vaneramos | A Star's Most Valuable Trait

What trait earned Jay Hunter Morris his sudden ascent to opera stardom? It was neither vocal technique nor acting ability, he says, but composure. Last October, eight days before the Live in HD premier of Siegfried, Morris was asked to stand in for the challenging title role. We saw it live at the local cinema and were impressed with his acting and singing, not to mention bouyant personality and considerable beauty. On yesterday's Saturday Afternoon at the Opera (Live From the Met) radio broadcast we heard him briefly interviewed about the experience. He said in those few days, amid a constant flood of challenges, directions and instructions, his ability to remain composed let him claim the opportunity. This is the personal quality he values most.

I have felt overwhelmed lately. Much is changing and much is at stake. I'm not an opera star, just a writer struggling (not for the first time) to launch a freelance career. Technical ability and creative spark must count for something toward success, but they don't matter as much as keeping my spirits afloat. So what is composure? It means not getting frightened by challenges on the horizon. I need to practice giving myself daily instructions and following them (a to-do list before bed). It is about finding purpose in each step along the path. After all, it involves appreciating each moment as complete in its own way.