Susane Colasanti's Blog, page 56
December 14, 2010
david duchovny and the santas
People are usually surprised that I love Neil LaBute's movies and plays. He's a very dark and twisty dude. Meredith Grey would definitely worship him. If she were, like, real. He can be really hardcore. I've been hooked since In the Company of Men, a movie in which two guys have a bet over who can make a deaf girl fall in love with him first. I know that sounds horrible - and it is! LaBute is fearless like that.
So when I heard that his latest play, The Break of Noon, was playing at a little theater right down the street and that David Duchovny and Amanda Peet were in it, I could not get tickets fast enough. I was sitting super close to David and kept looking at the tattoo on his ring finger. Which doesn't mean I wasn't riveted. Because I was. David basically talks for 90 minutes straight. He must be exhausted after every performance.
After the play, we didn't just go home. This was my chance to meet David and Amanda! I loved her in Something's Gotta Give and A Lot Like Love. But she was so fast to sneak out the side door that I didn't even get to see her. I was really bummed about that. But David totally came out the front door and took the time to say hi to all of his fans. Which was extremely gracious of him, given how exhausting his performance was. Of course I took a picture with David. Only, he wasn't looking his best in the pic. And I don't think it's right to post a photo of a person who would not want that photo to be posted. I reluctantly accepted that I wouldn't be able to share a pic with you.
But then.
I was like, Dude. The play is right down the street. I could always go back for better documentation. Plus, I could tell Amanda how awesome she is (because, you know, she doesn't already hear that a zillion times a day or anything). So I went over last Saturday and waited outside with the other fans. This time, David was photo ready.
[image error]
There was a guy waiting for David to sign a bunch of prints. This usually means that they're going to be sold. But he told me that he's a huge X-Files fan and he's met David tons of times and the prints were all for him. I told him that I didn't want to miss Amanda again. The whole time we were waiting for David, I kept checking the two side doors for her. It's a good thing I was talking to that guy - he told me when Amanda came out. She was by the side door, looking through her bag. So I went over with my Playbill and my hot pink Sharpie and stood there all wide-eyed and expectant. And then Amanda looked up and she was on the phone and...well, she just left. And I was still standing there all wide-eyed and expectant.
Because I need to cling to the belief that she is a sweet person, I will conclude that she really had to go.
There were other things going on last Saturday as well. Like SantaCon 2010. SantaCon takes place in a bunch of cities worldwide. It's where hundreds of people dress up as Santa and have a good time. They started the day in Central Park, but by the time I was meeting David again they were here in the Village. Hundreds of Santas running though the Village! It was a trip. David and I even had an awesome conversation about it.
David Duchovny: What's with all these Santas?
Me: It's SantaCon!
Yeah. We're tight like that.
As David was taking pictures with us, a swarm of Santas swooped in. Which is how I was able to document David Duchovny and the Santas.
[image error]
Now this next part might sound hugely slightly stalkerish, but I assure you it was not. After the crowd broke up, David started walking away. And I...like, kind of followed him. Because, hello, he was going my way! A girl has to get home, right? It was fun to watch people's reactions as they passed him on the street. I mean, he must be used to it by now, but it's kind of unreal to be David Duchovny just walking down the street like la la la while all around him people are whipping their heads around and going, "Was that David Duchovny?!?!" I wonder if he's over it or if he still gets a little thrill.
Now I have to add The X-Files to my queue. People have been telling me I'll love it for years. If it's anything like Fringe, I'm ready to roll!
So when I heard that his latest play, The Break of Noon, was playing at a little theater right down the street and that David Duchovny and Amanda Peet were in it, I could not get tickets fast enough. I was sitting super close to David and kept looking at the tattoo on his ring finger. Which doesn't mean I wasn't riveted. Because I was. David basically talks for 90 minutes straight. He must be exhausted after every performance.
