I'm sharing this in case it can help someone else that might be frustrated or discouraged. And because I'm the kind of person that likes encouragement from my friends. I know some of you will share some encouraging words and I look forward to them.

When I lost my restaurant gig a while back I was really discouraged about performing. I decided, after getting a few more rejections, to stop pursuing restaurant magic at all and was really wondering about magic as a whole. Part of me felt like it was a big waste of time. I think this comes from all the hard work and practice I put into it while still working a normal job, raising a family, etc.

So I put everything magic on the back burner. I even stopped practicing for a short while. I couldn't completely give it up though; I LIKE practicing. lol

I got a pm from Kumpltoo that was encouraging, asking me what was going on. Thanks Kumpletoo!

Then I remembered my desire to pursue gospel magic and I began writing my scripts in earnest. I figured that would still be a way to do two things that I love.

I never did quit volunteering with my magic at the children's hospital. I never will that I can see; it's far too rewarding.

Then a funny thing happened- I started getting gigs from the business cards I had handed out months ago at the restaurant.

This was eye opening and... revitalizing? I got my mojo back, so to speak.

Rather than pursue full time magic as hard as I was, I can be content with part-time. Parties, the hospital, gospel magic at local churches...

BUT- I have decided to give restaurants another shot because I just love magic. That's it. Oh, and honestly I could use the extra money for a Lefler table from Showtime Magic. This can be a way to support my other magic pursuits, buy props, etc. I'm hoping to get one gig for 1 or 2 hours on a Saturday night. Before, I was obsessed with going full time, but I'm comfortable with this laid back approach.

Thanks for all your help and kind words over the years. Any prayers would be appreciated!

I'll let you know how it goes.

If you're discouraged with your progress, maybe take a look at things from a different angle.

Sometimes letting go of something brings it back in a better way.

Theodore-

Beautiful post, Theodore! I know how you feel. It's easy to get discouraged! I kind of look at it like relationships. Most of us spend all of our time trying too hard to get what we really want. In that quest we subconciously cut corners and lower our standards as to what we really expect; thus we settle...over and over again. It's not until we decide to let it all go (or maybe it let's US go!) and stop trying, that things just start to happen on their own! The perfect person (or situation) falls into your lap and everything just fits. Sometimes it's not about fighting the urge to give up. Sometimes it's about letting go of the reigns a little bit and letting nature take its course! Best of luck, Theodore! Let us know how it all progresses!

Sometimes we need to take a break and get back with it later on.

My best wishes to your success.

Thanks to you both!