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

Hi Nelson, how has your perspective on work-life balance evolved over time?
For most us it is a constant battle to focus on what truly matters. There are so many aspects of life fighting for our attention and energy. If I’m not careful I can find myself lost in past decisions or obsessing about what I want the future to look like. All the while missing the gift standing in front of me. I believe mindfulness leads to stillness which leads to vision. Once I’m able to see than I can have a balanced approach to whatever is front of me. When your mind, body and spirit are properly balanced, you are much better equipped to handle whatever the acting world can throw at you.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
The mindset of being an actor today is much different than the mindset I had when I decided to become an actor and I find that very interesting. When my journey first began I still had a lot of misconceptions I had to sort thru. Timing, technique and ultimately who I was as a person and how that would impact the actor I would become. Not to mention the rebellious and egotistical side of me that couldn’t wait to give all the non-believers the middle finger. Fighting thru that wasn’t easy but it was crucial. Once a person can begin to settle himself a little, he/she can begin removing the hostility in their pursuit. At this point you can begin to trust the process and people around you that are helping you better equip yourself. Now I can see the humanity in what we do. Being an actor isn’t much different than being an athlete or musician or writer. Once upon a time we all had our childhood idols. We pretended to be them as we dreamed of the day that would come. It’s an interesting thing, this human experience of ours. We’re often forced to view that and those we admire from a distance. In this world I’ve chosen, as unique as it can be, I am often invited into the very sphere of the world I admired my hole life. I get to share the human experience with the very people who inspired me to be hear. And every time it happens I am so wonderfully surprised by the humanity waiting for me there. I hope I never get used to that.

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.
I would start at the West-End Beltline. It’s a great bike ride from Krog Market to Piedmont Park with plenty of Brewery’s to visit along the way. Ponce City Market is another cool place to hangout at. I love to show off our city skyline to whoever is visiting. Little 5 Points has also been a favorite part of the city for me. Grant Park on a Sunday morning is totally dope. Bring your shopping bags and sort thru all the vendors in the market.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My awakening or revelation to the acting world was of a Spiritual nature. The idea of becoming an actor came to me on a Sunday morning during a Church visit. Prior to my relationship with God my life was sort of on auto-pilot. Blindly stumbling thru life’s maze. I remember the moment it happened and it was like this veil had been lifted and this new world had been opened up to me, and in this new world I could be an actor. But of course that was just the beginning. Now I needed training and technique. And for that, I owe a huge shout-out to the Acting community in Atlanta for nurturing an environment of acceptance, accountability and growth.

Website: imdb.me/nelsonx13
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nelsonbx13/
Other: DEADLINE Article: Sacrifice picked up for Series https://deadline.com/2020/09/sacrifice-paula-patton-series-picked-up-bet-legal-thriller-movie-bet-plus-1234585592/?fbclid=IwAR0Y-WDE4rJBeCU2nCW-Xvi3cRq_C3JszJfjPDV7BrhhPinmj1XuEwIBFlM

Image Credits
Katina Bonilla

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