Positive Thinkers UNITE!
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A place to share the great experiences that have happened as a direct result of Positive Thinking. Also quotes and inspiring stories to encourage others. Need a boost? This is the place to get it!
Website: http://www.pennyabshire.com
Location: San Diego, CA
Members: 564
Latest Activity: Nov 10
Penny's Story:
In college I studied journalism and theater arts. My dream was a career in the theater. I was also a trained classical pianist and had aspirations of going on tour. But, alas, it was my heart that swayed me from that direction. I fell in love and put homemaking and motherhood ahead of those dreams. Mind you, I have never regretted it! I have been married to the same great guy for 40 years – have two amazing sons, two equally amazing daughters-in-law and three beautiful granddaughters (and a new little one on the way)! But as one does, as I grew older I often wondered what "could have been."
As my kids got older, I went back into the work force as a secretary and then later as a paralegal. It was good, steady money, it was safe and I was very good at it. But for the most part, I hated it! For a creative person, that kind of repetitive work is just a slow, lingering death. Please don't misunderstand and think I don't admire those who work as secretaries or paralegals - I certainly do! It just wasn't where I was supposed to be. But because it was “safe,” I continued working and justifying to myself that I was doing the responsible thing.
I went to my very first voice over class at the ripe old age of 47. In fact, I went kicking and screaming! I did not want to go and a friend practically had to shove me through the door! Mostly it was because I was afraid of looking foolish or failing. I am so glad I did it anyway! I left that first 3-hour class (taught by James Alburger) KNOWING that voice acting was what I was supposed to be doing with the rest of my life. I can't explain it, I just KNEW. This short introductory class literally changed the direction of my life! It seemed I had been asking God for so many years what my "real" purpose was in life and that night I got my answer.
Then, the "voices" started talking to me. . . "You're too old! What's wrong with you? This isn't the type of career you start when you're almost 50 years old! You idiot! You’re going to look ridiculous in class. Everyone there will be younger and more talented than you!” And on and on and on and on. It was a continuous flow of negative thoughts. Like most people, those voices in my head were VERY loud and for almost a year, I let them win. My family would ask, “Are you ever going to take those voice classes, mom?” And I would reply, “Oh, yes – definitely. I’m definitely going to take them. . .someday!” One day, my youngest son asked me that question and when I replied with, “Someday . . .” he said, “Mom, admit it – if you weren’t scared to do it, you would have already done it!”
Out of the mouths of babes…… Well, he was 22 at the time, but still......
Anyway, I called Jim that day and signed up for classes. And it was hard to make that call. My "voices" were extremely loud! But because of my son, I finally had the courage to tell them to shut up! I finally found the courage to follow my dreams. One of the things that got me "off my duff" was this thought - In 10 years I will be 57. Do I want to look back in 10 years and say, “Darn, I wish I’d done that?” Or do I want to look back and see all I have accomplished in the last 10 years doing what I love? It was pretty much a no-brainer in my book. But imagine my very conservative husband's face when I announced I was quitting a good paying job with benefits to work as an actor! Fortunately, after 29 years of marriage, he understood me pretty well. But I'm sure at the time he thought I'd lost my mind! Now he can't tell enough people what I do and he brags about me and my accomplishments constantly --- I love that!
That was 11 years ago this year (2009). Today I work full-time as a busy voice actor, director, copywriter and producer. I have written my first book. I am the Executive Producer of the only Voice Convention in the world – VOICE (VoiceOver International Creative Experience) and I have hundreds of students who I now call dear friends! I have traveled all over the world and met some incredible people while teaching. My days are filled with excitement and anticipation - something I never experienced as a secretary! It's something new every day. New projects, new scripts, new techniques, new teachers and best of all - new people! And I work with the nicest guy on the planet - my first teacher and now my partner and best friend, James Alburger.
Yes, the last 12 years have been absolutely wonderful and I believe I’m only getting started. My goal for the next 12 years?
I want to help as many people as I possibly can to realize their dreams!
When 12 more years have passed, I know I will again look back and be excited about what's been accomplished!
So, for any of you out there who think you’re too old (or any other excuse you're currently using) to pursue your voice acting career, please don't let your age be an obstacle. Age is only a number. I know I don't feel like I'm 59 even though that's what the calendar says. Actually, I'm darn proud of being my age and to be doing what I'm doing. Sadly, I've seen too many people hold themselves back from accomplishing their dreams because of what other people might think. You just have to say, "Ah, to heck with them!” If you have a dream (and it is truly your heart’s desire) the ONLY person who can stop you --- is you.
