Freelancer Life Equals Free Time?

You probably read the title of this article and screamed at your screen. I’m suspecting you also shouted “Shut-up” or worse. Everyone has a different definition of free time, to some it would be sitting eating Pop-Tarts and watching a box-set, to others it could be to research a specific time period, for a new script they are writing. BOTH of these sound amazing, because each individual is doing exactly what is right for them, at that particular moment in their life.

To me free time is a chance to just focus on what YOU need to be doing, rather than what you feel you have to be doing.  Sometimes, as a freelancer, which is essentially working for yourself, you can feel a sense of guilt, or when you do have a quiet period, a feeling of disappointment, not to mention a panic of how you are going to manage to pay bills etc. We all have short spells of quietness and momentary panic/doom, lets be real here, which is perfectly normal in the Arts industry. Free time, in most cases, is not out of choice, but this doesn’t mean failure, it can mean opportunity.

Time to make plans and certain dreams a reality, should never be frowned upon as a bad thing, making yourself a priority shouldn’t be an exception but a rule. Once you are happy and in a good place, then you radiate this exuberance for what you are doing to others and that can just be the inspiration they might be needing at that particular moment!

In a nutshell, freelancers have enough to be thinking about, without judging themselves for having free time. Being a freelancer doesn’t necessarily mean there is a lot of time for ourselves, so when we do, the balance should be right, that what ever we are doing with this time, whether ‘work or play’, we do our best to enjoy it.

Have a beautiful week and be kind.  ♥

 

Create Your Own Sunshine..

Right now in the UK it’s raining and not very warm (shock, horror), so I felt inspired to think of some ideas to bring some of our own sunshine in to our lives. What I mean by ‘sunshine’, is that the Summer brings feelings of relaxation and optimism, something which is always needed throughout the year.

Here are a few tips..

Eat plenty of Fruit and Veg

Not only is this a must for your physical health, but eating food packed with nutrients will also help boost your mood, metabolism and will make you feel that more Summer chill.

Spend time outdoors

OK, I am not advocating that you should be walking around in the pouring rain and cold, eating a soggy sandwich, but just because there is a light drizzle or temperatures are not record breaking, doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy nature and have a little exercise at the same time. Remember to always wear sun protection, even when the sun is not visible.

Keep Hydrated 

Increasing your water intake is so beneficial for your overall health, not to mention it will help with concentration and is AMAZING for your skin.

Relax

This might sound obvious, but believe me, it really is not! Just spending time doing what you love and helps you to unwind, can really bring that much needed sunshine in to your life. De-stressing is the kindest thing you can do for yourself.

Have a beautiful day and be kind ♥

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mid-Year Slump? Embrace It

Yes, you read the title right. We can all feel that mid-year slump at about this time, after beginning the year with so many hopes and goals. That sinking feeling and lack of motivation that can be felt at the mid-point of the year, isn’t necessarily a bad thing though…

It’s a wake-up call

By ‘wake-up call’, I don’t mean make drastic life decisions or begin doubting your achievements, but realize that this is an opportunity to start from scratch or step up your plans. Knowing what you need to do, also can mean taking a rest. Listening to your body and mind is the best thing we can do for ourselves.

Comparisons of ourselves with others and their journey through life, is NEVER constructive, even when it is someone we admire. Try not to look on social media and others ‘achievements’ as a guide to what you feel your life should be, you are unique and that is always your biggest asset.

Knowing that every day is a chance to work towards goals, is so important. Putting pressure on ourselves, helps absolutely nothing at all. It just causes stress and being flustered is a state where we can’t be productive. Why put yourself under that kind of anxiety, be kind to you. Being kind to ourselves, as well as others, is something I can’t repeat enough.

And Remember…

So what if it is June? We are doing amazing things every single day and we need to celebrate this!