After the play, we didn't just go home. This was my chance to meet David and Amanda! I loved her in Something's Gotta Give and A Lot Like Love. But she was so fast to sneak out the side door that I didn't even get to see her. I was really bummed about that. But David totally came out the front door and took the time to say hi to all of his fans. Which was extremely gracious of him, given how exhausting his performance was. Of course I took a picture with David. Only, he wasn't looking his best in the pic. And I don't think it's right to post a photo of a person who would not want that photo to be posted. I reluctantly accepted that I wouldn't be able to share a pic with you.
But then.
I was like, Dude. The play is right down the street. I could always go back for better documentation. Plus, I could tell Amanda how awesome she is (because, you know, she doesn't already hear that a zillion times a day or anything). So I went over last Saturday and waited outside with the other fans. This time, David was photo ready.
[image error]
There was a guy waiting for David to sign a bunch of prints. This usually means that they're going to be sold. But he told me that he's a huge X-Files fan and he's met David tons of times and the prints were all for him. I told him that I didn't want to miss Amanda again. The whole time we were waiting for David, I kept checking the two side doors for her. It's a good thing I was talking to that guy - he told me when Amanda came out. She was by the side door, looking through her bag. So I went over with my Playbill and my hot pink Sharpie and stood there all wide-eyed and expectant. And then Amanda looked up and she was on the phone and...well, she just left. And I was still standing there all wide-eyed and expectant.
Because I need to cling to the belief that she is a sweet person, I will conclude that she really had to go.
There were other things going on last Saturday as well. Like SantaCon 2010. SantaCon takes place in a bunch of cities worldwide. It's where hundreds of people dress up as Santa and have a good time. They started the day in Central Park, but by the time I was meeting David again they were here in the Village. Hundreds of Santas running though the Village! It was a trip. David and I even had an awesome conversation about it.
David Duchovny: What's with all these Santas?
Me: It's SantaCon!
Yeah. We're tight like that.
As David was taking pictures with us, a swarm of Santas swooped in. Which is how I was able to document David Duchovny and the Santas.
[image error]
Now this next part might sound hugely slightly stalkerish, but I assure you it was not. After the crowd broke up, David started walking away. And I...like, kind of followed him. Because, hello, he was going my way! A girl has to get home, right? It was fun to watch people's reactions as they passed him on the street. I mean, he must be used to it by now, but it's kind of unreal to be David Duchovny just walking down the street like la la la while all around him people are whipping their heads around and going, "Was that David Duchovny?!?!" I wonder if he's over it or if he still gets a little thrill.
Now I have to add The X-Files to my queue. People have been telling me I'll love it for years. If it's anything like Fringe, I'm ready to roll!
December 10, 2010
john mayer news
This one's for all of my kindred spirit John Mayer fans. If you're like me, you're probably wondering about the new music he's been working on. JM news has been sparse ever since he deleted his Twitter and stopped blogging (which I hope is just a break). I like that he's getting into a more contemplative space, though.
Sometimes John does surprise performances at a place in my neighborhood. I'm always so mad that I wasn't there. It's literally two blocks away from me! I hate waking up to find out he was so close and I had no clue. A friend who works there would be good to have so I know when to be there at, like, two in the morning or whatever. Need to work on that. Anyway, a reader let me know that John was there last week (thanks, Katie!). John played some of his new music, which sounds incredible. And it's cool how he's just schlepping it all scruffy in a sweater and glasses.
This new song is already speaking right to my heart. I'm guessing it's called "One of These Days." Warning: It will immediately get stuck in your head and you'll be mentally playing it for days. Enjoy!
Sometimes John does surprise performances at a place in my neighborhood. I'm always so mad that I wasn't there. It's literally two blocks away from me! I hate waking up to find out he was so close and I had no clue. A friend who works there would be good to have so I know when to be there at, like, two in the morning or whatever. Need to work on that. Anyway, a reader let me know that John was there last week (thanks, Katie!). John played some of his new music, which sounds incredible. And it's cool how he's just schlepping it all scruffy in a sweater and glasses.
This new song is already speaking right to my heart. I'm guessing it's called "One of These Days." Warning: It will immediately get stuck in your head and you'll be mentally playing it for days. Enjoy!
