I’ve been writing this blog for a year now. It’s been an amazing experience to put down my thoughts and opinions and feelings and have people read them and even comment on them. But I skipped writing last week. And lately we’ve been rerunning older posts from months ago. I’m proud to run them again and I know there are new people to the blog who may have missed those pieces before. But why have I had such a hard time producing new content lately?
When I first met with the woman that helps me run my social media platforms she told me one of the best ways to build a following was to generate a blog. She wanted me to write three pieces a week. My jaw dropped. I was like, “Whaaat? I can’t write that much!” She said to me. “You said you wanted to write.” I responded, “I said I was willing to write. That’s a very different thing.”
If I was going to write something that would live on the “interweb” forever I needed it to mean something. It wasn’t enough for me to just write my feelings or my opinions. I had read a few other blogs, and the ones that resonated with me the most painted a bigger picture, touched me and helped me see things in a fresh new way, or gave me a lesson or take away information that I could apply to my everyday life.
And maybe that’s why I’ve had such a hard time writing lately. I can think of things to say, but not really anything worthwhile. I’ve got a couple legitimate things that have hindered me from writing: I’ve been back on Broadway performing in CHICAGO, which isn’t so, so demanding, but I’ve been taxed more than usual because I am currently saddled with a cyst on my vocal cord that makes singing (even speaking) much more difficult. And to top it off I’ve been quite sick with a bronchial infection and severe allergies. I simply haven’t had a lot of extra energy to put into the blog.
But I think effecting me more is something I realized when I was initially trying to heal the vocal cord cyst with vocal rest. I had to be silent for over two weeks. When communicating something means writing it down on a pad of paper and waiting for someone to read it in order for the conversation to continue, you realize what’s imperative to say and what can be left unsaid. It dawns on you how much of your own voice is just noise.
I’m often asked advice about career and marriage. And I’ve written a lot about that stuff. I get an ego boost when people say to me, “I’d really like to talk to you and get your advice.” But my stomach also sinks a bit because I’m not really sure I have any advice that is applicable or concrete, especially with career stuff. There are things I did to be successful, but there was a great deal of luck that went into it, too. I haven’t the foggiest notion what to tell people when they ask how I’ve achieved what I have in my career. In truth, I’m just as lost myself right now. I’m flailing about with little focus. No new job in sight, wondering what will be next for me. I am not immune to disappointment and failed projects and fallen promises. I think everyone who is successful wonders if they’re just a fraud.
I think deep inside everyone already knows what they have to do to get what they want. Even when I’m sad and feeling like giving up, I know in my heart what I have to do to make my way back. It’s almost always a process of going back to basics. Back to class, back to auditioning like crazy, back to being fearless, back to taking no prisoners, back to forcing myself out of my comfort zone. But we look for easy answers because, well . . . it’s easier. Wouldn’t it be great if there was a formula, an equation, that would deliver a positive return every time? We look to others to give us the answer. But there is no talent agent or executive or opportunity that will be the final answer. There will always be new challenges.
Have I said anything worthwhile?
These words were SO worthwhile! You’re my sister in blog writing and you are an endless fountain of inspiration for me in life, love, career, family, and nurturing friendships. You are seemingly tireless in all those categories. You’re one of my super heroes. And then a blog like this comes along where you are SO human. Well it just makes me love you even more. May the vocal issues dissolve quickly! And here’s to our next challenge! xo
Lisa, YOU are all that for me. I marvel at your insightful, fun, and useful blog. You’r emy favoritest. Heehee.
Paige “Perseverance” Davis. You always inspire me. You always ‘push’ me–even when it’s stuff I don’t want to hear. You encourage, you support, and you offer the best constructive criticism. You are my cheerleader and my champion. Everyone needs a Paige in their life, and I’m so happy you’re in mine.
Worthwhile? Beyond.
Aw, shucks, Stuart. I heart you so.
I can completely relate to this, Paige. You should never have to question if your words are worthwhile, your blogs are always full of inspiration & insight.
Thanks, Amy. xox
Good words about interesting topics as usual. If only we were ALL more self-aware about what may be noise and what may be communication. What a different world that would be.
