Comm-UNITY

 Community:

Noun A group of people living together in one place, esp. one practicing common ownership: "a community of nuns". All the people living in a particular area or place: "local communities".

So, I ran into an old friend who said she read my blog and enjoyed it! Who knew people read this thing?! So many thanks for all those people that actually read along.  It also sparked my interest to write a little bit more on this cold March day in New York City.   As I ran into someone I know, it struck me that I am part of a community.  I am part of community in Astoria, Queens at the moment, but as I continued to talk, I realized I was starting to have a real conversation about art, inspiration, and passion.  Like a lightning bolt, it struck me that I am part of a community of artists and that was a pretty cool and rad feeling.

What types of communities do you belong to?

As humans, we constantly interact with one another and form communities in different ways.  It may be defined by our jobs, our spiritual beliefs, our hobbies.  However, the strongest sense of being a part of a community is in the last part of the word.  UNITY...I think by surrounding yourself with common people, you gain a sense of belonging and contributing to a greater good in the world.  As an artist, I strive not only to support myself through my acting career but also inspire the world through my craft.  By having this sense of unity, you have a better chance to setting attainable goals, and a support system to accomplish those goals.

Goals are good right? And yes we sometimes do not accomplish all of our goals.  I am guilty of setting a goal and then not attacking it with the vigor and energy to attain said goal.  However, if you have the support system of a commUNITY then your attitude  energy and plan of attack are full of life and your able to accomplish your dreams and goals.

Who is apart of your community right now?
   Think of 5 people who are a part of your support system.  Now think of 3 ways you can reach out to your community in order to make your dreams more of a reality.

It may be having coffee to talk about a new book or new resume.  It may be having a movie night and then talking about the movie and intricacies of a certain actor's performance.  It may be playing a sport together.  All these help you feel like you belong.  Because you do belong.

Finally,  I met with a casting director one time that told me the most important thing an actor can do is really feel like you are part of a community.  At the time, it meant really nothing to me. I kind of shook my head like I understood and agreed.  I heard what she said but was not completely listening.   I was young, wanted to make money and just act.  Now, that idea totally resonates with me.

Reaching out is taking a risk that is quite frightening.  But don't we all need a little bit of an adrenaline rush every once in a while. If you have a good community around you, they will scream with you while you take a new plunge toward your goals.

Reach out for something new. Unite with those you trust. Hold onto your dreams.

-Cheers

Patrick G .McGee

Love Me, Love Me Not

Love.....Amour..... liefde......dragoste

 I am currently on set in Florida and I am struck by this concept of love, since at this moment in time, I am doing what I love.  

I am also struck by what this concept means to our society and us as human beings.  From my observations, it is such a huge word in our social vocabulary.  To so many people, love is something that holds so much weight especially around Valentine's Day. 

  

How does this word, LOVE, make you feel at this moment in your life?

    

For myself, the road to love has been at times a disappointment.  However, it has also been a rewarding, and fulfilling thing that reminds me that I am human and that as humans we connect with one another.  Love comes in many shapes and sizes.  I have experienced "true" love from my parents, friends, and past relationships.  Many times people crave "love" from that one significant other, and it scares them if they don't have that feeling in their life.  Myself included at times. For so many people, love sometimes is the hardest thing to grasp, and it begins within  yourself.  I know this idea is very much on the verge of self help/self improvement and dealing with feelings and it turns many people off, but as actors we all are a little crazy and need a little help/counseling/self examination. 

 We all indeed also get by with a little help from our friends, and that right there is love.

Do you truly love yourself?

For myself, it is an ongoing process and time for exploration and examination.  Many days I feel on top of my game embracing all aspects of who I am and who I have become as a human being.  But there are days that I doubt myself and feel "ugly"

What are the things in life that take you away from loving yourself?

I feel like in order to love someone else truly and love what you do, you must examine yourself from within.  All too many times, I see people that are unsure of who they are and what they want to become.  Searching and grasping for ones true self.  My self included.  However, I started to embrace the motto love what you do and do what you love in order to find happiness and love within my own life journey.  Along with that self love and acceptance there have been many bumps along the road and there will continue to be.  However, last night, I was reminded that those bumps are part of my journey and show me that I am exactly where I need to be as a human being in all aspects of my life, mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually.   It is about examining all those parts of oneself that leads to love.  Those bumps are there to force you to examine a certain part of yourself that you may be neglecting and that may be becoming "ugly."  But through all the painful bumps, there is true beauty in the ugliness, because it leads to the path of loving yourself. 

As an actor, I am very self conscious.  I think it comes with the territory.  Earlier in my career, I hated so many things about myself and wanted to be someone that everyone else wanted me to be.  It has not been until these past few years where I have truly accepted me for me and discovered that this is what I truly needed to do as an actor.  This self acceptance and love has made me more aware of my whole being inside and out and has shaped my work in ways I never thought possible.  Of course, there are many days of still doubting but through that doubt, has come many successes.  The outcome is the fact that I am in the right place at the right time at this moment in my life.

I do not deny at times, it is hard to love, especially yourself.  But find the love in your life with friends, family, coworkers, and maybe that significant other, embrace it, because it will lead you to exactly where you need to be.  And it all begins with you!!!