December 8, 2010
john lennon shines on
Dear John,
I miss you every day. But especially today.
You gave us the kind of music that transcends time. Music with a message. Songs that speak to us and encourage us to make our lives better. Songs that make us want to change the world. Songs that make us imagine.
You are an indelible part of New York City. When I want to remember you best, I go to Strawberry Fields. No matter what time or which day, people are always there, playing your songs and bringing you flowers. You fought so hard to stay in this magical place because you understood its energy, an energy you translated into music and art. I still feel your passion every day, John.
[image error]
I wish I could tell you that we're all living life in peace today, 30 years after you were taken from us. Sadly, we are not. But Imagine lives on, as do all of your words, and they continue to inspire us to live and let live.
And so you shine on.
Like the moon and the stars and the sun.
On and on and on...
Love,
Susane
I miss you every day. But especially today.
You gave us the kind of music that transcends time. Music with a message. Songs that speak to us and encourage us to make our lives better. Songs that make us want to change the world. Songs that make us imagine.
You are an indelible part of New York City. When I want to remember you best, I go to Strawberry Fields. No matter what time or which day, people are always there, playing your songs and bringing you flowers. You fought so hard to stay in this magical place because you understood its energy, an energy you translated into music and art. I still feel your passion every day, John.
[image error]
I wish I could tell you that we're all living life in peace today, 30 years after you were taken from us. Sadly, we are not. But Imagine lives on, as do all of your words, and they continue to inspire us to live and let live.
And so you shine on.
Like the moon and the stars and the sun.
On and on and on...
Love,
Susane
December 6, 2010
for the rest of us
Although Festivus isn't technically until December 23, I am getting the party started early this year. I found a random pole on the street and dragged it home.
Happy Festivus pole!
It's never too early to start airing those grievances. Oooh, and feats of strength! For my feat of strength, I will attempt to hold that frakking Pilates plank position for 30 seconds without shaking like the Pilates loser I currently am. So, yeah. Be ready for that.
Fun factoid: The concept of Festivus did not originate on Seinfeld. It was first mentioned in a book published in 1966 about obscure holidays. The original Festivus dessert in real life was a Pepperidge Farm cake (do they even make those anymore?) sprinkled with M&Ms.
Speaking of Festivus desserts, I was thrilled to discover this Ben & Jerry's limited edition:
[image error]
Um, brown sugar cinnamon ice cream? Gingerbread cookies? Caramel swirl? Sign me up. Unfortunately, this Festivus flavor is no longer available. If it ever was. Maybe it's an urban legend. But hey, one can hope for a return engagement. It would be a Festivus miracle!
Happy Festivus pole!
It's never too early to start airing those grievances. Oooh, and feats of strength! For my feat of strength, I will attempt to hold that frakking Pilates plank position for 30 seconds without shaking like the Pilates loser I currently am. So, yeah. Be ready for that.
Fun factoid: The concept of Festivus did not originate on Seinfeld. It was first mentioned in a book published in 1966 about obscure holidays. The original Festivus dessert in real life was a Pepperidge Farm cake (do they even make those anymore?) sprinkled with M&Ms.
Speaking of Festivus desserts, I was thrilled to discover this Ben & Jerry's limited edition:
[image error]
Um, brown sugar cinnamon ice cream? Gingerbread cookies? Caramel swirl? Sign me up. Unfortunately, this Festivus flavor is no longer available. If it ever was. Maybe it's an urban legend. But hey, one can hope for a return engagement. It would be a Festivus miracle!
December 3, 2010
home stretch
Ah, darkness at 4:00. And so it goes in the Hunker Down. Actually, things are looking up. I think I can see the end of this first draft I'm working on. Which I am extremely happy about. First drafts are always the hardest part for me. Some authors love first drafts and struggle more with revisions, but the opposite is definitely true for me. I just think it's a lot easier to work with something already on the page. Once I have a first draft, it becomes much easier for me to refine the story.
