Three Words

Posted on by beautybeyondbones

One thing about the acting business is that you’ve always got to be on your feet.

Ready for anything. Able to improvise at the drop of a hat.

Especially during auditions.


This past Saturday I had, probably one of the best auditions of my life. It was for the lead in a TV pilot.

I got the scene two days before and I just rehearsed the crap out of the thing. Knew it cold, frontwards, backwards and sideways. I was going to nail it. I was prepared.

But there was one thing at the audition I wasn’t quite prepared for:

“What are three words that best describe you?”

 

Uuuhh…Three words. Come on, BBB, you’ve been doing this silly little exercise since kindergarten. Just THINK OF SOMETHING.

And I mean, I did. Gracefully. I think I managed to rattle off something like, “I love to have fun.” “I’m a loyal friend.” And “I’m true to who I am.”

Not exactly three words, per se, but then…I’m never really one to be concise. 😉

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But I walked away from that audition feeling on top of the world. I really connected with the part and I truly felt like I did my best.

But after reflecting on it some more, that silly little “getting to know you” question really stuck with me. Why was it so hard to think of three words?

And yes, a lot of things went through my mind to say: energetic, outgoing, kind, empathetic, caaaasually witty.


But those just weren’t really hitting it.

Here’s what I was really wrestling with:

To answer that question, I had to first answer this: Who am I, really?

I mean, that’s a pretty deep question when it comes right down to it.


Yes, I was pretty accurate in my answer. But there’s a lot more to me, too.

What I wanted to say was this: I’m a believer. I’m an overcomer. I am strong.

What I wanted to say was that I have gone through some pretty heavy crap in my life and have survived. Come out the other side more resilient and more in tune with who I am.


That I am a mended piece of art — that I have been broken, but have been put back together, and God has made beauty from that brokenness.

I wanted to say that I am complex. Full of thoughts and ideas.

That even though I am cheerful and generally a pretty happy person, that I have seen some dark times. That I have persevered through pain. Despair. Seasons of true destruction of body, mind and spirit. But that I did not succumb to that darkness. I was a fighter and reclaimed my life. My freedom. My soul.

And what I really wanted to say was that I cannot and could not be any of those things without the saving hand of Jesus. That He was and is the one who strengthens me and allows me to be every complexity and nuance and intricacy that is the young woman standing in front of you today.

Fun loving, a good friend and true to myself — sure. I guess you could say that was my “PC” answer. The pageant version.

But there’s more to me than that. A depth the cannot be captured in three little words.

So now, I turn the question to you, and invite you to take a minute to reflect on the person you’ve become as a result of all your yesterdays and trials and triumphs.

Who are you, really?

Let’s celebrate that.

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beautybeyondbones

BBB: Because we're all recovering from something. // For speaking/business inquiries: beautybeyondbones@yahoo.com

270 thoughts on “Three Words”

    1. Thanks Scruffy! Wow. What a powerful three. Thanks for sharing that. It sounds like you really know who you are. How comforting to know that though we are ALL that first one, we have Someone who loves us just the same. Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love to you friend xox

      Liked by 1 person

  5. I thoroughly enjoyed this post and look forward to following you… the things in life truly have the power to make or break you…. but God!!!!! His work in me has allowed me to see that I am empathetic, unique and enough ❤ keep asking those questions 🙂

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  6. Funny. Playing a similar game was the beginning of a painful, but necessary period of extreme change for me. Mine was “Gimme 5 nouns that could be used to describe yourself”

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  7. I LOVE YOUR POSTS, your perspective !
    Mine are : I am Brave, Perseverance, compassion and mercy, connected and inspired. Thanks for asking

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  8. Congrats on the audition.
    Three words… (I’m a) son, (a) father, (and I am) loved. 🙂

    Btw, you mentioned going through “crap” in your life which brings depth and resilience. Precious pearls come through much pressure (suffering). That’s what makes them precious. I think that’s why Jesus called us His pearl of great price that heaven purchased. Blessings.

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  10. This is a thought provoking question I have battled with. You nailed it very well. Who we are is as a result of all our yesterdays, what we have learnt about ourself in good and bad times. Thanks for sharing.

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  11. I am a Believer, Brave, and “Hephzibah”: “My Delight is in Her” (Isaiah 62:4). It took a lot of pain, struggle, and time to believe this as my identity… but He was faithful to do just that. ❤
    PS: I don’t know if you listen to/like Christian rap. But I encourage you to listen to the “Instruments of Mercy” album by Beautiful Eulogy… I just the thought of you, and how the Pope called this year “the Year of Mercy.” I’m not personally Catholic, but I pray it blesses you in your walk with Jesus. 💒 “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7, NIV).

