There is power in story telling. There is power in community. There is power in sharing. The more we know about one another; the more we understand; the more powerful we become.
This is Erin’s.
KUEL LIFE: What are you pursuing now, after 45, that surprises you or might appear to others as if it’s come out of left field?
ERIN: I’m about to be an “empty-nester”; I’m working to re-brand my business so that I can be free to pursue all of my own acting that I’ve put on hold. Plus, I love travel, so I’m hoping to create work for myself overseas!
KUEL LIFE: What’s a typical day like for you?
ERIN: Wake up (push snooze) and wake up again. Coffee. Definitely coffee. And the paper. Yes, a real newspaper. Then, the gym followed by work in my home office (usually post-gym sweaty) unless I have an audition, an acting gig or an appointment (it’s different every day). Afternoon is for teaching musical theatre classes, private coaching, or audition tapings. Diet coke in the afternoon. Then, I usually get a second wind after dinner and do more work. Ending with a bath and a great Netflix series or basketball! And red wine..
KUEL LIFE: With what do you struggle?
ERIN: Everything! Not over-snacking (truth). Perfectionism. The constant need to prove to people that I’m good at what I do. Being under-estimated.
KUEL LIFE: How do you motivate yourself and stay motivated?
ERIN: Hmmm…I’ve actually always been pretty motivated. I’m a weird “list-writer”. I write notes every night with my list of things to do and if I can cross most of them off, I feel very accomplished. I’m so weird about it that if I did something that wasn’t on my list, I’ll add it to the list just so I can cross it off!
KUEL LIFE: What advice would you give fellow women about aging?
ERIN: Can I go back 35 years and answer that after I slather myself in sunscreen?
KUEL LIFE: What does vulnerability mean to you? What has the ability to make you vulnerable?
ERIN: Being an actor is the definition of “vulnerable”. Putting yourself out there; taking risks without knowing result; being open to the unknown….and, people possibly seeing all of that when it’s not put together in a perfect package.
KUEL LIFE: What are three events that helped to shape your life?
ERIN: Touring with a theatre of Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing actors. Dealing with chronic injury. Marriage and children. All 3 challenged me in incredible ways. Looking back, I can honestly say that being married and raising my children have been my greatest and deepest joy.
KUEL LIFE: Who influenced you the most in life and why?
ERIN: A wise, wise woman who was what I would call a spiritual mentor. She started out as a counselor to me in my early 20’s. While we’ve both gone our separate ways to various parts of the country, she has actually become my coach and someone who has trained me in Bowen family systems. We talk on the phone monthly and her guidance, wisdom and counsel have provided me so much growth and stability over the years.
KUEL LIFE: What is the best advice you’ve been given from another woman?
ERIN: When I was in my early 20’s and not knowing what I wanted to do with my life, I remember my aunt telling me that she asked her hair stylist for a hair cut that looked “professional from the front and artsy from the back” so that she could put on a good face for her business clients and then be herself when she left the building. – That has always stuck with me…the blend of being both artsy and business-savvy.
KUEL LIFE: What woman inspires you and why?
ERIN: I have to think about this one. So, so many.
KUEL LIFE: Are you grown-up?
ERIN: Yes. Pretty much always have been. Since birth. And, I think being an adult is a good thing. But I still enjoy “playing” every day.
KUEL LIFE: What do you do for self-care?
ERIN: Exercise. Drink lots of water. Take naps when I can. Travel. Try new things (learning French right now and I’m horrible at it and having so much fun!)
KUEL LIFE: And last but definitely NOT least: What are the top three things on your bucket list?
ERIN: A trip to Greece. Climbing Machu Picchu. Creating my own television show about travel, food, culture and LEARNING where I get to be the host (my goal: a happy medium between Rick Steves and Anthony Bourdain).
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