You only have one life. Choose to enjoy it doing something you love!
Will you share YOUR story with us?
My best wishes to you all!
Penny
In college I studied journalism and theater arts. My dream was a career in the theater. I was also a trained classical pianist and had aspirations of going on tour. But, alas, it was my heart that swayed me from that direction. I fell in love and put homemaking and motherhood ahead of those dreams. Mind you, I have never regretted it! I have been married to the same great guy for 40 years – have two amazing sons, two equally amazing daughters-in-law and three beautiful granddaughters (and a new little one on the way)! But as one does, as I grew older I often wondered what "could have been."
As my kids got older, I went back into the work force as a secretary and then later as a paralegal. It was good, steady money, it was safe and I was very good at it. But for the most part, I hated it! For a creative person, that kind of repetitive work is just a slow, lingering death. Please don't misunderstand and think I don't admire those who work as secretaries or paralegals - I certainly do! It just wasn't where I was supposed to be. But because it was “safe,” I continued working and justifying to myself that I was doing the responsible thing.
I went to my very first voice over class at the ripe old age of 47. In fact, I went kicking and screaming! I did not want to go and a friend practically had to shove me through the door! Mostly it was because I was afraid of looking foolish or failing. I am so glad I did it anyway! I left that first 3-hour class (taught by James Alburger) KNOWING that voice acting was what I was supposed to be doing with the rest of my life. I can't explain it, I just KNEW. This short introductory class literally changed the direction of my life! It seemed I had been asking God for so many years what my "real" purpose was in life and that night I got my answer.
Then, the "voices" started talking to me. . . "You're too old! What's wrong with you? This isn't the type of career you start when you're almost 50 years old! You idiot! You’re going to look ridiculous in class. Everyone there will be younger and more talented than you!” And on and on and on and on. It was a continuous flow of negative thoughts. Like most people, those voices in my head were VERY loud and for almost a year, I let them win. My family would ask, “Are you ever going to take those voice classes, mom?” And I would reply, “Oh, yes – definitely. I’m definitely going to take them. . .someday!” One day, my youngest son asked me that question and when I replied with, “Someday . . .” he said, “Mom, admit it – if you weren’t scared to do it, you would have already done it!”
Out of the mouths of babes…… Well, he was 22 at the time, but still......
Anyway, I called Jim that day and signed up for classes. And it was hard to make that call. My "voices" were extremely loud! But because of my son, I finally had the courage to tell them to shut up! I finally found the courage to follow my dreams. One of the things that got me "off my duff" was this thought - In 10 years I will be 57. Do I want to look back in 10 years and say, “Darn, I wish I’d done that?” Or do I want to look back and see all I have accomplished in the last 10 years doing what I love? It was pretty much a no-brainer in my book. But imagine my very conservative husband's face when I announced I was quitting a good paying job with benefits to work as an actor! Fortunately, after 29 years of marriage, he understood me pretty well. But I'm sure at the time he thought I'd lost my mind! Now he can't tell enough people what I do and he brags about me and my accomplishments constantly --- I love that!
That was 11 years ago this year (2009). Today I work full-time as a busy voice actor, director, copywriter and producer. I have written my first book. I am the Executive Producer of the only Voice Convention in the world – VOICE (VoiceOver International Creative Experience) and I have hundreds of students who I now call dear friends! I have traveled all over the world and met some incredible people while teaching. My days are filled with excitement and anticipation - something I never experienced as a secretary! It's something new every day. New projects, new scripts, new techniques, new teachers and best of all - new people! And I work with the nicest guy on the planet - my first teacher and now my partner and best friend, James Alburger.
Yes, the last 12 years have been absolutely wonderful and I believe I’m only getting started. My goal for the next 12 years?
I want to help as many people as I possibly can to realize their dreams!
When 12 more years have passed, I know I will again look back and be excited about what's been accomplished!
So, for any of you out there who think you’re too old (or any other excuse you're currently using) to pursue your voice acting career, please don't let your age be an obstacle. Age is only a number. I know I don't feel like I'm 59 even though that's what the calendar says. Actually, I'm darn proud of being my age and to be doing what I'm doing. Sadly, I've seen too many people hold themselves back from accomplishing their dreams because of what other people might think. You just have to say, "Ah, to heck with them!” If you have a dream (and it is truly your heart’s desire) the ONLY person who can stop you --- is you.
