Meet Amy Wade | Filmmaker, Writer, Actress, and Animal Lover

We had the good fortune of connecting with Amy Wade and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Amy, how has your work-life balance changed over time?
How has my balance changed over time? Honestly, I’ve never felt completely “balanced” at any stage in my life… (although not for lack of effort!) A life-long battle with depression and anxiety and suicidal thoughts has led me on a journey which I now realize, (at age 48) is ALL ABOUT the balance of mind, body, and spirit. Quite frankly, I’m not sure how I accomplished some of the things I did in my past! Looking back, I can see the instability, insecurities, and self-doubt so clearly. I think a strong work ethic (thanks to my parents) and a desire to please were the major factors behind any achievements I’ve made in my life. None had to do with balance. LOL
But that’s okay, I’m not beating myself up about it. It’s all part of my journey! The last year of my life has been a true awakening… I’ve gone from the depths of suicide to a feeling of being “awakened.” It’s truly a miracle that I’m still alive. I’m going to be 49 years old this summer, and I can honestly say that I’m finally on a path to BALANCE my mind, body, and spirit!

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My life has changed so dramatically in the last 9 months, that I would have to call myself a “work in progress.” I’m on a spiritually journey of self-healing and discovery. To say that I’m a filmmaker, or an actress or a writer even, feels limiting. I’m not sure what the future holds for me, but I’m absolutely certain that I’m finally on the right path. I wake up each day with a new perspective on life. I’ve been awakened to a higher power, (some refer to this as God, Spirit, Creator, The Light, Universe, etc) and I’m working diligently to stay on this healing path. A lifetime of darkness takes a long time to overcome. I’m being patient with myself, and trusting my inner light to show me the way. My life-changing experiences are truly miraculous, and I’ve thought about making a documentary on mental illness and self-healing. But then I started to feel anxious about it; social media pressure and self-doubt were creeping in and I realized that I was never going to completely heal if I tried to delve back into the industry too quickly. It’s only been 9 months since I was planning my own suicide.
Since then, I’ve been meditating up to 6 times a day, every day. No matter what kind of a mood I’m in, I made a promise to myself to stick with my meditation practice. It has literally saved me from falling back into the depths of depression. It’s a slow progression, but I know it’s helping me so I do my best to practice patience with myself. I’ve also been devouring books and documentaries about the Dalai Lama, Buddha, and Deepak Chopra. I have gained tremendous insight from their teachings. I realize that every experience in my life happened for a reason, and led me to the path I’m on today. My heart is full of gratitude and hope, at last.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
Even after living in LA for 20 years, I never get tired of visiting Hollywood Boulevard. Especially if I’m entertaining guests from out of town. Manns (Grauman’s) Chinese Theatre is a MUST. I still get excited to see Shirley Temple’s little handprints in the cement! Walking down the boulevard and pointing out my favorite stars is always a trip. Eating at the MAGIC CASTLE is also a great experience for out-of-towners. (Although it’s hard to get a reservation without a connection.) Hiking along Fryman or Runyan Canyon is something I do daily, and my guests are always fascinated by the views from the mountain top.
The other trendy places to explore are, of course, Melrose Ave, (the shops and cafe’s) Beverly Boulevard, RODEO DRIVE (can’t miss that experience!) and a cruise along Mulholland Drive always drops a jaw open.
If you really want to impress your guests, however, I suggest a day trip to POINT DUME BEACH. It’s one of my favorite places near Los Angeles to hike and spend time near the ocean.
I’m also a Valley Girl. I love the valley because it’s away from the “hustle and bustle” and a little less congested than Hollywood. Ventura Boulevard has wonderful restaurants and shopping and unique little cafe’s to sit and talk with friends for hours!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I’m shouting out to my fiance, Brian LaBella, who is my HERO. Thank you for loving me, supporting me, believing in me, and not giving up on me. You have been my light in the darkness. I LOVE YOU BRIAN.

Website: www.amywade.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/amywadeactress

Facebook: www.facebook.com/amywadefilmmaker

Youtube: www.youtube.com/amywadeactress

Other: www.amyhasissues.blogspot.com (It’s a blog about things I hate, bad dates, horrific casting experiences, and other annoying shit that drives me nuts.) LOL

Image Credits
Brian LaBella