Tuesday, February 11, 2014

Ah, THE ODDS

Or- these L-o-o-ng Odds

Everyone knows that the odds of winning the lottery are almost as small as if you never enter.

The odds of being a working actor are not great, and the odds of earning a living from such are frighteningly closer to winning the lottery. The odds of being a traditionally published writer are better- as much as one percent for those who improve, learn and persist in trying for at least ten years. I heard this figure from someone who may possibly know, and even if the number is off, you get the point.
DD is now embarking on a road where the odds are long. How many of the million plus who try every year actually get to have the life of a classical music performer? The odds are not so good.
As a mother, I feel that it’s all right for me to do something where the odds are long, but not for my precious children. You can bang the rubber bat on my head as many times as you feel you must, but not on my children’s heads. I don’t want them to get hurt.

But DD has the right attitude- she is living this life already, working at it and having a spectacular time. I look at her relishing the process, and think about how I've come to look at what I do.
It’s in the process, babe. The odds can go fly a kite.

9 comments:

Vijaya said...

AMEN!!! And you are a wise mother for recognizing it.

Ann Herrick said...

If one doesn't at least try, then one definitely can't succeed!

Karen Jones Gowen said...

What if all great artists and creative minds had given up because of the odds? The odds are we'd then be living in a very sterile, unimaginative world.

Leandra Wallace said...

Yup, what Ann said totally! I tell myself that alot. To try is key!

theartofpuro said...

I agree with Ann and Leandra:) You must try !

Becky Shillington said...

Such wise words, Mirka. I remind myself all the time that the journey is just as exciting and rewarding as the destination. The best of luck to your talented daughter! = )

Marcia said...

Yes, if a person feels inexorably drawn, they must try. It's so much better than regret! My younger son is a sports broadcaster and his wife is an actress, and, in that they are living the life, they've succeeded. Whether it will ever support them full time is another question -- but then, having a day job doesn't make a writer less of a writer. I actually heard that traditionally published authorhood was MORE competitive than either pro sports or acting/theater.

Kelly Hashway said...

Best of luck to her. I know what you mean about not wanting your kids to chance those odds even though you do. I feel the same way some times.

Anonymous said...

So glad she's enjoying her choices, much better than to regret not trying. Best wishes for her success!