Don't Think Three Times, Either

It's time for another exciting rendition of, "How This Movie Represents Life Perfectly!"

Today's movie of life is called Don't Think Twice.  Directed by Mike Birbiglia and produced by Ira Glass. It's available on Netflix, and if you haven't seen it, go watch it now, as there may be spoilers ahead! ​

Don't Think Twice is about a group of comedians and improv artists who have formed a collective in NYC known as "The Commune." They perform regular shows, live together, practice together, and all seem to be working towards the same goal: getting onto the famous national comedy show, "Weekend Live." One day, as their theater appears to be on its last legs, a few producers from Weekend Live attend their show. Two of the actors are then asked to audition, and one of them snags a spot. The others do not.

What's beautiful about this story is that it encapsulates all of the possible outcomes for an artist in the span of 2 hours and the lives of 6 friends. Each character embodies some different aspect of the artist's experience: the big-time national success of being discovered, realizing you'd rather remain local and teach others how to love what you love, sacrificing your failed dreams for a healthy and happy family, falling in love with a different dream that you didn't realize you had, depression, tension, anxiety, conflict, poverty, death, and more.  

Also, it's funny as cat butts. 

For me, this story hits home because it reminds me of many of my own fears. Which of those experiences will I have? Will I give up? Will I reach fame? Will I find a different passion? Will I teach and perform locally? IDK, my BFF, Jill?

What's certain is this: yes, I will experience depression, tension, anxiety, conflict, poverty, death, and more. Many I already have. 

As an aspiring creator in Minneapolis, there are a few questions I am regularly faced with:

• "Do you work at the Guthrie? Chanhassen? Why not?"
• "Have I seen you in anything?"
• "Do you have another job?"
• "Sometimes when you grow up, you have to let go of things you used to do in order to raise a family. Have you thought about that?"

These are all questions I was asked TODAY by coworkers, strangers, and acquaintances. These are all reasons why it's hard to be an artist. Can you imagine if I asked a nurse,

• "Do you work at the Mayo Clinic? Why not?"
• "Have you ever seen my name on your charts?"
• "Do you do anything else?"
• "Have you thought about working less so you could spend more quality time with your family?"

​All in all, the two things I've learned from watching this movie are universal and apply to more than just improv artists and comedians in NYC.

1. No matter where you go or what you do, the health of your relationships will determine your happiness.
2. There are more outcomes for your life than you can possibly predict, and you will be happier just living your way until you get there.

I may never actually learn these lessons, but at least they've been introduced to me. I have all these dreams and desires for greatness and significance, and I may never be satisfied with them. Or, I may find a way to steer my passion and make a difference on this Earth.

If you haven't watched Don't Think Twice yet, then GO DO IT. You'll be glad you did. I wish you the best, my good reader! Thanks for stopping by. 

Be Glad and Confident,
​Josh