    Love,
    Your sister in Christ,
    Annalee 💞

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Hi Annalee! Amen to that sister! He DOES delight in you. I’ve never heard that word before but I absolutely love it. I’ll definitely check out that album! Thanks for passing it along:) thanks for stopping by! Sending so much love and hugs xox

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  12. I enjoyed that. You are delightful and authentic…genuine. No guilt in rattling off an answer when the question comes from left-field. But sharing your later introspection was a joy to read. I too have visited the valley and from those of us who have, who’ve emerged into the sonshine, t
    anks for giving it a voice with depth perception.

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  13. Beautiful thoughts and very well written. Particularly when you say “I am a mended piece of art” … I believe that those who are mended are very lucky as someone somewhere took a lot of love and care to mend them. Stay strong, stay happy. Take care.

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  14. Yeah. . I get caught up in those moments too. I liked this one. Your last point about not judging someone by the chapter you walk in on…. very thoughtful. How do you find out about auditions?

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  16. That’s so exciting to audition for a pilot show! So cool! Haha I probably would’ve rambled for a couple hundred words and 5 minutes late summed it up awkwardly with 3 words lol. God bless!

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      1. Thx you too! I have an interview myself tomorrow…I’ll have to practice my answer to the 3 words question beforehand! Nerdy, geeky, and loves Jesus? That’s like 4 words but whatever lol. Have a great night!

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  17. That was a genuinely refreshing post. 3 words come to mind for myself, although I know there could be many more (it is tough to narrow them down, isn’t it?). They are “Unworthy,” “Forgiven,” and “Loved.” Blessings to you! (that’s another three)

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  18. I dunno… I would have said what I felt like at the moment, like: ‘I wanna pee!’ or ‘Sure feel hot!’ But if I wanted to schmooze them over, I would have said: ‘I have money! 🙂

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  20. The best answer is to ALWAYS be yourself. This requires understanding who you truly are. Understanding who you are helps one find direction in life. From here, anything becomes possible.
    Good luck on being chosen for the part.

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  21. I don’t know you personally but I wish that you get the role.
    It’s an interesting and difficult read as the question you have asked in the end is tough to answer. Like our skin our character also has so many layers…Loved every bit of this post!
    Cheers!

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  22. I asked myself what I would’ve answered to describe myself in three words. Maybe not what they were hoping for but I would’ve answered, “father, husband, son.” That pretty much describes my motives.

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  23. This is such a great post! I can relate with the ups and downs in life, I’ve learned from my experiences too and consider Pain as a teacher to whom we can learn much. Reading your blogs and from everyone who contribute/share different views inspire me to carry on and pursue what I started. Thanks for the inspiration guys! Everyone is UNIQUE and we have a lot to say about ourselves, agree? God Bless and have a great day everyone xxx

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    1. Thank you so much Mavic! Ah yes, a mighty teacher indeed. With a tough curriculum 😬but you’re so right-I absolutely love reading everyone’s perspectives and insight! Because it’s true-we all bring something unique and special to the table. So glad you stopped by and shared yours ☺️ hugs and love my friend xox

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  27. BBB, what a insightful post! I especially liked that you didn’t let the question defeat you, it might have been out of the blue, but you didn’t resort to negative thinking afterward. I (probably) would have been caught up in the should I have said that? Possibly leading to disordered thinking and actions. You are awesome lady!

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    1. Thank you so much Lyndsay! That really means a lot. Yeah the biggest thing about auditions is to just let them go the second you walk out the door! (I actually broke that cardinal rule by posting about it! 😂) but thanks😘 hugs and love to you xox

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  28. That is an unfair question. It’s like the question “Have you stopped beating your wfe? In one word” We are all complex beings made in the likeness of God. Packed full of His beauty, unique talents, sense of justice need to love a to be loved. There are a lot if thoughts that flood in when asked that question and they might be effected by a lot of things: hormones, lack of rest, poor health, loss, loss of important things that need to be resurrected NOW, disappointments, success, affirmations, honor, financial blessings. But above all our circumstances God is always good, always unchanging, always right. And I am what He says I am no matter how I feel. I am victorious. I am a warrior. I am a healer. I am His daughter and I bear His glory wherever I am.

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      3. It occurred to me you might have thought that I thought you were being unfair in asking that question. For the interviewer it’s a legitimate question but it can never begin to touch on all who you are. There are times for deeper disclosure and times for a light coat. How you responded was perfect. Jesus spoke to the crowds in parables but He explained the deeper truths only to His inner circle. Actually that would be a good ice breaker question in a small group.

