeed in achieving your dream, it negates their whole lives if they have settled for less themselves. That’s why they have to fight to keep you down right along with them.
It takes a lot of courage to put your dream out there for everybody to see it, and then to keep holding it up while others are saying it can’t be done. It’s too hard to do alone. You need support, to surround yourself with other Dreamers, who will laugh with you, cry with you and celebrate with you every step of the way. It has made all the difference in my journey, and I know it will for you too.
I remember when I first decided I was going to be an actress. I was almost thirty years old, and a single mother up in Portland, Oregon. Newly divorced, little money, and even less self-confidence. But the thing that drove me to action was the thought of wondering "What if?" at the end of my life. So, I got up my courage and declared my dream! Scary, but liberating. Everybody thought I was crazy. Told me I was an irresponsible mother, selfish and ridiculous. Part of me agreed. I had no role model, no contacts, no acting resume, nothing. But deep down I knew that I was meant to do this. And I had to try.
It’s been over twenty years now since I was that young mother with the big blonde hair and even bigger dreams…and I want to tell her thank you. For jumping in, for her leap of faith, for this wonderful gift she gave me. I have loved this crazy up-and-down acting life and I have raised an amazing, beautiful daughter. Both my dreams came true! And you know what, I would still have been twenty years older, even if I hadn’t tried. Life goes on, no matter which way we turn. Remember what Robert Frost said?
“The Road Not Taken”
- by Robert Frost
Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood
And looked down one as far as I could
To where it bent in the undergrowth;
Then took the other, as just as fair
And having perhaps the better claim,
Because it was grassy and wanted wear;
Though as for that, the passing there
Had worn them really about the same,
And both that morning equally lay
In leaves no step had trodden black
Oh, I kept the first for another day!
Yet knowing how way leads on to way,
I doubted if I should ever come back.
I shall be telling this with a sigh
Somewhere ages and ages hence:
two roads diverged in a wood, and I --
I took the one less traveled by,
And that has made all the difference.
So, all you fellow "dancers"…no matter how young or old you are... follow your own music and travel your own road. I applaud your courage and await your miracles.
God bless,
Barbara
xox
Ps - I created my Dreamers Network as a support group for us Dreamers. I invite you to join me. Check it out at www.BarbaraNiven.com. And if you have any questions or comments for me, please email them to me at barbara@barbaraniven.com.
