Working Proud
“Work is either fun or drudgery. It depends on your attitude. I like fun.” Colleen C. Barrett, President and Corporate Secretary, Southwest Airlines
It was the early 60s. The tall lanky African American actor stood on the New York City sidewalk, saying goodbye to a friend. He wrapped his long arms around her and hugged her, saying, “I’m going to California. I don’t know why. I can’t get a job here and my agent wants me to go to California to see how I can do there. I can’t imagine why they would be interested in me. I’m black, too tall, and going bald too young. But he wants me to go so I’ll go and I’ll do the best I can.”
The next time his friend saw him, it was starring in the television series megadrama, “Roots.” His name is Lou Gossett, Junior. He grew Eagles’ wings in California and became an American film star. Yes, he did his best and I’ll bet a New Orleans beignet that he had a ball doing so.
Another young New York City actor, Richard Bright, was also humble, also trying to make a career for himself. He worked in NYC as a light man in a night club. Soon, he shared his story with other performers. He was not succeeding at his craft as an actor in New York City. He was heading out to California to try his luck. Richard Bright became a much in demand character actor and icon of the Godfather series, appearing in all three versions as Al Neri, Al Pacino’s bodyguard. Richard Bright, first noticed in “The Panic in Needle Park” (1971), completed work on a Soprano series in 1994, shortly before being accidentally killed by a tour bus in New York City. He had a long successful career and how can we not believe he had a great time doing it?
Meditation for the Day
“Work while you have the light. You are responsible for the talent that has been entrusted to you.” Henri Frederic Amiel
Action for the Day
Each day, I will ask myself: Am I respecting the talents, however small or large, that this work requires and the fact that I possess them? Each day, I will ask myself: Am I doing this work in a way that provides me with the most joy and satisfaction possible? If not, how can I honor my talents more and better?
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