Featuring Mikaela Holmes, an actress, singer, modern dancer, model and yoga teacher!
HEY! Here is a cool thing to try: Being happy for other people...Whether it is the success of a friend, a stranger reaching their goal, or recognition and achievement in one's craft. I see so much negativity on social media and in real life...
Tonight in particular, it is surrounding the Oscars. Oh PLEASE, tell me more about how qualified you are to be a snarky and obnoxious judge of the talent nominated tonight - on screen and off. YES we absolutely need more diversity - of ALL races, genders, etc....But to people bitching and moaning about how "dumb" award ceremonies are in general...Look, the wonderful people nominated tonight got there because they love what they do. It is their passion. Do you have any idea how much determination, patience, skill, education, soul, talent, willingness, research and FIRE it takes to do what artists do? They don't do it for the end result of an award, applause, fame. The ones who only care about that don't get to that point because they don't have the HEART.
Not to mention...Film is so important. All ART is so necessary. Look at how many topics the nominated films touched on this year - mental health, transgender/sexuality, Pakistan "honor" killings, sexual assault/abuse/rape culture, abduction, child molestation, the environment, survival, technology, relationships, love....Things we can all learn from. Grow from. Converse about. Share. Relate to. Get help from.
I share this quote all the time....It is something Ben Vereen said during my time at Broadway Theatre Project: "Someone in the audience has the same story, and they need you to tell the honest truth so they can heal." THIS is why we (actors, musicians, writers, directors, artists of all kinds) do what we do.
It saddens me how many people do not see the importance - the great NEED - for the arts these days. Somewhere there is a little girl who is only able to learn math and science through music. Somewhere there is a young boy who needs many breaks in his day to get up and move - to dance to make it through the day. Somewhere there is a teenager whose journal is their only creative and emotional outlet. Somewhere there is an adult who can only breathe, relax, and fall asleep by listening to their favorite calming song.
For so many of us, art has saved our lives. It is how we express ourselves. How we communicate. How we learn, grow, live and thrive. And it is SUCH a beautiful gift to pass on.
I realize I went on a few little tangents here - as always, haha! - But I will leave it at this: Let's appreciate each other. Appreciate those who follow their dreams. Appreciate the arts. Art CANNOT and WILL NOT be suppressed. ^_^ <3
- Mikaela