Author Archives: thevsstudioblog

Instead of looking at all our daily tasks as things we “have” to do or “must” do or “need” to do, what happens if we look at them as things we “get” to do? To have enormous gratitude in our heart that we’re alive and we have the extreme privilege of getting to do things.Continue reading ““Get” To Do List”

The writer and professor Arthur Brooks wrote a recent article “The Clocklike Regularity of Major Life Changes” about transitions. He cites plenty of research as well as anecdotal evidence to substantiate his article. He also has a great podcast episode about it. Transitions are predictable and inevitable. On average, we can expect to encounter oneContinue reading “Transitions”

Among other things, Covid-19 has taught us not to take a single day for granted. I mean we always knew that as an idea, a sound principle, but I think now we’re actually feeling it in our bones. Remembering Memento Mori is such a valuable and worthwhile practice. If we truly feel that each dayContinue reading “Earn The Day”

James Clear wrote this excellent article, “Why Facts Don’t Change Our Minds.” In it he discusses how the best way to change someone’s mind is to be friends with them. He cites the below passage from the British philosopher, Alain de Botton, who suggests sharing meals together with those who disagree with us: “Sitting downContinue reading “Friendship Over Facts”

It will never be the right time to embark on your passion project. But there won’t ever be a better time than right now.

“A writer–and I believe, generally all persons–must think that whatever happens to him or her is a resource. All things have been given to us for a purpose and an artist must feel this more intensely. All that happens to us, including our humiliations, our misfortunes, our embarrassments, all is given to us as rawContinue reading “Just Use It”

Just as important as it is to define success for yourself, it’s equally important to define failure. Otherwise, you get caught up in other people’s definition. There’s a lovely, heartbreaking scene at the end of Albert Brooks’ film, “Mother.” In it, he looks at his mom and discovers her in a whole new light andContinue reading “Failure?”

“Write this at the top of your script”…(To borrow a phrase from a director friend.) CONFLICT. CONFLICT. CONFLICT. You must find CONFLICT in every scene. Even when it’s not readily apparent. If not, it’s the death of your art. You’ll be boring. And the story won’t get told. No one goes to the theatre toContinue reading “Conflict, Conflict, Conflict!”

The paradox: you need to do the work so that you have the confidence to forget the work. It’s about getting out of your head. Being alive. Fully present. Living moment to moment. And the way to do that is to prepare like crazy beforehand, but then drop that preparation the minute you step outContinue reading “Leave Your Homework At The Door”

Back in April, I wrote this post detailing my early Zoom experience. It’s been five months and in that time, I’ve participated in and hosted tons more Zoom readings and gatherings. Everything I wrote about in April still holds. Here are a few added thoughts: Zoom doesn’t replace…I’ve seen some incredible Zoom readings. But evenContinue reading “More Zoom Thoughts”