Opportunity and fulfillment

So, this week is Brigadoon - small village, disappears in the mist, 100 year overnights. . . you might know the piece.
I am the onstage acting chorus in a staged concert version of Brigadoon. In addition, I was asked to coordinate props and make sure that is smoothly run. I also acted as assistant to our director - and that was a joyful experience. As a matter of fact, I get joy out of all of the aspects of putting up a production.
I've been performing, on stage, for approximately 32 years. I've learned many things about performing. I've also learned that there are always things you CAN learn from every production. This has been an educational experience for me in many ways - more on that later.
One thing that I've seen on the stage with me this year is a large group of individuals who have never hit the footlights before. Many of them have spent most of their singing life standing on risers and being wonderful choristers. Now, they are asked to don costumes, sing, and remember blocking - oh, and interact and look as if they are members of a small, Scottish town in the mid 1700's.
You know what - they are doing a GREAT job. I love their enthusiasm and willingness and dedication. I've decided in the last year or so that my criticism of people's talents and abilities is irrelevant. I've also learned that everyone who sings loves to do so. I've also learned that when I criticize someone - I stop feeling so good about myself. The folks who have not been at this as long as I have - and there are only a handful on the stage that have been - are just as excited and just as interested and invested in giving it their "all" as I am. Wow - to be surrounded by that kind of energy is so uplifting!
I've also learned to be kinder to myself. When I make a mistake - and I do every single time - I do not dwell on it. . . I don't repeat the same mistake twice - but I don't dwell on it. My heart breaks when I see self-critical perfectionists who are really doing a fantastic job - make faces at themselves, kick themselves and in general belittle themselves visibly. That is their demon to exorcise - but I do wish they wouldn't. Relax and grant yourself the grace you deserve.
The only fly in the ointment for me is that one person who wasn't cast is not very happy - and as this person is a member of a close friendship group - it bothers me a lot. But again, that is her demon to exorcise - not mine.
So, the ultimate learning experience for me is this - play your own game, forgive yourself, have fun!

Isn't that the point?