I’m here to let you know that we (Me-Daughter-Daughter’s Friend) will be at Chicago for Saturday’s Matinee, mainly because of you being there and your reputation in that role. We’re looking forward to it quite a lot.
Keep up the hard work with your blog writing, it is a refreshing little piece of the interweb — thank you very much for it.
Your comment made my day.
Stay at the stage door after the show. (It’s just outside the box office.) I’ll come out as fast as I can. I’d love to meet you guys.
We’ll take some pics! xox
Dearest Paige,
For those of us who loved you in Trading Spaces (and maybe even before then), this blog helps us to feel close to you again. It makes the missing you more bearable 🙂
Mwah!
Sweetie -If you ever wonder if what you write is worthwhile, please remember that you once saved a LIFE. Your efforts touched a young man and moved him to action when a mothers love couldn’t.
Since then your posts have inspired and motivated me and sometimes just moved me to tears or made me burst out laughing.
Woman! What else do you want?! 😉
Love and hugs,
Sherry
Sherry,
Hahaha. Yes. Thank you for your continued support and beautiful heartfelt humor.
Love ya.
Paige
Hi Paige,
I remember when I first got on Twitter, you were the very first person who ever replied to one of my tweets. I was so happy and surprised1
And then you did several more times in the time since.
I always have looked up to you with admiration and have seen how being a positive person can really effect the people around you.
Never stop smiling!
xoxo
Andy K
I just started reading your blog and thank you so much for creating it. The one thing that I wanted to share is that as you mentioned vocal rest for a cyst my Dad was diagnosed in October with ALS. He is a singer/lyrist and just recently had to get a trach in order to breathe. He can no longer speak or sing. After his diagnosis people I never even met told me and my sister how much my Dad impacted their lives through his advice and support. Many said he saved their marriage or helped them choose a better career path. We had no idea the impact he had on so many. However, now that he is in the hospital and no longer has a voice the doctors come in as he mouths words to ask them questions and they pat him on the head and dismiss him. The man that had such a big voice is no longer being heard. As if having ALS isn’t hard enough. When people come to you for advice share what’s in your heart because its obvious that people trust you and you make a difference in their lives. Its ok to not know all the answers, but being a good listener and having compassion is a gift unto itself. I hope your vocal cords heal and you can continue to share your gifts. Sorry for the long post.
Jodi,
That comment really touched me. You’re so right. Often it’s not about having the answers. It’s about listening when someone needs to be heard. Beautiful advice that I will not only pass on, I will heed in my own heart. Thank you.
In a word, yes.
To add to that, I began reading your blog a few months back and have frequently found myself sharing your posts with different friends whenever it seemed another’s words might shed light or understanding on their circumstances. I’ve always received a positive response to such actions and I think you’ve gained a few more readers along the way!
Just the other day my BFF and I were discussing some of the topics you’ve written about and how, even in our little community theatre lives, they resonate and encourage us. I specifically mentioned to my friend how much I appreciate your blog because, while it is one of several that I read, it is always full of substance and meaning instead of occasional insights among fluff. I walk away thinking about your words and find I’m often better for heading them!
Thank you for the time you give us!
Because you are an actress, dancer, and singer you know very well that comedic plays, comedic musicals, dramatic plays, dramatic musicals, ballet, opera, and operettas all need to exist because they tell stories in different ways.
Seems to me that blogs, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube are the same way. They all exist because they can be used in different ways to tell a story.
Why did you write Paige by Paige? Didn’t you write it because you wanted to share your story?
Why are you blogging? Because you had things you wanted to say.
So now you’re asking yourself 2 questions: Have you said anything worthwhile, and should you continue?
It should be obvious from the comments above that you have said many worthwhile things, because you spoke out of your truth and that resonated with so many others.
Do you continue? What does your truth tell you? Maybe you need a vacation from all social media. Who doesn’t need vacations from time to time? Maybe you need to switch over to Instagram or YouTube because you’re in a place where those are better tools for telling your story.
Whatever you decide, choose it because it’s the most genuine chose for who you are.
And always remember that your words don’t have to reach millions to have an impact on people’s lives.