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      4. Hi Jan! Oh gosh, no I didn’t think that at all! ☺️ I just love hearing your perspective and insight. You have so much wisdom and evident love for our Father:) you’re right-a good small group question.

        Liked by 1 person

  32. This is a very…bad…day. I am all caught up on your blog! I can’t get my daily Beauty fix and have to wait like all the rest. RATS! Great journey! And I feel privileged to call you “friend.”

    I was never very good at the acting exercises of “What color are you?” “What animal are you?” I mean, I don’t remember my dreams let alone know if I dream in color, which I doubt. Animal? I’m the badger that’s going to rip your face off for asking.

    I saw your post to A2. That was a home run! She doesn’t always respond with much more than a like, so well done you! Plus you can speak to her from a shared experience. Again, thank you for taking the call!!

    I assume you’ll let us all know if you get that pilot! I’ll be praying for you!

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    1. Thanks so much Jeffrey! I am just so honored that you would take the time to read all my posts. You seriously have no idea how much that means to me. Thank you. I am honored to call YOU friend! ☺️ and your badger remark made me chuckle. Haha And yes, thank you for connecting me to A2. I’m glad I was able to reach out-that’s thanks to you. You have a great heart. That is very evident. Sending love and hugs Jeffrey:) have a super night

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  34. Good question and great answer! I ponder this myself. I have come such a long way in the past 2-3 years, it’s amazing and it’s because of my savior, Jesus Christ. He has shown me the way ♥. I love the one quote you have on here especially “Don’t judge someone’s story by the chapter you just walked in on”. Gave me the goosies 😉 Have a lovely night! Love your bog and good luck getting the part!

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    1. Hi Annabella! Thank you so much for this beautiful reflection. Your kind and encouraging words really mean a lot! God is good! How blessed are we to have Someone in our corner who loves us unconditionally:) thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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  35. I’m so glad I clicked on your blog! What a great post, and it’s got me thinking. I can’t come up with three words right now, but it will be what I ponder today. Well, I can give you one: saved by His blood (okay, that’s four). I look forward to your future posts and hope you get the part!

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  37. Loved reading your post . I think I keep rethinking myself !! And grace is what I should lean on .! Loved how you dispersed your words with relevant photos . Brilliant . I’m mostly fumbling around with this blogging trying to work the art out .
    Thanks for your encouragement .
    Appreciated 💐

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    1. Thank you so much! I’m really glad you enjoyed it and liked my quote art. They’re a bit of a labor of love, but I really do enjoy it. Thank YOU for the encouragement 🙂 have a great day! Hugs xox

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  40. I weirdly glad you struggled with that question–and I love the way your post provides the real answer: you’re someone who can’t be reduced to any three words. None of us can!

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    1. Hey there! Haha you’re funny. I haven’t heard yet! I’ll find out about callbacks probably next week…welcome to the acting world, aka: the perpetual waiting game! Haha thanks for your interest and encouragement! You’ll be the first to know! ❤️❤️❤️

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  46. Ironically, I am currently wearing a sweatshirt that my children HATE; I was wearing this sweatshirt when I took an overdose of sleeping pills (in an attempt to sleep) and chased them with vodka (to get them to work) but ended up in the mental ward of a hospital for 10 days. The sweatshirt is one I designed and had ordered. On it are 5 lines: each of the five lines says the same thing but each line is in a different language. One is Aramaic (for Jesus); one is in Latvian (just because); one is in Somali (for the poor Somali people); and I don’t recall what other languages I picked. Interestingly, the young man who transported me from Asheville to the hospital in Hickory had been in the medical corps of the army and had served in Somalia, so he knew what the sweatshirt said…which explained why he was so kind to me.

    The English translations is 3 words: “I don’t matter”.

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    1. Hi Kitsy, I just want to give you a big hug! I’m with your kids on the sweatshirt. You DO matter. Your life matters–so much so that Jesus embraced the cross for it:) just remember that❤️ sending so much love

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      1. That’s where I was emotionally last September. A lot has changed. Oddly, or maybe it’s just coincidence, but I have been rather melancholy today and have remembered rather traumatic events all day. Maybe it’s time to take off the sweatshirt.

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      2. I think that’s a great idea. Take it off for good. Because what it says is 100% false. ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ sending you love. Hope your day gets better, friend☺️

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  47. Thoroughly enjoyed this post as it really got me thinking on the whole “Who am I?” topic. Ah that question pretty much sums up all the internal conflicts I’m currently going through and I suppose it’s time to start thinking about it, as you have! THANKS FOR THE PUSH GURL 🙂

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    1. Hi friend! Thank you so much for this encouragement:) I really appreciate it. Yeah, something that I definitely don’t think about as much as I probably should! Thanks for stopping by! Hugs and love xox

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