Last Saturday I attended September Day and Bob Carter‘s Beginner Voice Over Workshop. It was a great opportunity, and I learned a TON and got some great ideas for furthering my VO career. Bob and September are a lovely and hilarious couple. Their energy, differing opinions on aspects of the VO world and varied niches bounce off of each other in an awesome way. Not only did these two teach me more about the business, marketing and performance of being a voice talent. They were also extremely amazing motivators. I didn’t leave this seminar with a folder full of notes and a bewildered sense of “Oh snap! This is too much to handle! I can’t do this!” No. I left empowered and with the spark I needed to pull myself out of a funk. “Get over yourself,” as Bob so eloquently put it.

This is me when I tell myself beer is a bad idea.

You see, I’ve been struggling with myself lately. That job at the beauty company really took a toll on me. I’ve always had body image issues (since I’m 4’10”, short waisted and keep subjecting myself to industries that can be cosmetically cruel), but that place really made me feel bad about my appearance and abilities. On top of that, I gained over 10 pounds while  being forced to sit for 8+ hours a day without breaks to walk the stairs or stretch my legs. The weight is not coming-off as fast as it did 5 years ago after  working at Henry’s Louisiana Grill. I’m a bit of a Pinkie Pie and like to party, so despite the dietary changes and exercise, the process is slow-going.

I’ve also failed a lot in the past two years. I mean, I just got laid-off via text message a few weeks ago. I’ve never really had an entry level job and can’t afford to go to grad school. I haven’t booked much in VO yet, and I don’t have the means to complete a home studio. My writing career thus far has consisted of freelance slavery and rejections. My cat disappeared last month. My husband’s in a similar boat, so it can be hard for us to be cheerleaders. I don’t even know what I should do with myself career-wise. Throw-in the weight and my favorite jeans finally biting the dust, and life suddenly seemed daunting.

A eulogy limerick for my jeans,
they made my round but look obscene,
but in the dryer they went!
They broke when I bent!
A fashion faux pas unforeseen!

I’m not trying to say my life sucks. It totally doesn’t. I have a supportive, loving and sexy husband who is my best friend. I have the cutest kitty ever, and my friends and family are the bee’s knees. And I know deep down that I am pretty awesome, too.

It’s just time for me to get the f*ck over myself, toss my doubts and insecurities to the wind, be assertive and not let a little funk get the Prentice everybody enjoys bring her down.