It’s easy to allow film school to consume your life. So easy. When you first enter film school, you think, “Hey, this is fine. This is what I want to do!” Then 2 years later, you realize you are suffering from malnutrition, sleep-deprived and you haven’t actually seen a movie in a theater for months. But, hey, your student films are great!

After awhile, though, that creativity suffers. You have forgotten what it’s like to sit in a nice restaurant. You have forgotten what it’s like to experience nature. You have forgotten what it’s like to hold a deep conversation (something important for this little movie-making process).

That creativity suffers if you don’t have an outlet. An outlet, meaning: something that takes your mind off of your “to-do” list. I suffer from an overwhelming “to-do” list. It’s like my conscious whispering “why are you having fun right now? you know you have to continue writing that script…Ashleyyyyyy.” Yeah, it’s a little eery, but we’re in a safe, sharing environment right now!

I’m not sure if I have found my outlet yet (maybe Reality TV?). I have friends that rely on cooking, or trying new restaurants…but who has that money? Other friends tend to steer toward drinking…but who has the money for that or the liver? Some go to the beach (I just burn) and some go hiking (I’m allergic to sweating). One thing I CAN do is sit and drink coffee while looking at beautiful scenery. That…I love.

Another thing I can do? Share all of this with friends who totally get it. I think my friends are my outlet. (awwwwwwwww)

So here it is, fellow film student (or busy person), remember to have FUN. Remember to step away from your computer and your phone.

Remember the reason WHY you wanted to be a filmmaker.