You only have one life. Choose to enjoy it doing something you love!
Will you share YOUR story with us?
My best wishes to you all!
Penny
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Comment Wall (1140 comments)
Add a Comment
1,140 Comments
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Comment by Michael Dean on November 10, 2009 at 9:34am -
Hey there all you possitive thinkers! I'd like to draw your attention to a Video Tribute "For The Fallen" that I just finshed - in honor of those who served in both world wars and those who continue to serve. To remember their sacrifice is the least we can do...but I dare say we MUST NOT forget. So please check out my little video on my profile page and I encourage you to email a link to everyone you know and ask them to so the same. For my generation, forgetting is impossible but for today's generation, those wars are ancient history. It shouldn't be. If they only knew how much those two wars shaped the world they now live in - they too - would not forget.
For The Fallen - let's keep their memory alive.
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Comment by Lisa Coleman on November 8, 2009 at 11:26pm -
Love your story! That is pretty much me right now! 47...jumping head first into voice over...I haven't had a gig yet...but I know its coming soon!
Thank you for inviting me!
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Comment by Tom Dolan on November 6, 2009 at 3:17pm -
Peanut Butter. Yes, Peanut Butter. If you asked me "DO you like Peanut Butter?" I have to think about it. Well let's see. I always have a container of Peanut Butter in the fridge. About every other month or so I replace it when it runs out, so, Yeah I guess I like Peanut Butter. I hadn't thought about it, but I guess I like Peanut Butter a lot.
Got me to thinking. What other things, like activities, people, events, relationships do I like a lot, but don't think about very often. Kinda like the Peanut Butter in the fridge, it's just always there.
Something to think about.
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Comment by Arthur Maxx on November 5, 2009 at 6:58pm
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Where There Is Hope...There is____________________ !
Now, Fill in the Blank.
-A.M.
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Comment by cathi parrish on November 3, 2009 at 7:18pm - Thanks for the Food 4 Thought Penny. These reminders help us stay on track. I think I'll hold on tight to my "priceless possessions." Cathi
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Comment by Penny Abshire on November 3, 2009 at 2:57pm -
No worries, Kevin! We knew exactly what you meant to say!
Hugs,
Penny
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Comment by Jack P. Norris, Jr. (aka Kevin) on November 3, 2009 at 2:15pm - I see that the typo fairies are really in full attack on my last post.....aaaarrrrrgggghhhhh!!!!!
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Comment by Jack P. Norris, Jr. (aka Kevin) on November 3, 2009 at 2:14pm
- Well, I finally figured out how to use some more of this site and I now have some demos up in my profile. I the process of reviewing everything that I have done from Day 1 I see how far I still have to go. So many of them sounded so lame to me; no wonder I didn't get the gigs. "A work in progress." Sure wish that ther were some poeple I could hang out with here at home that are very creative so it would rub off on me and make me better.
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Comment by Glad Faith Klassen on November 2, 2009 at 9:37pm -
Thanks, Penny!
Wonderfully inspiring thoughts.
Your Earl Nightingale quote reminded me of my early days in radio when our network aired: "Our Changing World" -- Nightingale's long-running radio show.
Hugs back to you!
Glad Faith
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Comment by Penny Abshire on November 2, 2009 at 8:54pm
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FOOD 4 THOUGHT
"Everything that's really worthwhile in life comes to us free - our minds, our souls, our bodies, our hopes, our dreams, our intelligence, our love of family and friends and country. All of these priceless possessions are free."
~Earl Nightingale
Think about it. You can lose all of your money and start over. If your house burns down, you can rebuild it. But things that cost you nothing, you can never replace.
One of the most important keys to self-motivation is to clearly identify your core values in life. You must decide what matters most. Why the need to identify your values? Many people think, "I know what's important; I don't need a list to remind me." What they don't fully understand, however, is that those core values will often serve as critical guides for making important decisions. When they're in doubt, your core values will cut through the fog like a beacon in the night.
We all know there are many distractions along the road of life that will try to pull us away from our values. Sometimes we are forced to make difficult choices. But a good rule of thumb is that when you have to sacrifice material possessions for one of those "free things" that life has given you...you've made the right choice.
This is one of 50 short chapters in the book Charging the Human Battery...50 Ways to Motivate Yourself, by Mac Anderson, founder of Simple Truths. I highly recommend it!
Hope you're all having a terrific week!
Hugs,
Penny
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