Have a beautiful day and be kind ♥

 

The Only Mate In The Group Who ‘Does The Acting Thing’

 

I hate to say it, and I don’t know why I hate to say it, but I’ve been heavily involved in performing since as long as I can remember (haven’t we all) but it’s true. When you’re a kid, it’s all about the showing off and I suppose, you are putting on a constant performance for everyone around you, that stems from your brilliant imagination. Like, making dens from bed sheets and forcing your siblings to hide in there, until you slay the roaring dragons back into their fiery pits, all that sort of thing.

Life happens and hormones spring up on you like an annoying little imp on your shoulders all through your teens, chopping and changing your mood and what’s important to you. Singing and making up stories was always important to me throughout my teenage years, more so than drinking cider on parks and boys etc, although I did invest some time in that, as well as some horrific hairstyle choices.

I’ve always been the only mate in the friendship group who does the acting thing, which is great when you are young without a care in the world, or any reality of what being an actor is actually like. I just wanted to look like one of the Pussy Cat Dolls and that was that.

When you hit your twenty’s and begin serious work on your future arrangements, these playful ideals switch up, people change and leave, you meet new and exciting people, and so on. I have always had a tiny feeling of indifference when it comes to my social circle. My friends have supported productions I have been in by coming to watch, but you still feel like no one really ‘gets it’. Making friends with fellow performers is usually (unless they are the evil diva type) bloody brilliant, with an instant connection because you share your biggest passion. I found this to always be the case, especially at university when I studied Music Theatre and again, at drama school when I studied my masters in acting.

Everything is so dramatic because an MA at drama school is usually just a year, so everything is crammed in and friendships blossom at a rapid rate, usually when you have your head shoved right near someone’s bottom or arm pit during a rigorous session of rolling around on the floor. Once you leave, everyone disperses and goes back to the grind of life with endless promises and whatsapps like OMG I MISS U SO MUCH, COFFEE SOON? Which of course, amounts to nothing when were all out here trying to get that break.

If your friends don’t share your passion and drive, that is totally cool as we all have our different lifestyle choices but it can be a lonely old road if you haven’t got people you love and trust to share it with you. Social media, for all of its faults, has been an absolutely brilliant tool for me to get to know other like-minded people, share ideas and even just say hello. There are so many great castings popping up on Twitter, as well as Instagram, so this is a good place to start if you’re feeling a little alone.

Ps. You are not alone! We are all in the same boat.

Here are some things I have realised over time about being ‘that’ mate who does the acting….

• It’s normal to feel angry towards your friends because you feel like they don’t give a hoot
• Whether they do or they don’t, its pointless to feel these neg feelings. Put this focus into yourself because it DOES NOT MATTER what any one else thinks as long as you are happy
• Stop relying on others to generate happiness or any sort of gratification when it comes to your life choices
• You are working your butt off and you should be proud of that
• Keep hold of those who have your back

Georgia Tuohey

Thank you for reading and if you fancy saying hello or having a chat, follow me on Instagram @georgiatuoblog or visit my website www.georgiatuohey.co.uk

Twitter – @georgiamtuohey

Bio – Georgia is first and foremost a human as well as being an actress, singer and writer. She has recently finished her Masters at Mountview and has spent time working for Xenomania Records and BBC Radio. Georgia has recently written for Spotlight and The Honest Actors Podcast and Blog. She is ½ Northern ½ Southern, a lover of sleep, coffee, interiors & poz vibes.

 

‘Stop explaining yourself to people who don’t understand, and start speaking directly to the people who are ready to listen’ – Lori Harder

 

 

 

Who Said The Arts Was Glamorous?

Madonna once said Strike a pose! This phrase from her track Vogue, epitomises the image of vintage Hollywood. We would all like to wake up to a lifestyle of luxurious elegance now again, who wouldn’t? But the reality is, although our life in the Arts, might sound pretty glam, it’s far from it. From an external perspective, it seems being a creative conjures up an image, that really doesn’t exist.

As much as I love the unpredictable nature of what I do, when nothing is a given, sometimes, the only certainty, is that I will be sitting eating a marmite bagel, whilst watching Bargain Hunt and plotting my next move. We all experience times like that and anyone who says they are busy continously, is not telling you the whole truth.