Shoot for the stars and maybe cupid's arrow will fall from the sky!

As always,

Love what you do and do what you love!

Cheers

McGee

Who are you?

You are you. You are not someone else.  Someone else is someone else. You are you.

But why do we so often wish we had the attributes that other people possess.  Do you wish you could change something about yourself? Why?

It is now time to start to accept and love those parts that make you.....you.  

What sets you apart from everyone else in this world?

What do you love about yourself?
What do you dislike?
I am trying to refrain from the word hate because there is so much hatred in this world that you should not hate yourself.

List five attributes that you love that set you apart from everyone! Go now...do it! I mean right now...
1
2
3
4
5

Now that we got that out of the way.  It is good to look at yourself.  One of these days take the time to look in the mirror for 2 minutes.  Look at the way you smile, the way you frown, the way you laugh... So often we judge ourselves on the way we look. Many times I wish I was taller or was not as blind and did not have to wear my glasses.  But it is time to love those things about myself that make me, Patrick G. McGee and not someone else.

In this crazy business known as show, so much depends on appearance.  Sometimes we wait in line with 100 people that look so similar to the way we look, it freaks us out.  But it is time to stop, breathe, and remember that there is only one of you, and you bring something new and great to this role that no other person can bring to the role.  So just be yourself....and be true to what you want to offer this world and everything will work out in the end. At the end of the day, you are have to look at yourself in the mirror.

Laugh at yourself, love yourself, and if you are of age treat yourself to a beer because you deserve it.
After all there is only one you.
(As I write this I am treating myself to a Sam Adams Cherry Wheat, because there is only one Patty G. McGee and that is reason enjoy to celebrate)




 

Goal!!!!!

Goals 1: Set up some new goals
Goal 2: Attempt to accomplish these goals in the next 365 days

It is a new year, a new start, time to re-organize, re-evaluate, and find that rejuvenation

Have you set new goals for this upcoming year? If so, what goals have you set and why?

I think it is important to look back and see you what you have accomplished for the year.  As an actor, it is hard to constantly see what you have not gotten rather than what you have gained in your career.  So many times, I find myself saying, "Why can't that be me?"  Sound familiar?  Well, this year I have challenged myself to celebrate all successes in the industry and state, "Me too!" and not "Why not me?!"  There is a piece of the success pie for me in this industry, and I am going to enjoy that slice!

Goals can sometimes be a lofty idea, but I think they are important to give you momentum.  As human beings, energy is a driving force every day.  Energy affects us until the moment we die, and so I feel goals can help boost our energy to accomplish the things we so desperately want.  This year, I will set my goals, and I may not accomplish all of them.  However, if I do not dream big, and set big goals, I may never know what I can accomplish as a person and an actor.

My challenge to you: Set three goals for yourself to accomplish throughout 2013.  Then re-read these goals and set one more goal that you think is just out of reach.

For myself:

1.Book one commercial as a principle role
2.  Book a role in an indie film or upcoming pilot
3. Get into all 3 grad school Acting Programs

****Get back into running shape and by August 2013 be able to run a half marathon.

Reach for the stars and keep on rocking it like the Rock Star you are are.

13 is a my lucky number so here is to a very successful and lucky 2013 for everyone!

Live, Laugh, Love and Enjoy the moment in front our your face!


McGee

The Three C's: Change, Challenges, Courage

As a write this, I am currently sitting in a Starbucks since I do not have internet or cable in my apartment.  What? Why? How could this be?....you might ask...Well I am moving and those two items have been cancelled due to the upcoming move.  While the start of this week has had some challenges due to the lack of internet and how our society is very dependent upon this, it has given me time to reflect and get new things accomplished.

The end of the year is always a time to reflect on what has happened and what one has accomplished this past year.  The new year brings much change for me personally and while change can be a scary thing, I am very optimistic that all of the new changes in my life will lead to great things. 

How do you view change? Do your routines which are a part of our daily life bring comfort? Does altering your routines bring about enourmous fears? Or does change invigorate your spirit?  I think change is for the most part a good part of natural progression.  So many times I find myself settling for what is comfortable and not genuinely being happy with where my life is at the current moment.  Change your mindset and change can be extremely beneficial.  A new year, a new start, a new apartment! Bring it on 2013! It is my year.

Challenges: I think as a nation we have faced many challenges.  The massive shootings as of recent have renewed my appreciate for my daily moments.  I am reminded how often I take getting a cup of coffee at Starbucks for granted.  Challenges can often create an extemely bumpy road for many of us.  My self included.  Many times, I find myself complaining and wallowing in self pity.  That needs to stop now.  Challenges help us to appreciate so many things and we need to see challenges as such. 

Courage: what does this word mean to you? Courage can take many forms on a daily basis.  Courage is the many men and women that depend our country.  Courage is taking a stand for what you truly believe in like human rights for all people even if you may not be in the norm.  Courage is going after your dreams even when it is not always successful both finanically and artistically but it is truly a huge part of who you are.  You will not stop chasing your dream because it takes courage when other people tell you no.  Courage. So many moments of courage have happened to me and all people this year.  Have the courage to keep your dreams alive  because in our modern society is not always easy to dream. Have the courage to dream and DREAM BIG!

