How are you celebrating?

When I was a young actor in Chicago, I used to take the Brown Line from Lincoln Square into the city for auditions. Sometimes it was for voice-over work, other times for TV commercials or film. Most were downtown. Some days I’d be in a booth with a few playful professionals. Other days it was just me and the mic. Sometimes I’d walk out feeling great. Sometimes not so much.

No matter how it went, I always celebrated. There was one casting office near Nordstrom’s that called me in a lot, and every time I finished an audition, I’d head straight there to buy a pair of fun socks. It didn’t matter whether I booked the job. Buying the socks was my way of saying, “You showed up.”

Lately I’ve been thinking about how I celebrate myself now.

Running a business and helping others can make it easy to forget. But this week, I had a rare audition. I had a free window between clients, so I went for it. I even got a callback. I have no idea how it went, but I know I showed up and gave what I had.

After the audition, I remembered that old tradition.

It popped into my mind, and I thought, why not?

So I walked over to Macy’s and decided to buy myself a pair of socks, like I used to. I rode the escalator all the way up to the top floor, through the home goods section, past the beautiful old wooden escalators that have been there since the 1920s. I found the sock section and treated myself. Nothing too wild this time, just something colorful enough that my daughter won’t steal them.

So here’s my question for you: are you celebrating yourself enough?

If yes, how? If not, what small way could you start? I’d love to hear it.

And if you’re ready to celebrate getting your message out there, to step on more stages, connect with more people, and finally share that talk that’s been waiting inside you, I’d love to help. Maybe we’ll be celebrating together soon. ✨