These quiet times, is where we really have to create some magic. The phone isn’t ringing, so we make our own ringing, devise our own work. What I mean by that, is for example, performimg our own writing or producing a concert, as a platform for our skills.

As I always say..

Create your own fairytale

Motivating ourselves when we have bills to pay can be difficult, as a sense of panic can take over. We are human afterall. Flexible other jobs, that understand what we do, are rare. I’m lucky enough to work in the Arts full-time, but that doesn’t mean I don’t do short periods of temp admin/reception now and again, when things are on the quiet/tumbleweed side!

The more we are honest with ourselves, as well as others, the more we can help each other realise, we are all in the same boat and should give support and kindness.

Hope you are having a beautiful day and be kind. 💜

Make Your Ideas A Reality

Every day is an adventure. OK, it doesn’t always feel like that, but the unpredictability of our lives, is what makes it so exhilarating. We experience new things every single day, we have so many ideas circling our mind, that sometimes we don’t always stop and think how great they are and could be.

Whether it’s a flair for spotting antiques at fairs or recycling that old chair, in to something new and contemporary, everyone has skills, that make them who they are. Sometimes, it is just a case of putting that skill in to motion, making it your career.

Taking a leap of faith on yourself is scary. In the back of your mind, you tell yourself that if things go wrong, then it’s only you to blame. Blaming yourself soley for something, isn’t the greatest feeling, but having what ifs are just as bad.

Taking time to plan or not making a plan are both good, as the path you are building is unique to you. Whatever works for you and your life is paramount. Don’t see entwining your skills and dreams as a chore, it should be fun. Life is to be enjoyed, not dreaded.

Simply do what you love and it will bring you happiness, as clichéd as it sounds, it’s a motto that never diminishes in truth. You owe it to yourself, to make your ideas a reality.

Have a beautiful day and be kind 💜

Being Productive..When You Are Not Feeling It

Your cup of hot chocolate is positioned beside you, the laptop is right in front of you and the ideas are flowing faster than Niagra Falls…Only they are not. The waterfall has hit some rocks, in other words, you can’t seem to motivate yourself to be productive creatively.

We have ALL been there and can protest as much we want, but sometimes life intervenes and can freeze our ideas. Our lives can throw us unexpected surprises- good and bad, that change our direction or outlook. We can become determined with ourselves to acheive something, rather than just enjoying what we are doing.

The moment we do something solely for ourselves is when we get that glow, glint in our eye, so a real zest for life. When we pressure ourselves with self imposed deadlines and restrictions, that’s when the lightbulb moments dissapear and we feel restricted and trapped.

A main focus should always be what makes us feel happy and fulfilled, not what will look good on social media or in comparison to others. We are individuals and should embrace that, not feel anixous or embarrased about what we are writing or performing a certain piece of music. If it comes from your heart and brings you joy, that’s what truly matters.

Next time you are feeling unproductive, just remember you are not alone and we are all in the same boat.

Have a wonderful week and be kind. 💜

Guest Blog From This Stuff Is Golden: Public Image Vs Internal Reality

I think most mothers post candid photos of their families; their kids making a mess at breakfast, the pet dog taking a nap whilst cuddling up with the youngest child, the middle child playing dress up and wearing every single item of costume clothing that they own. Sometimes I wonder if many mothers (or fathers) would be willing to publish some of the other common family moments that happen day-to-day, the ones that aren’t so pretty to look at.

Not only would parenting-guilt stand in the way of taking a photo of a child having a tantrum or crying, but would anybody like to see that side of family life? Would anybody be that honest and tell the world that actually, parenting is really hard and sometimes it feels like a prison sentence rather than a 24/7 exchange of unconditional love?

In my 14-month long experience of parenting, all of it has been filled with love, but that does not mean that there hasn’t been moments of dislike and irritation and angry frustration. My daughter may be just a toddler but when the moments arise when I lack the ability to make her happy, or to calm her down, or desperately need just have five minutes peace – it can push the boundaries of my patience, I get angry and I’m not as empathetic as I should be. In those moments, I wish for somebody else to swoop in and look after my toddler for me.