This doesn't mean I'm done or anything. Not at all. Once this draft is done, I'll print out a hard copy and work on the second draft from there. And then the third. And then (hopefully) it will be ready to submit to my editors. They're the only ones who read my work in its initial stages, so I never know if a manuscript is any good until they give it the green light. Let's hope those lights keep shining green!
With all of this early darkness, it's always nice to find some bright warm fuzzies online. Like how All-Consuming Books is giving away a copy of Something Like Fate. Or this very sweet review of Waiting for You over at The Book Genie. Or these charming videos of cut paper animation on Moving Paper. They're so cute!
I'll leave you with a clip of my fave contemporary philosopher, Alain de Botton. I've been reading his books on love and relationships for years and am always impressed by his refreshing, astute insights. In this interview, Alain discusses how childhood anxiety inspires intellectualism. As usual, he totally has a point.
Keep you where the light is...
This doesn't mean I'm done or anything. Not at all. Once this draft is done, I'll print out a hard copy and work on the second draft from there. And then the third. And then (hopefully) it will be ready to submit to my editors. They're the only ones who read my work in its initial stages, so I never know if a manuscript is any good until they give it the green light. Let's hope those lights keep shining green!
With all of this early darkness, it's always nice to find some bright warm fuzzies online. Like how All-Consuming Books is giving away a copy of Something Like Fate. Or this very sweet review of Waiting for You over at The Book Genie. Or these charming videos of cut paper animation on Moving Paper. They're so cute!
I'll leave you with a clip of my fave contemporary philosopher, Alain de Botton. I've been reading his books on love and relationships for years and am always impressed by his refreshing, astute insights. In this interview, Alain discusses how childhood anxiety inspires intellectualism. As usual, he totally has a point.
Keep you where the light is...
December 1, 2010
begin it now
The monumental John Cusack posted one of the best quotations in the history of quotations on Twitter.
We can always count on Lloyd Dobler to remind us of what's important.
We can always count on Lloyd Dobler to remind us of what's important.
November 29, 2010
hot gossip
Greetings from Greenwich Village, NYC, home of creative types and big dreamers.
Let's get down to it.
Spotted: One author of teen novels (with the initials S.C.) on the cover of Entertainment Weekly with none other than Jake Gyllenhaal. We hear that S.C. used to make Top Five Husband Lists when she was a teacher. My sources tell me that Jake steadily held that second slot for years. Clearly, Gossip Girl wasn't the only one to get that tip.
[image error]
Not sure why it says "Jake and Anne" when Jake is clearly with S.C. S.C. writes about soul mates. Looks like our boy Jake has finally found his.
Hot book tip: Steve Martin's An Object of Beauty has hit the shelves. His reading last week was packed, but Steve still managed to focus on us the whole time. Love you right back, Steve!
Steve's writing is eloquent and evocative. Fun bonus - he included photos of artwork mentioned in the story. Even the book itself is an object of beauty: textured cover, hand lettering, and a pic of Steve that looks almost sparkly. Sorry fang fans, he's no vampire. Steve is very real, as seen here with a mystery girl.
Wondering why the paparazzi were all over that? Let's zoom in on the action.
You guessed it - that's our very own S.C. with Steve Martin! Dig their matching glasses. We hear she's been a major fan since she was a teenage Jersey girl, dreaming of a better life across the water in New York City. Good to know that some dreams really do come true.
Catch you later.
You know you love me.
xoxo-
Gossip Girl
Let's get down to it.
Spotted: One author of teen novels (with the initials S.C.) on the cover of Entertainment Weekly with none other than Jake Gyllenhaal. We hear that S.C. used to make Top Five Husband Lists when she was a teacher. My sources tell me that Jake steadily held that second slot for years. Clearly, Gossip Girl wasn't the only one to get that tip.
[image error]
Not sure why it says "Jake and Anne" when Jake is clearly with S.C. S.C. writes about soul mates. Looks like our boy Jake has finally found his.
