...to know exactly what you want to do in life.  It takes a while to know exactly where you fit it in.  And you know what?  There is absolutely nothing wrong with taking all the time that you need to figure out what you love to do, and also to figure out who you love.  

I read an article recently on Forbes.com about the "25 Biggest Regrets" that people have at the end of their lives.  This article really brought up some good points.  As many of my readers know, I am a strong believer in living each day to the fullest.  It is very important that we do not let a day go by without smiling and feeling happy, and doing something to make another person feel happy!  After I completed reading the article, I thought I'd come over to my own blog and just write a little reminder to all of you to live it up!

When I first came to college in California, I really had no idea what I wanted to do.  I just had some "feeling" within me that I needed to be in Orange County.  And I absolutely loved every minute of my time at school!  As graduation approached and I was working at Surfer Magazine, I had another "feeling" that I needed to pursue another type of dream up in Hollywood, in entertainment.  And so, again, I up and moved and went for it!  Yes, it's been tough, but it has been an incredibly amazing experience that has helped me to grow as a person, and learn so much about myself and the world.  

I was recently working on the set of a TV series and I began chatting with one of the older gentlemen who also works on set.  When I began to discuss my job and my work with him, I explained that I'm constantly learning, and finding out where I belong, and what I love to do.  I told him that there are many things in my life that I would like to do, and acting/working in the entertainment biz is just one of them!  I was a bit surprised when this man sternly exclaimed, "Geeze, just figure it all out already, man!  You're 26.  Figure it out, and figure it out quick, because time goes by very fast".  

Now, I admit that he brings up a good point:  life does seem to go by rather quickly!  However maybe it was the somewhat sad tone in his voice that evoked in me a sympathetic feeling towards this man.  "Maybe he is not happy in his job", I thought.  "Perhaps he has not yet figured out exactly what it is the he truly wants to do in life."  If in fact my thoughts were correct about this man, I hope that he will realize that it's never too late to make a change!  It's never too late to be happy!  Regardless of a person's age, lots of us are still discovering new things that we love to do!  All too often, people act like they are "stuck" in a job, relationship, or other type of situation that they do not like.      

The reality is that no one is ever "stuck" in any situation.  There is always a choice that can be made, to either stay in that situation that makes them unhappy, or the alternative:  to make a positive change.   As I've previously written on my blog, I think that all of us should constantly keep our eyes, ears and hearts open throughout our lives to discover new things that we love do to, and to find true love!  Let's take your job, for example.  It is where you will likely be spending a large majority of time during your natural life.  So you might as well do something, or many things, that you love to do!!  The same principal applies to relationships!  And when it comes to relationships, (I'm no expert here haha), ((seriously, still haven't had a long term relationship.... lol)) but I'd suggest that you spend your time with someone that you truly love.  Whether you're gay, bisexual, straight, somewhere in between, etc, find that special someone and don't let them go!     

For some of us, it can take a lot of time to "figure it all out".  What is the rush, though?  Yes, time goes by quickly.  Therefore, enjoy all the time you're given!  Time is a such a precious gift!  We must allow ourselves to take the time at hand to learn, to experience, to succeed, to fail, and to discover what we like, and who we like!  

In closing, it is my hope that our friend mentioned above finds out what makes him happy!  It is an important reminder to all of us to make a positive change if we're not fully satisfied with life.  Take your time to figure out what you like and who you love!  Take things day by day, and live it up!  Don't have regrets!  Use every single day to do the best that you can, and learn about yourself and what makes you happy.  (And of course, always try to help to make others happy, too!)    

(Thank YOU all for helping to always make me happy!) x

Life can come with many struggles.  All of us are dealing with a certain struggle in each of our lives, and it's important to remember that whenever you see another person.  We don't know that any other person may be struggling with.  They may have no one to talk to, or they may feel that no one cares about them.  I believe that it is important that we all try to help another person smile, every single day.  That doesn't necessarily mean that you need to start talking to every person that crosses your path in a day, but flashing a quick smile can turn someone's mood from bad to good!  It can show another person that someone cares about them.  

Give it a try.  The next time you see someone, smile at them.  Even if you don't say anything, in almost every situation that I've been in, the other person will respond with a smile, too.  It's pretty cool.  You know, there's been days that I've felt kind of upset about things, career-wise.  I am working hard towards my goals of having more steady work in the entertainment biz, and sometimes it feels like I'm just not getting to where I would like to be.  (If you're an actor, I'm sure you can relate to this feeling!)  However, I always feel soo much happier just to SEE another person smile, and take the time to ask how my day is going!  Often times, I will feel much better myself, and in turn, this helps me to remember just how fortunate I am to have the life that I have!  Regardless of how hard things can get, sharing love and happiness is one of the most amazing gifts that we can give to another person.  It will make you feel really good, too!    

Don't get stuck thinking about how hard things are, focus on making your situation better.  Things will always get better, and things will always work out in the end.  I promise.  ;)  

And don't forget, every day that we are alive is a pretty good day.  x

Hey guys and girls!  I wanted to quickly wish you all a very happy Martin Luther King Day - and I also wanted to share a little thought with you all.  It is my hope that my blog, "Behind The Sign", helps to inspire you to follow your dreams.  As you know, much as my blog is geared towards actors and members of the entertainment biz, as I love sharing what I've learned throughout my time in this industry!  However most of all, I truly just want for all of you to be happy, and follow whatever passion you have in life.  

Dreams are very powerful, as we all have learned from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  He had a vision for the world, and this incredible man taught us all so much, all because of his dream.  MLK did so much for the world, and it all began with a dream.  Pretty remarkable isn't it?    

Never give up on your dreams.  One person can change the world.  

**A huge THANK YOU to the legendary Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  We all owe so much to you, your work, and your dream!!

This big tiger, and my beanie with tiger ears attached made me smile!  I hope it makes you smile too!  Hope your weekend is great!

Remember to share a random act of kindness every single day.  Making another person smile is a true gift!  :)