Faith

I first met Marc in a small production company in Australia, and I have to say that the first encounter was, at best, typical. Two mildly insecure directors scoping each other out from across the room. You know the familiar concept in an environment where success is only measured in duality.

But the truth is I never met Marc until a few months later when we both took the time to sit, talk and share. I quickly discovered that we share a passion for film, yet I have to say Marc is a purist, and I am far more of a commercial animal. At that moment, with common ground found, I knew that Marc would become a friend that I grow with for life.

 You see, in Marc, I saw a man who was not afraid to ask. A man who was not afraid to fail and a man who was not afraid to share. If he knew the solution or had an idea that could help you, then it was yours.

Looking back on that distant memory, our paths have taken different routes, yet our paths have always seemed to be somehow intertwined. We have had our fair share of adventures together, and these used to revolve predictably around our insecurities masked by the notion of success.

 As the relentless march of time moved forward, we both seemed to desire personal change, which I found to be rare as it is not easy to admit your flaws and then get to work on improving them. But without each other knowing, we both did. Negative behaviours shifted, perspectives adjusted, and outlooks refocused. The funny thing was, our friendship didn’t suffer due to this life change; in fact, it only got stronger as our journeys seemed to mirror each other somewhat.

 As the unnerving concepts of success and failure left us, I noticed a new resolve started to emerge in Marc, a determination that I have to say I find inspiring. You see, instead of Marc sitting around comfortably talking about what he was going to do, he actually and quietly just did it. Marc has always been a great writer and Director, but now he had the heart and resolve to chase his ultimate desires.

 Some might think his decision and actions are selfish, but I thought it was epically brave. Marc stopped talking about his dreams and took steps to start living them.

 He left the so-called security of what he knew and headed long into the abyss of his true path — writing and directing on what some would say is the world’s biggest stage. Not an easy concept at the best of times, but when there is the guilt of family left behind, well, let’s just say that the pressure is enough to test the resolve of the very strongest.

 In my mind, my friend Marc is already beyond successful — simply because he is living his life as he chooses to. He is sacrificing every day for the want of his true purpose. Is Marc’s life now full of expensive dinners, glitzy red carpet parties, and exaggerated stories from film sets? Well, not quite yet.

 Marc’s life, in many ways, probably resembles yours; I know it does mine. There is endless work to be done, relationships to be nurtured, bills to be paid, and problems to be solved. But I am proud to call Marc my friend because Marc is living life on his terms. Despite the sacrifices, he is chasing his dreams fuelled by not a lot more than the strength of his will,  supported by those who know and love him best.

 Anybody who can stare down a blank sheet of paper day after day; reach for what sometimes seems distant week after week;persisting when the odds seem insurmountable month after month and working tirelessly year after year to create their chosen destiny, has my total and wholehearted respect.

 We share a history but don’t spend time dwelling in it.

 We share a future, but don’t waste time dreaming about it.

 Our friendship evolves in the present through hard work and support, and for this, I am grateful.

 A smart man once told me that “We seek relationships and friendships that mirror ourselves.” I hope this is true of my friendship with Marc.