Hot book tip: Steve Martin's An Object of Beauty has hit the shelves. His reading last week was packed, but Steve still managed to focus on us the whole time. Love you right back, Steve!
Steve's writing is eloquent and evocative. Fun bonus - he included photos of artwork mentioned in the story. Even the book itself is an object of beauty: textured cover, hand lettering, and a pic of Steve that looks almost sparkly. Sorry fang fans, he's no vampire. Steve is very real, as seen here with a mystery girl.
Wondering why the paparazzi were all over that? Let's zoom in on the action.
You guessed it - that's our very own S.C. with Steve Martin! Dig their matching glasses. We hear she's been a major fan since she was a teenage Jersey girl, dreaming of a better life across the water in New York City. Good to know that some dreams really do come true.
Catch you later.
You know you love me.
xoxo-
Gossip Girl
November 24, 2010
thankful for perspective
This is the time of year when we think about things we are thankful for. I'm most thankful for pretty much the same things every time, including my readers, my friends, New York City, and the fact that daylight hours will start increasing in less than a month. But this year, I am tremendously thankful for someone new.
That person is Aron Ralston.
I saw 127 Hours two days ago and my chin is still on the floor. Not only is the movie based on Aron's actual experience of being trapped in a canyon for five days, but he is played by James Franco. So of course I had to go see.
The amazing thing about Aron is that he cut off his own arm to escape the boulder it was pinned under. And he did this with a dull switchblade.
Aron tells about his ordeal here:
I'm way thankful for Aron. I'm thankful for his courage. I'm thankful that he's here with us to tell his story. And I'm thankful for the way his experience can help us to keep the little annoyances of our daily lives in perspective. Aron Ralston epitomizes the advice to never give up.
Aron said that he had an epiphany while he was trapped. He realized that life is about relationships. So here's a relationship connection that is blowing my mind. The day Aron cut himself free was May 1, 2003. May 1, 2003 was my 30th birthday. It was also the day my Gram died. She was basically my whole family and I knew she was going to die on my 30th birthday and while all this was happening Aron was cutting off his arm to save his life.
Now, I'm sure there are lots of people who'd say all of that means nothing. But I'm someone who believes in the Energy. I believe that the Energy connects us in meaningful ways. And I believe that, in some cosmic way, Aron's determination to hold onto this life and never let go is meant to influence anyone who feels like this life thing is just too hard. I know how that feels. I know how it feels to want to give up. But we can't. Because Aron never did. In a way, we owe it to everyone who is no longer with us to live our lives that much more meaningfully.
So yeah. Let's do this thing. Let's remember that a long line at the post office is a minor, temporary inconvenience. Let's work towards being the best possible version of ourselves. And of course let's never, ever give up.
See? I'm always thankful for a powerful non-coincidence :)
That person is Aron Ralston.
I saw 127 Hours two days ago and my chin is still on the floor. Not only is the movie based on Aron's actual experience of being trapped in a canyon for five days, but he is played by James Franco. So of course I had to go see.
The amazing thing about Aron is that he cut off his own arm to escape the boulder it was pinned under. And he did this with a dull switchblade.
Aron tells about his ordeal here:
I'm way thankful for Aron. I'm thankful for his courage. I'm thankful that he's here with us to tell his story. And I'm thankful for the way his experience can help us to keep the little annoyances of our daily lives in perspective. Aron Ralston epitomizes the advice to never give up.
Aron said that he had an epiphany while he was trapped. He realized that life is about relationships. So here's a relationship connection that is blowing my mind. The day Aron cut himself free was May 1, 2003. May 1, 2003 was my 30th birthday. It was also the day my Gram died. She was basically my whole family and I knew she was going to die on my 30th birthday and while all this was happening Aron was cutting off his arm to save his life.
Now, I'm sure there are lots of people who'd say all of that means nothing. But I'm someone who believes in the Energy. I believe that the Energy connects us in meaningful ways. And I believe that, in some cosmic way, Aron's determination to hold onto this life and never let go is meant to influence anyone who feels like this life thing is just too hard. I know how that feels. I know how it feels to want to give up. But we can't. Because Aron never did. In a way, we owe it to everyone who is no longer with us to live our lives that much more meaningfully.
