Let's Dance!

One of the things I like about the movie Flashdance is that, at the end, Nick has overstepped his bounds by getting his girlfriend, Alex, an audition for the ballet school. She is angry with him, maybe rightfully so. It makes her question whether or not she has the talent to 'make it on her own.' But she goes to the audition anyway. She goes, she dances her ass off, and she makes an impression. She lives her dream. She's happy at the very end, but we don't know for sure if she made it; maybe she's just happy that she tried and did her very best. Maybe she got a call back or was asked to join the school. It doesn't matter, really.

The point is, she got over her anger at Nick and took a chance. She seized the opportunity given her. She, hopefully, made the most of it and felt vindicated or at peace with herself and her talent.

Too often lately, in my own life, in the lives of my friends and family, and even on TV and in the media, I see people being given opportunity who turn it down because they insist on 'doing it on their own.' They think that it somehow demeans the process to get assistance; that somehow their talent and perseverance will get them to that goal somehow, some day. But, you know what? That simply isn't always the case. Sometimes it takes meeting or knowing the right person at the right time who has the connections. Sometimes it takes saying or doing the right thing at the right time to someone totally unrelated to put you in position to make your break. Sometimes, perfectly talented people never get the chance -- life is sometimes hard and living it takes all your time and effort, no matter your talent at something else.

Take it, people. If the opportunity presents itself, grab it. Get out of your own way and don't hold yourself back due to pride or ego. Carpe diem.