Thanksgiving is traditionally a time to give thanks, and even though this world we live in has changed drastically in the past 8 months due to this pandemic, no matter what the situation or predicament, there is always something one can be thankful for.

So here is my “playwright and storyteller” short list:

1. I can write anywhere.

There is nothing to stop me from writing, for no matter where I am, or what I am doing, I can pull out my phone and tap away, or use voice memos and dictate something cool, or actually pull out a pad and pen!

I have the power to write and create at any given moment in time. And no one will ever take that from me.

2. I can use all this.

This pandemic, and all that is connected to it, is the most incredibly fertile garden for creativity. Yeah, not many people will want a Pandemic Play, (unless I write it) but what I have learned about people and their character is awesome.

Even when it sucks.

Last March, when lockdown first began in NYC, I found this quote which resonated deeply with me:

“Circumstances do not make the man, they reveal him.”

James Allen

I have a brand new perspective on humanity, some of it is sad and disturbing, especially when I see the type of rage manifesting in our society on a daily basis, but, luckily, so much of what I see is inspiring!

When I look at what our medical frontline workers have done and what they continue to do, it goes beyond anything I could ever have imagined. So many incredibly heroic stories in a world gone so wrong.

All these wild stories need to be told, good, bad and everything in between.

And I know my playwriting will be richer, more specific and more direct from this experience of a world where so much has changed. I am excited to tell stories about it.

3. I no longer define myself as “just” an Artist.

All of the “drama” I have experienced over the last 8 months of this pandemic, has changed my perspective as to how I fit into this Brave New World, as a playmaker, storyteller, producer and teacher.

I want to make a difference in this world with my art, and my super-powered storytelling abilities, more than ever before, and I passionately want to help others do the same.

We can debate right and wrong until the end of time and then some, but if we tell a congruent story about right and wrong, told compassionately with clear intention, we as artists can make an immense difference in this broken world.

Our landscape is feeling, and feelings can move mountains.

So many of us have been put down throughout our lives because being a playwright is not a real job, or acting is only important if you are being paid lots of money for it.

You know the drill.

When the truth is, we are the shapers and the movers here. We work with one foot in spirit and one foot firmly on the ground, and we, absolutely, more so than any other profession, have the power to transform this world.

4. I am thankful for all the bullshit.

You know what I mean. Everything is 10 steps. Everything is difficult. Everyone is irritated.

Everything feels like really bad writer’s block at times.

And I am thankful for it.

It is all helping me grow, to become a better person, better storyteller and artist

We can’t change what is…

but we can be thankful for what is, especially the good.

We can be thankful for our families, our health, broccoli rabe with parmesan cheese at dinner time, and the fantastic and incredible gift we have been given as playwrights and creators.

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