So yeah. Let's do this thing. Let's remember that a long line at the post office is a minor, temporary inconvenience. Let's work towards being the best possible version of ourselves. And of course let's never, ever give up.
See? I'm always thankful for a powerful non-coincidence :)
November 22, 2010
a michael scott joint
Are you in need of a TGIM pick-me-up? Are you as obsessed with The Office as I am? Okay, I realize that would be impossible. Plus, if you claim to be anywhere near as obsessed as I am, then we're going to throw down. So I'll put it this way...are you an Office fan? Then you're in luck! I found this genius fan trailer you have to see. And if you can name every ep these clips came from (like I can, ahem), you get a cookie.
Great Scott!
Great Scott!
November 19, 2010
dream bigger
If I had to pick a personal motto, it would probably be this: always dream big. Dreaming big is the whole reason I'm here. And by "here," I mean being an author with a blog that friendly neighbors like you read. I never stopped believing that my heart's desires would be reality. People said that the things I wanted were impossible. They said I'd never reach my goals. A lot of them even said that I would never have a book published.
I went ahead and did everything they said I couldn't do anyway.
Imagining all of the amazing things that could happen in my life makes me happy. Of course, it's easier to dream big when you know what you're meant to be - when you know what you are. I knew I would be a science teacher when I was 12. When I was 16, I started thinking seriously about writing children's books. I didn't yet know what kind of science I wanted to teach or what kind of books I wanted to write. I just had a Knowing that these careers were meant to be my reality.
Dreaming big is how I created the life I have. And it's how I continue to create the life I want.
So when I saw a feature in Seventeen about dreaming bigger, I was stoked. Dreaming bigger is badass. Dreaming bigger means that you have a goal you want to reach, but you reach beyond that goal. Like how Oprah didn't stop at wanting to be a journalist. She reached way beyond that goal to become a media queen. Seventeen interviewed some other successful ladies about dreaming bigger. Their responses totally resonated with me and I knew I had to share them with you. Here are some excerpts from the Dream Bigger! feature of the October 2010 issue.
Seventeen: How can a girl figure out the difference between a dream that's achievable and one that's a fantasy that will never happen?
Tyra Banks: By being honest with yourself. I wanted to be a singer, but I couldn't really sing. I wanted it so badly, and I did everything to make it happen, but it was my fantasy. My true calling was TV production - creating shows and being a businesswoman. That's what my heart and soul has wanted to do since I was 9 years old. The day that I came up with America's Next Top Model, I knew that I had discovered my true journey. It's what I'm supposed to do. You have to know who you are and find your strengths, and work as hard as you can to develop them.
Seventeen: How can girls set themselves apart to achieve their dreams?
Rachel Zoe: The more you stay focused, the more you prove to people that you're good at your job. When you find something you love to do, success will come because you'll enjoy it so much that you'll work that much harder. You'll want to put your whole self into the thing you love, and nothing else will seem to matter as much as going after it - even the stuff you'll miss out on when working toward your dreams. I've missed birthday parties and things in my personal life, but I think it was worth it. There are going to be a lot of sacrifices along the way. Just don't lose patience, don't give up, and don't take a job that you don't like - you'll ultimately resent it.
Seventeen: What does every girl need to know to be able to follow her dreams?
Lisa Ling: Making mistakes is okay. They are the best lessons. And never think that you are above anyone. Treat everybody as important, no matter who they are and what they do.
Seventeen: How can girls figure out what they're really passionate about?
Kara DioGuardi: Write down all the moments in your life that you've felt happiest. Not because of some guy, or because your parents took you on a vacation, but when you were doing something. And that's where dreams come into play, because dreams are what your inner voice is telling you that you really want to do. Maybe your inner voice is saying, I love music, which means there are many things you could do. If you have the talent, you could be a singer. Or you could work in a studio. You could do PR at a record label. There are many different avenues that you could follow, but your core would be music if that makes you happy.