And of course, I never let that side of my parenting style come out in public, let alone post it on social media, because of course, that’s just not what you want people to see. As a mother especially, you want friends, family, acquaintances, even followers, to see that you have a charming, smart, happy little child because that means that you are nailing this parenting thing, your decisions on how to raise a human-being are practically flawless.

I cling on to any other parent who openly speaks about their struggles with me, because I know that it is such a rarity. We cling to what we believe others want to see from us, what parenting and family life should be like – even though inside we are deeply troubled by our lack of sleep, our lack of confidence in this brand new endeavour, and the overwhelming way in which our lives have been completely turned upside down.

I haven’t (yet) taken a photo of my daughter upset and published it, because frankly, the only thing I want to do in that situation is diffuse it. However – I am more than fine with the idea of conversing with other parents about the day-to-day struggles of raising a child, though I’m still happy to post pictures of my daughter looking like the sweetheart she is, because, what can I say, I am a stereotypically proud parent, who wants to show off the most beautiful baby in the world, regardless of how tough the day (or year) has been.

Lauren is a writer, artist, advocate, mother of 1 living in Scotland. She writes openly and honestly about all sorts of things, has way too many creative interests, and is continuously trying to figure life out.
This Stuff Is Golden
@TSIGolden
Instagram thisstuffisgolden

Lauren and I have swapped a blog post, each with the same title! Check out my guest post for her, on her blog This Stuff Is Golden

Self-Pressure Extinguishes Creative Fire

No, this isnt an article about candles, as much as I love my scented candles, this is about that Mid-January slump. I have heard numerous people proclaiming, that January feels like the longest month ever. All those New Years resolutions are falling apart at the seams already? It’s simply because that creative fire within us at the beginning of this month, to make plans and ‘changes’, has been extinguished, by our own self-pressure.

We are constantly comparing, analysing and you name it, we do it to ourselves! This constant chipping away at our being, means we increase the pressure to improve what we see as imperfections, rather than embracing them. Let’s keep that fire burning for change in another area of our life…Our Happiness.

Being happy, is the kindest thing we can do, for our own well-being. Embracing what makes us filled with joy and identifying what does not, might sound easy, but it can be a journey. Without sounding really clichéd, this is a journey of self-discovery.

What makes us happy?

Most of us know what makes us happy, but the self-discovery is finding ways to actually make it happen, at our own pace, with zero pressure.

For example, if we love to bake, we need to go and buy ingredients to make that cake, or in most cases, realize those ingredients are already sitting in the cupboard! This is also a great analogy for a lot of areas of our lives. What we want to acheive is within our grasp, we have to go get it and be kind to ourselves.

Have a beautiful day, be kind.💜

My Reverse Bucket List 2018

I was delighted to be tagged to write this blog post, by the ever inspiring This Stuff Is Golden  A ‘Reverse Bucket List’ is basically just that, instead of listing what we would like to achieve, we reflect on what we have already accomplished and highlights of the year. Here is my little list below:

I have been truly humbled to sing beautiful music in some amazing historical buildings this year, St Mary’s Church Bedfont is definitely one of them. Built in the 13th Century, I look forward to singing at their restoration concert next year!

Thrilled to feature in the advertising campaign for Homemade Vegan Baby Food brand Pasons Pots, had so much fun filming these promo shots taken by Aidan Martin.

OK, so not actually happened yet, but will have in two days from me publishing this blog post, so had to mention it, as I’m absolutely in awe of the vital work of The Dogs Trust and very much looking forward to singing at their Christmas Fair In The Barn.

I was thrilled to be invited to chat on the Liam Davis Show, at Shoreditch Radio earlier this year, to chat about my performing and writing work, had an absolute ball and such a wonderful team!

Talking of teams..I had the absolute pleasure to work with a team for three months this year, who I can truthfully say are now family! Their thoughtful leaving gifts made me cry ❤