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! All positive thinkers are welcome!
Website: http://www.pennyabshire.com
Location: San Diego, CA
Members: 828
Latest Activity: 7 hours ago
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 one little grandson! 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 13 years ago this year (2010). 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 13 years have been absolutely wonderful and I believe I’m only getting started. My goal for the next 13 years?
I want to help as many people as I possibly can to realize their dreams!
When 13 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'll be 60 in a few months but 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 one little grandson! 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 13 years ago this year (2010). 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 13 years have been absolutely wonderful and I believe I’m only getting started. My goal for the next 13 years?
I want to help as many people as I possibly can to realize their dreams!
When 13 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'll be 60 in a few months but 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
Discussion Forum
The Business of VO from a 24yrs old perspective 3 Replies
Started by Kabir Chopra. Last reply by Richard Pshock 7 hours ago.
Agency fees 4 Replies
Started by Tom Cook. Last reply by Barry Trussell Aug 22.
Those pesky noises coming from your mouth. 14 Replies
Started by Walt Marsicano. Last reply by Mary Catherine Jones Aug 16.
Comment Wall
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Comment by Chuck Burke 1 day ago -
As you may know I spent the weekend in San Diego. As you may not know, I was able to spend considerable time with Penny Abshire.
Tonight, in the back yard watering the tangerine tree, Lisa ( my wife and best friend) were talking....I waxed positively about something that normally I would have been very negative about. I even changed the subject.... Lisa says to me....
"Who IS this Penny?"......
Need I say more?
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Comment by Penny Abshire 1 day ago -
Sounds like the HAPPY FILE I have kept for years. Whenever someone writes me a kind or encouraging note, or something is written about me, I put it in my file. On the days I feel down, I just pull it out and read. It's amazing what it can do for you.
I highly suggest the Happy File, framed messages, the notebook or any other means to remind yourself how much you mean in this big world. And especially how much you are loved!
Big hugs
Penny
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Comment by Ken Maxon 1 day ago - Another thing to keep you upbeat, perhaps it's been mentioned before, if so sorry, lol. Make a brag book. Get a cheap 3 ring binder at the store and place in it any waards you've gotten over the years, things you've done, etc. When you feel down, open the book and look at what you've done already to perk you up to do more!
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Comment by Chuck Burke 1 day ago
- Lisa, my wife had a BRILLIANT idea.....( at least I think it's brilliant )....Yesterday I got a really great message from Scott Brick...and that got me to thinking about the other positive comments and emails I have gotten from folks in the VO industry...and I thought I should print those out and read them every day....just as a reminder....I mentioned it to Lisa and she said " You should put them in a fancy font, frame them and hang them on the wall in your studio".....I think it's brilliant!...When I start to get down...I can look at them and say to myself..."Hey! Look who thinks otherwise....".....
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Comment by Jennifer M.Dixon 1 day ago - Take a look everyone, at Maxine Dunn's article on Voiceoverextra.com I love her positive 'go get it done', down to earth attitude. Happy September everyone!
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Comment by Chuck Burke 1 day ago
- Thanks Penny.......you seem to have given me a new outlook on many things......
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Comment by Penny Abshire 1 day ago
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Excellent advice, Chuck - I hope we ALL take it to heart! Thanks for all your wonderful positivity here on the group - I appreciate you so much!
Hugs,
Penny
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Comment by Chuck Burke on September 1, 2010 at 3:20am
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This from Great Day
Determined enough
You deserve the very best achievement of which you're capable. The challenges and setbacks and disappointments are there to make you determined enough to get it.
When it absolutely seems like there's no way forward, keep going. There's a way.
If you're not getting the results you expected, see it as an opportunity to experiment with other approaches. You'll likely find something that works even better than you could have imagined.
Eventually you'll look back on all the challenges and be thankful for them. You'll realize that the strength and effectiveness gained in working through those challenges added great value to the whole undertaking.
You won't avoid all the setbacks, but then you really wouldn't want to. For you can choose to take them all in stride and let them make you that much stronger, that much more determined, and that much more successful.
Instead of feeling sorry for yourself, feel inspired about yourself. After all, you had the courage to get started in the first place and you have the determination to keep going no matter what.
-- Ralph Marston
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Comment by Chuck Burke on September 1, 2010 at 12:50am
- Jennifer, it says "Stop Following" there...but when I change it to "Follow" it reverts.....Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
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Comment by Jennifer M.Dixon on August 31, 2010 at 11:55pm
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Hi Chuck,
Check to see if you have 'Following'/ 'Stop following ' underneath the Comment box just before the 'Add comment' box, on the Comment wall. Hope that helps!
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