I graduated from college May 11, 2019. On May 12th, the very next day, I was in Logan, Utah for my very first acting job post grad. After those 3 months passed I was back in New York for what was left of the Summer. A few weeks later I booked my second acting job post grad which took me to Salt Lake City. I was there for about 2 months. Now I’m back in New York, my favorite city outside of Jamaica, and hunnie I’m trying to stay put...for now.
Taken while hiking in Utah
I’ve been back in New York since mid November, auditioning, job hunting and most importantly LIVING. Being fortunate enough to secure two super dope acting opportunities since graduating college, one right after the other, you’d think I’d be losing my mind not having anything booked right now--a couple months ago I probably would be but I’ve changed my mindset and it changed my life. Below I’ll be sharing some of what I do to take care of myself, mentally, during this time of transition.
PPW (Prayer, Praise & Worship)
I’m a Christian so my relationship with God is more important to me than anything in the world. Praying and meditating on a specific scripture truly helps me get through my days. Praise & Worship helps to keep me in connection with God. It reminds that that He’s always there for me and taking care of me and all my little earthly challenges.
One of my biggest problems was that I would race through life. You kinda get that way after living in New York for 11 years- ha! No, but seriously, I would constantly be in a rush to do everything! Eating, writing, walking to the corner store. In a rush to see what’s up next for me. The moment I decided that I would simply slow down and remain present changed how I went about my days. Making up my mind that I would embrace everyday with open arms, taking in all that it had to offer instead of waiting to live the next day or next week enhanced my outlook on life in the most beautiful way.
From my time in Utah where I learned how to take it easy.
Choosing my company, wisely:
Over the years I have learned, the hard way, that “everybody ain’t ya friend” or as we say in Jamaica “A nuh everybody a yuh fren”. And that’s ok--it’s perfectly fine. I now have the most beautiful supportive people in my corner who I call friends, family and of course baaaaaabe ahaha. Only allowing people in my life who love and support me, genuinely, has made a world of difference. I never feel like I have to dim my light in order for anyone to shine brighter and I always feel warm and cosy around them. Having the wrong people in your inner circle or ANY of your circles can not only stunt your growth but it can damage you mentally. I could go on and on about this one.
Some of the people who keep me grounded.
Creating my own work:
I will encourage artists, especially actors, to create their own work because it’s one of the most rewarding things you could ever do. Sitting around waiting for someone else to give me an opportunity to act is not a fun feeling so I create my own opportunities! Big or small, it's all really exciting for me and during this time of transition keeps me busy and my tools sharp.
"Voicemails" created by Myself and Tyrel Hunt
We all have seasons of transition and it can be a challenging time when you’re not familiar with it. This season has taught me how important it is to take care of myself mentally. If you’re going through a change in your life right now, I hope my points on how I take care of my mental health post college could help you out. If not, I hope they could at least inspire some of your own.
For more about self-care and mental health, click here.
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