2013 is almost here and it is good to look back and look forward.  However, I will use one of the C words to close.  CHALLENGE! I challenge you this Holiday season to just look at the now.  As an actor use it as an acting exercise.  How present can you be in this moment happening right now?  So many times I get frustrated and upset with my past actions, or what will happen.  I challenge you and myself to enjoy the moment to moment events of this Holiday season and truly be present.  You might get more than just sweaters and gift cards from it!

Live for today, Laugh often, and Love this Moment

McGee

Being Present is the Real Present

Well the Holidays are upon us which means Cyber Monday deals, Black Friday brawls, loads of food, and festive parties.  With all of our gadgets, computers, and the internet, I find that we are constantly having to check our phones, or play with the iPad rather than really being engaged with what is around us.

How present are you in the day to day moments of your own life?

I have to admit that I may have an addiction....to my phone.  Especially in New York City, I find myself constantly checking my phone for email, text messages, looking up things on the internet. I do it sometimes when I am out with friends and then there is the panic attack when I cannot find my phone.  "Please call my phone....oh no it is on vibrate, quiet, everyone quiet...." the buzzing happens and then every migrates to the next room.  "O, sorry it was in my bag..."  It happens to me on a weekly basis.  This onslaught of panic over my phone.  Why do I have such strong feelings over this inanimate object?

I understand the value in technology, especially the iPhone that I panic over.  While the advancement of technology has made our lives easier, I feel in some ways it has disconnected us from one another.  Instead of playing Mario Brothers in the same room together, now you have the ability to play in separate states.  Instead of playing board games and talking, people play Words with friends on Facebook   Instead of calling someone on their birthday we write a message on their Facebook wall.    How many times will you check your phone while you are with family over the Holidays?  Do all these advancements really connect us as human beings?

As an actor, it is extremely important to be present in the moment.  I think it is something that I am constantly attempting to get better at.  However, today, at one of my auditions, I felt really present in the moment and in the end, if I get the job or not, it does not matter.  I felt like a better actor.  I pride myself in the honesty and truth in my work as an actor, and I felt like I left that in the audition room. So many times actors phone in their scene work or monologue, and I am guilty of it at times.  You just go on autopilot.  However, human beings react to the people and  the environment around them.  Therefore, it is an actor's job to be present and respond to the people and environment created.

This Holiday season are you going to be on autopilot or truly present in your daily moments? I feel if you take the time to enjoy that snowfall rather than complaining about it, or smile at the person who cuts you off in line at the register  rather than yelling some four letter words,  you will have a better present than you can find at Best Buy or Walmart.  I could be wrong though...you never know until you give it shot.

Enjoy the company of those who surround you this Holiday season, enjoy the food that people have prepared, and don't stress the small stuff because in the end, these are the things people, including yourself. will  remember for years to come.


Live for today, Laugh Often, Love this Moment

McGee

Falling Off Your Bike

We have all fallen off the bike and gotten right back on.  I remember learning how to ride my bike and I would scrape my knees, but I was so determined to learn how to ride a bike.  But my question is....are we meant to fall off the bike in order to learn something?

Mistakes...are they really mistakes? Or are they more of a moment of discovery and learning? Maybe if we viewed our mistakes as less of a negative thing and more about a positive moment of self discovery and learning, we would be more productive and less critical of ourselves.

For example, yesterday, I had a commercial audition that was a very unconventional commercial.  I flubbed the lines, did not have a great rhythm , and did not feel great about the whole process.  It is good to learn what I liked and did not like. But maybe everything I hated about my audition, were the exact things that the producers loved?! In all reality, maybe those things were not "mistakes," but it is my own way of viewing them that defined them as "mistakes."

I know there have been many moments in my own life that I have felt like I have made a mistake, but maybe all of those things were meant to happen in order for me to learn and grow.  Yes, it is difficult to be less critical of myself and my accomplishments.  There have been many twists and turns, but I think that is part of the enjoyment of life.  The road of life can have many paths and sometimes you fall off that bike but  the main question  is.......will you get on the bike again and take the same route or is it time to take a new path?

I find sometimes when we encounter "mistakes" in life, it is often a time to reflect on how life is flowing and maybe do something new or take the path less traveled.  Often times people feel stuck and on autopilot due to the expectations of society, family, friends, coworkers, etc and continue like a hamster running on a wheel.  I know that I felt that many, many times.  However, sometimes you need to stop running in order to gain more momentum.

For myself, this past year has been a year of many ups and downs, and I had many moments of learning/discovery ("mistakes") and now am applying for MFA Acting programs.  It is a different path and alternative path and I would not have gotten here without my "mistakes."  But I couldn't be more content with this decision and maybe another path will ultimately present itself through this whole process.

We all fall off the bike from time to time.  It is o.k. to scrape your knees...it reminds us that we are human. When you get back on the bike, which path are you going to take the next time?

Ride your bike, scrape your knees, pop a wheelie, ride the bike with no hands...it is your journey...enjoy the ride.

McGee