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Ready ToThrow In the Towel?

by Mario A. Campanaro

Ready To Throw In the Towel?

by Mario A. Campanaro

Let’s face it…

The life of an actor—or any artist, for that matter—is no cakewalk. There are seasons of tremendous accomplishment, and then there are seasons of utter drought and despair. The ups and downs of our beloved art form and industry are, unfortunately, realities that come with the territory.

The average person walks on a somewhat level playing field, having a general idea of where the next step is going to bring them, while the artist daringly chooses to ride some pretty bumpy waves with the heartfelt hope of arriving at the beautifully unpredictable destination of their dreams. Like riding any wave or wild horse, it’s very easy to be thrown off course by chaos and instability, and to want to give it all up for the pool in the backyard or the easy ride on the merry-go-round.

But after everything you’ve been through—after all the hard work and perseverance, all the hope and faith, all the sacrifice and investment—is it really worth throwing it all away for something that may simply appear easier?

Let me tell you this: anything that does not align with your soul’s purpose and your heart’s greatest desire will never be easier. There is always a price to pay when it comes to giving up something born of love. And you can take that to the bank.

So, if times are tough and you are seriously contemplating throwing in the towel, take a minute. Catch your breath. And give yourself the opportunity to RE-mind yourself of these ten important truths:

1. The love of the art form

The love you have for this art form—no matter how trying the circumstances—remains a tremendous gift. If you’ve forgotten how much you love it, RE-mind yourself why your heart hungered for this path in the first place. RE-member: it’s that subtle soul center within you that yearns to reveal your true essence to the world through this chosen creative process.

2. Your support system believes in you

The artistic journey can feel isolating and lonely. It’s easy to get caught up in temporary disappointments and forget that you are deeply and unconditionally loved by whatever support system you have chosen in your life. Those loved ones want to see you fulfill your dreams just as much as you do. They may not fully understand the ups and downs of this industry, but the desire for your success is real just the same.

3. Look how far you’ve come

The fact that you continue to stretch your limits and openly reveal yourself is a testament to your inner strength, creativity, and light. Don’t take for granted the fearlessness this art form demands—it’s not for the faint of heart. The artist perseveres where many may have crumbled.

4. It is your heart’s intention

Your desire to live your highest purpose as an artist is the seed that’s already been planted in the rich soil of the universe. Now is the time to nurture that intention and witness yourself achieving that which you wholeheartedly crave to experience.

5. Tomorrow

The song "What a Difference a Day Makes" contains the ultimate truth. Life is always in flux. Anything and everything changes moment to unknown moment. Knowing this, why wouldn't things eventually flow in your favor? It’s amazing what a shift in perspective can do. Each day is a chance for alchemy. Do something—anything—each day that feeds you as an artist. Even the tiniest action counts. The greatest painting in the world started with a single stroke of the brush.

6. Hope, hunger, and drive

The hope, hunger, and drive you hold in your heart can move mountains. Don’t underestimate the power of this energy. These qualities are what sustain the artistic journey and are the very recipe for dream realization.

7. The ‘im-possible’ is possible

The idea that dreams are only realized by “other” people is a myth. That kind of thinking is outdated conditioning that needs to be broken and RE-minded in your thoughts. You are the creator of your experience. Your journey isn’t about proving others wrong—it’s about affirming to yourself that you are a powerful being who can achieve whatever dream you desire. Don’t imprison yourself with thoughts of impossibility. Instead, think: “I’M possible.”

8. You are necessary

You are here to share, expand, and grow. Your presence literally affects everything in the universe. Your life as an artist is crucial to the transformation of the world’s consciousness. You and your art are conduits of change. Even if it feels small, one life can change an entire planet. Just look at the impact of amazing souls like Martin Luther King, Nikola Tesla, Albert Einstein, Paramahansa Yogananda, Mother Teresa, Steve Jobs, Stephen Hawking, Gandhi, Sarah Bernhardt, Eleonora Duse, James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando, Martin Scorsese, Anna Magnani, Robin Williams, Viola Davis, Meryl Streep, Denzel Washington, Sean Penn, Jessica Lange, Chita Rivera, Bea Arthur, Bob Fosse, Michael Bennett, Larry Kramer, Lorraine Hansberry, Paulo Coelho, Maya Angelou, James Baldwin, Mozart, Maria Callas, Keith Haring, Andy Warhol, Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí… and so many more. These were all “normal” people who never gave up on their dreams—and they made an extraordinarily powerful impact on the world.

9. You are an inspiration

You have no idea how the accumulation of your life experiences, expressed through your work, can deeply touch others. Your journey could be the very thing that ignites another person’s dream. Your life—your story—might be the reminder someone else needs to believe that the impossible is possible, that their presence matters, and that they are part of something infinitely beautiful.

10. There is only one YOU

If you reminded yourself every day that there is only one you—and that the mold has been broken—you wouldn’t waste time trying to be someone else. In fact, if you truly embrace this truth, you’ll begin to see that all the things you’ve labeled as imperfections are exactly what make you perfect. Your star quality is your willingness to reveal the human condition with courage, vulnerability, and fullness. It’s beautifully messy. It’s all your imperfections that make you perfectly human.

You are the instrument of story. You are the conduit that gives the story life. This is the beauty of being an actor. This is the impact of being an artist. Bring all of this to your life and your work. Bring YOU to your work.

The world deserves—and loves—seeing you.