Holding onto this spinning globe with both hands...

​Thank you for your birthday wishes via text, social media and (gasp!) phone calls from those I know well, those I barely know, those that I should know better and those I’ve never met. That kind of positive spread should be the point of mass communication. Well done on taking the steps towards making the world a better place.

I spent my birthday in a most appropriate way if you know me at all: Flying cross-country and heading to a film shoot while writing some new standup comedy material and it dawned on me:
I set out to pursue this life I’m living at the age of 11 when I said “I want to be in entertainment.” And here I am 15 years later (Shut up, it’s my post, I can put whatever number I want!) still living that dream.
Granted, I’m not on the 5th season of an Emmy-nominated series, performing Hamlet on Broadway or in a sequel to an Oscar-nominated Indiana Jones spin-off trilogy. I’m not in the midst of my 4th Netflix special or selling out Red Rocks, picking an outfit for my Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony, accepting another invite to host the Golden Globes or bothered by too many phone calls for gigs willing to overpay me.
But you know what? That’s completely fine. Those are the misses but I have plenty - plenty! - of blessings and successes.
I’ve made numerous unique stories over the years, surrounded myself by people who care and support me more than I ever realized, do work that I genuinely love, am well on my way to visiting every country in the world and revisiting some favorites and generally living on my own terms laughing a lot, still learning and having so much appreciation more often than not.
This past year has been a true roller-coaster, the highest of highs creatively, artistically, internationally and emotionally and the lowest of lows facing multiple losses, heartbreak, hardship and uphill climbs.
But I’m still here. Smiling, Grinding. Hustling. Laughing. Making others laugh. Sharing hugs. And focused on being grounded, positive and unabashedly me.

As the years keep adding up (or counting down, depends on if you’re half-full or half-empty) the synapses keep firing and the life experiences grow. As I do every year, and in a nod to Baz Luhrman’s awesome song, here’s some more bon mots (That’s a French word. I’m moving to Europe. Did I mention that? Then keep in touch) for you to nibble on and hopefully they add to your life experience:

- Travel. And if you do, at least learn the nice phrases “hello,” “please” and “thank you.” Practice them everyday in English as well.
- Dance. Like everyone’s watching. And you don’t give a damn.
- Watch more “Ted Lasso” and less “Dahmer.”
- People aren’t solely defined by their politics. Don’t define yourself solely on your politics.
- Not preparing enough is preparing to fail.
- You may think your life isn’t as good as the ones you see on the internet but the truth is, those lives aren’t as good as they appear.
- You’re doing fine. With respect to those that believe in reincarnation, this is the first time any of us have done this “life” thing. There’s no manual, no right or wrong (for the most part), no real guide. Just do your best.
- Texts are fine but conversations are better.
- You might be wrong. And it’s ok to admit it. And fix it.
- Look up.
- You don’t need to be on a constant search for “the one.” Love yourself first because that’s the only person that you’re guaranteed to wake up with every day of your life.
- Smile randomly.
- If you don’t like it, change the channel.
- If you’re not happy, shake things up.
- If you ever find love, support, care, friendship or common ground, don’t take it for granted and hold onto it as best you can. It’s all too rare to find and easy to lose.
- Ignore assholes. Don’t try to fix them. You won’t.
- Don't be an asshole.
- Farts are funny. Stop denying it.
- Truth does set you free.
- Finally: “Don’t cry. Just giggle and laugh. You should always laugh.” (The last words my Mom ever said to me and the best advice I could ever give)

On a personal note and in reference to the opening: Mental stability and happiness has been hard to come by this year for many of us (myself included). A lot has to do with outside factors. Let’s be honest: It’s been a rough few years sometimes made rougher by bad decisions. Some of it has to do with DNA and clinical depression and anxiety. The highs save you but the lows are brutal and last too long and are debilitating. I was lucky enough to do a play this year that addressed that and one of my favorite quotes from it is: “Things get better. They might not always get brilliant, but they do get better.” It’s true. You are fine. Or you will get better. It might take some work, help and support, so do the work. And when in doubt, reach out.
You’d be surprised at how many people out there care about you, will step up for you and want to see you smile. Be open to it and you can make the most of your time on this spinning globe because, chances are, we only have one go at this thing. Enjoy it.
(And if you’re ever down, and have read this far, never hesitate to reach out to me if everything else fails. I’m not licensed in anything else except having been through the wringer and back again many, many times)

Thank you for the birthday love. I send it back ten-fold. Onward to the next adventure...