Stand in the place where you are...

This will be short and sweet.

I had a rather intensive day in the box office, but it was good because I knew they needed me there. The work was relentless, but the results are rewarding. I'm helping to get 20,000+ people ready for the summer and following winter re-subscriptions. It's quite and undertaking and an honor to be of assistance. This is the lifeblood that allows all other activities at the theater to prosper.

Afterward, I got some casual time with some of the cast of the Brassy Broads (a fun all-female musical revue) and some of the tech interns that do many, many things behind the scenes. It makes me realize that it's not just about doing what you love, it's about the people with which you will do that certain something. Creativity does not just spawn itself alone, it needs an ecosystem with which to propagate inspiration. Having fellow beings with which you have comfort and provide you energy can result in creations far greater than your own mind could conceive. Inner strength will only take you so far. I cannot speak for other businesses, but the "Business" is built around community. Surround yourself with good people and trustworthy people and you will surely grow. Become choked by those certain weed-types that trick, that lie, that manipulate, and you will brown out, wither, and perhaps have your passion die out altogether. This is neither an easy evaluation to acknowledge nor is it a simple solution to discover the inner fortitude that accepts when a certain place might be poisonous to your well-being.

This is why we network. This is why we work in many different places. This is why we do research and ask questions. We should know as much as we can about where we are going before we get there; what we should know when we arrive. And, how we can use this experience to the benefit of, most importantly, ourselves and those around us.

Again, more big thoughts from someone who goes through them every day.

-Ben

P.S.-Word of mouth is the biggest way to spread good news around. I hope that if you find my blog helpful, that you'll pass that love along to those you know. It's already bringing big attention to my posts--so thanks to everyone who's been so helpful so far!