For several years running I’ve enjoyed presenting my work at a high school club in the north Chicago suburbs. It’s a fun group because they have a different person come in and speak about their respective career each week. The only requirement is that the careers are a little “out of the box” and mine definitely is.
Last month I spoke to the group again, only this time over Zoom. Each of the students was logged on from their own computer at home, along with their instructor. I spoke a little bit about what I do then shared part of the virtual show I’ve been presenting this year for my clients around the world. They were blown away.
However, the best part wasn’t performing for them. It never is. The best part was answering their questions and sharing advice about taking the path less traveled.
One student asked: “Why do you keep coming to our meetings?”
I paused and thought about it…
My mind raced back to all of the shows I’d done professionally over the past decade, back to my time at theater school studying acting, improv, writing, and more. I thought back to doing community theater and winning a state championship for improvised duet acting. I thought about all the people I’d seen perform growing up: actors, singers, speakers, dancers, magicians, jugglers, athletes, musicians, and more. I thought about every show I’d ever seen and how inspired they made me feel to pursue a career in the arts.
Those thoughts flashed through my mind in an instant, then I replied,
“I grew up in a small town and there wasn’t anyone that did what I do for miles. But occasionally when I did see someone doing it, it helped me realize that it was possible. It helped me know that it might be out of the box but it’s not out of the question. If you all can see me doing something unique and different then it’s a good reminder that you can do something unique, too. I don’t expect you all to be mind readers one day, but maybe you want to be an actress or make movies. Maybe you want to go to theater school or start your own business. Maybe you want to do something a little different…just like me. Well, that’s why I keep coming to share my story with you - so you can see that it’s possible.”
Life is funny sometimes. One moment you’re just a kid working hard and trying to do your best. You look up to the experts around you for help and advice and inspiration. Then all of a sudden you wake up one day and realize you aren’t a kid anymore and now people who need help are looking up to you. I’m no expert but I am proof that you can not only think out of the box but you can live outside of it, too.
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About Mark Toland
Mark Toland is an award-winning mind reader and two-time TEDx Speaker. His mind blowing skills have been featured on NBC, ABC, FOX, CBS, NPR, WGN, Sirius XM, and more. Mark’s blog is a behind-the-scenes look at the life of a professional entertainer, full of creative thoughts for creative people. Sign up below so you’ll never miss a post.