And that’s a wrap!

I joined the cast of BOTH: A Beatles Nativity one act musical this year after receiving my kidney on June 3, 2024.

I feared not having enough sustainable energy since I haven’t done ensemble theater since 2011 and a musical since 2008.

It was the best decision I made for the end of the year.

What’s Your Passion?

If you’re thinking about something that you know you love to do, but you’re afraid for one reason or another, you really just have to put yourself out there.

What passion do you have that you’ve been afraid to step toward?

Are you interested in a performative art? Dancing, acting, singing, playing music?

Or are your interests more in art from home? Knitting, embroidery, drawing, painting, collage, origami, fairy dresses, clay dolls?

Do you need something to do what you would like to do? Pottery wheel & kiln to make bowls? Horse field for equestrian activities? Pool for mermaid training? Ice rink?

What can you do to put yourself out there?

Take a college class or online course? Sell from eBay, Facebook Marketplace or our Community Boutique? Find a mentor who can show you the ropes or guide you to the right space and community to engage in your chosen passion.

Feel the Fear, and Do It Anyway

I spent years feeling ill, dodging death and hiding myself and my little light away.

The one big lesson learned when life is threatened to be snatched away, is to squeeze as much out of life as you can.

I’ve finally learned to let my light shine.

I think you should let your light shine, too. The world could really use your light right now. And you’ll never know how deeply you’ll impact everyone who encounters you.

What are your fears about stepping up and shining your light?

Starting something new means you have to forgive yourself for not being perfect on day 1. Or day 45. Or day 3000. Because perfection isn’t the aim. Striving to simply be and showing up to do the thing is the best to be asked of anyone.

Come prepared & do your best. There will be moments of frustration while you put in the hours to learn and practice engaging in your passion.

Leave room to play, grow, and don’t forget to practice self care.

I also chose to show up being generous and vulnerable. And it was the best I could do with an incredible response.

I met so many good people, made deep connections and new friends, sang my heart out, played onstage in front of an audience telling a story and filling their hearts and souls with goodness.

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A post shared by Vashti Searcie (@beau_siren)

I kept talent fed with nourishing, wholesome foods, and brought any theatrical goodies I could think of that might come in handy, sat through hours of traffic to make it on time, learned a new show in essentially 7 days, and felt sheer exhaustion mingled with overwhelming joy.

It was lovely.

Share Your Work

Don’t forget to share your work with your loved ones and your current community.

Friends and family came and loved the show – like really, REALLY loved it. The cast was nearly 50 strong. And the company worked together very well as a unit of collaborative artists.

Everyone was so generous. With time, with energy, with laughter.

But there were people I didn’t think would be interested that found out about my show after it was sold out; like doctors, nurses, clinic office staff, and fellow scholastic friends I hadn’t heard from in awhile. They encouraged me to invite them next time, so they could share in supporting my work.

Not everyone who says they will come to support you will be able to turn up, so simply forgive them and move on. Even asking after you is a great endeavor as many people are maxed out by their own life situations. It can be nice just to be thought of. Don’t get hurt and keep moving forward.

Prepare Yourself to Receive Compliments

If you’re one of those that likes to brush off people saying nice things about you, or deny them, then consider actually receiving the compliments.

It’s as simple as a “thank you”.

The world could use more light, positivity and saying nice things about each other when it’s true. Just keep spreading the joy.

I like to gush on people who gush on me and anyone within earshot. I have no problem returning compliments with compliments even if I don’t always feel worthy to receive them. I’m a work in progress, too. ;D

Because, for me, OH! the compliments! My ego is swole, I got so many! Mostly on beauty, regarding either my looks (because I was usually self conscious about that) or my soul or presence or energy.

Who can resist feeling amped about that?

I did struggle to receive them and shielded myself with a mirror saying “I only gave back what I got from all of you” which was sincere, but later I wished I had accepted more gracefully instead of trying to throw it off of myself.

I am worthy.

And you are worthy, too.

My heart is full, my joy radar is off the charts. Now I just have to see where I go from here.

Either way, expect me in BOTH 2025.

And I’ll definitely be singing more.

So, if you were looking for a sign to create your own future, follow your passions, move through your fears, and Shine Your Light – this is it!!

Don’t regret missing your chance in life. Be brave, take it by the reigns and write your own life into creation (I mean, literally, start by writing out what it is you want to live into and remind yourself every hour to move toward that dream).

Make everyday an opportunity to fashion the best year you’ve ever had. And share it with the world.

Take care out there.