All of this good advice has inspired me to give you a weekend project. If you're still trying to figure out what you're meant to do, make a list of things that inspire you. These are the areas you'll want to research to identify a possible future career. If you already have career goals, how can you take steps every day to move closer to achieving them? Write these down in a way that works for you - in your journal or day planner, or on Post-its - and make a strong effort to work toward your goals in some way every day.
The journey really is a series of small steps. If you keep moving forward, eventually you'll end up where you want to be. And never, ever stop dreaming bigger!
I went ahead and did everything they said I couldn't do anyway.
Imagining all of the amazing things that could happen in my life makes me happy. Of course, it's easier to dream big when you know what you're meant to be - when you know what you are. I knew I would be a science teacher when I was 12. When I was 16, I started thinking seriously about writing children's books. I didn't yet know what kind of science I wanted to teach or what kind of books I wanted to write. I just had a Knowing that these careers were meant to be my reality.
Dreaming big is how I created the life I have. And it's how I continue to create the life I want.
So when I saw a feature in Seventeen about dreaming bigger, I was stoked. Dreaming bigger is badass. Dreaming bigger means that you have a goal you want to reach, but you reach beyond that goal. Like how Oprah didn't stop at wanting to be a journalist. She reached way beyond that goal to become a media queen. Seventeen interviewed some other successful ladies about dreaming bigger. Their responses totally resonated with me and I knew I had to share them with you. Here are some excerpts from the Dream Bigger! feature of the October 2010 issue.
Seventeen: How can a girl figure out the difference between a dream that's achievable and one that's a fantasy that will never happen?
Tyra Banks: By being honest with yourself. I wanted to be a singer, but I couldn't really sing. I wanted it so badly, and I did everything to make it happen, but it was my fantasy. My true calling was TV production - creating shows and being a businesswoman. That's what my heart and soul has wanted to do since I was 9 years old. The day that I came up with America's Next Top Model, I knew that I had discovered my true journey. It's what I'm supposed to do. You have to know who you are and find your strengths, and work as hard as you can to develop them.
Seventeen: How can girls set themselves apart to achieve their dreams?
Rachel Zoe: The more you stay focused, the more you prove to people that you're good at your job. When you find something you love to do, success will come because you'll enjoy it so much that you'll work that much harder. You'll want to put your whole self into the thing you love, and nothing else will seem to matter as much as going after it - even the stuff you'll miss out on when working toward your dreams. I've missed birthday parties and things in my personal life, but I think it was worth it. There are going to be a lot of sacrifices along the way. Just don't lose patience, don't give up, and don't take a job that you don't like - you'll ultimately resent it.
Seventeen: What does every girl need to know to be able to follow her dreams?
Lisa Ling: Making mistakes is okay. They are the best lessons. And never think that you are above anyone. Treat everybody as important, no matter who they are and what they do.
Seventeen: How can girls figure out what they're really passionate about?
Kara DioGuardi: Write down all the moments in your life that you've felt happiest. Not because of some guy, or because your parents took you on a vacation, but when you were doing something. And that's where dreams come into play, because dreams are what your inner voice is telling you that you really want to do. Maybe your inner voice is saying, I love music, which means there are many things you could do. If you have the talent, you could be a singer. Or you could work in a studio. You could do PR at a record label. There are many different avenues that you could follow, but your core would be music if that makes you happy.
All of this good advice has inspired me to give you a weekend project. If you're still trying to figure out what you're meant to do, make a list of things that inspire you. These are the areas you'll want to research to identify a possible future career. If you already have career goals, how can you take steps every day to move closer to achieving them? Write these down in a way that works for you - in your journal or day planner, or on Post-its - and make a strong effort to work toward your goals in some way every day.
The journey really is a series of small steps. If you keep moving forward, eventually you'll end up where you want to be. And never, ever stop dreaming bigger!
