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For weeks now I've watch the comments board for the Bones contest fill with various notes. I've watch folks plead for votes, congratulate others on their climb, and even bicker a little. But the one thing that I keep seeing every now and then is the phrase, "help [insert name] fulfill their dream"

I found myself making a face and scoffing, instead of having allied sentiments towards this comment. I questioned my reaction, asking myself, "why am I scoffing and making a face, isn't this my dream too? Am I that jaded and anti-hallmark?"

I thought about it a bit. I guess my adverse reaction comes from the fact that, for me, this is no longer a dream, but a reality, my life essentially. Juggling auditions, part-time jobs, different shows, rehearsals, and classes, isn't that all part of "the dream"? It's not glittery, glamorous, or at all Hollywood, but it is a tight hustle in which I dive and flow, and in this way it's not a dream, but rather life! 

These daily activities, as an actor, make your dreams true, and in this way no longer dreams. It doesn't exist in some nether region of one's mind and heart, with with you hoping and wishing that it will some day come to pass. It's happening! You're doing it!

I think the phrase "Help [insert name] fulfill their dream" implies that that person is doing something else with their time, instead of doing that which occupies their mind and heart. It's like they're stalling and not really doing it. To me that's defeatist and it really bothers me, especially when this is what I do and work for everyday.

We need to know that we are already living the dream by bothering to be 1 of 200 some odd people in this contest nagging friends, family, and close strangers to vote for us. Acting is not glittery and fantasy, it's a love and life. It's full of rejection, uncertainty, and competition. You have to keep your shit together while you curse a flailing economy as you try to put together the funds for your food, transportation, bills, marketing materials, and class. You go up and down and stay gracious as you take notes and criticisms from directors, CDs, strangers, and teachers alike. For some this is not a dream, but a nightmare. For some this is not a dream, but life. Nightmare or dream, I can assure you that I'm happy to be doing this rather than dreaming about it.

http://www.if.net/contests/general/491981?cid=694871