We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Janine Parkinson a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Janine, we’re thrilled to have you sharing your thoughts and lessons with our community. So, for folks who are at a stage in their life or career where they are trying to be more resilient, can you share where you get your resilience from?
I recall the early days of my career as a stunt performer when work and recognition were scarce. Despite the challenges, I persisted in rigorous training and continuous effort. A seasoned friend in the industry with years of experience shared a valuable insight: “Water wears away rock.” This principle holds true for various aspects of life, whether it’s overcoming obstacles, acquiring new skills, or waiting for opportunities. Essentially, the idea is to be adaptable and resilient, echoing the wisdom of Bruce Lee: “Be water.”
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I embody the spirit of a multi-hyphenate, a journey that began with the necessity to survive when I ran away from home. Fortunately, I found a home at The Second City Toronto, which steered me into the realm of entertainment. My professional path led me through diverse roles in media, news, scenic painting on set, coordination, and even stunt performing. Embracing the mantra “learn as if you will live forever, live as if you will die tomorrow,” I’ve immersed myself in varied experiences, resulting in a life filled with both ups and downs that contribute to novel and exciting adventures.
From setting myself on fire and leaping off buildings, I transitioned to writing about it, exploring topics ranging from neuroscience to barbecues. My journey led me to high-level senior positions, marking the foundation of my new career. Few people pivot from daring stunts to delving into neuroscience and the impact of cannabinoids on-set psychosis, but my diverse experiences have shaped my unique perspective.
Writing has become my true passion, allowing me to fulfill my dream of being a writer with a dog by the ocean, a reality I cherished during a serene moment in Venice, California. My primary focus is on fostering kindness and compassion in the world. The most rewarding aspect of writing professionally is the belief that I can make a difference, inspire others through my words, and contribute to creating a more empathetic world. In moments of adversity, facing rejection letters, I draw strength from the championships I won in martial arts and boxing, along with the memory of leaping off buildings – a reminder that challenges are now more manageable in comparison.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
The three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that influenced my journey were resilience, continual learning, and bravery. Bravery, for me, wasn’t just about the daring feats like jumping into a well for the movie IT (yes, I did that), but it involved challenging myself to try new things and saying yes, even when it meant admitting I hadn’t jumped into a well or off a building before and might need guidance the first time. I discovered that people are eager to teach if you’re eager to learn. The key is always to be open to learning.
Initially, I couldn’t execute a cartwheel or craft a proper logline for a TV series. However, step by step, I acquired these skills, and I continue to learn. Resilience played a crucial role in my journey, as I encountered more no’s than yes’s. Yet, I kept showing up, not in a stalkerish manner, but by persistently seeking opportunities. When someone said they weren’t interested, I would find out what they were interested in later or align with another person or publication that resonated with my voice. The essence of resilience lies in showing up again and again. There’s always a bigger and better yes waiting for you; you just have to persist in showing up.
Looking back over the past 12 months or so, what do you think has been your biggest area of improvement or growth?
In the past 12 months, my most significant area of growth has been recognizing the importance of taking breaks for self-care and adopting a more flexible mindset. Despite my persistent work ethic and the habit of setting ambitious goals with strict deadlines, I realized the value of allowing myself the time and space to rejuvenate. This shift in perspective has allowed me to find solace in new hobbies, specifically Ikebana and Paddle (Pop) Tennis. Engaging in these activities not only brings me joy but also serves as a source of healing and stress reduction. Consequently, I’ve noticed that taking these breaks enhances my focus and enables me to produce high-quality work more efficiently when I return to my tasks.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://chickenandcat.com/
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