Whole Way

I wrote this post as a check-in on my goals six months into the year.

Here’s a list of what I’ve accomplished since then, during the second half of 2011.
And then…I’m going to write a post reviewing the year as a whole.
That’s a lot of reflection as the year wraps up. Just go with it.


Some things I’m glad I accomplished since July:

1. I got cast in a great show at a very nice theatre for a very long run, and met the most wonderful people. Great for my career, my social life, and it made me happy.

2. My braces were replaced with a retainer! It is so fun to have a smile that I’m happy to flash for pictures. I love not worrying about my crooked teeth on dates and at auditions. And I’m proud to have done it for myself, a really good self-investment.

3. I got an agent and started adding films and VOs to my resume. Getting sent to auditions and called back regularly helped me realize my talent. You can’t rely on outside validation like that, but it strengthened my inner confidence a bit. And I had some fun experiences because of the agency.

4. I fell for someone for the first time in a long, long time. Butterflies in the stomach, jump up and down in the grocery store when he sent me a text, kisses that made my toes tingly-fell for someone. It was so nice to be genuinely interested again, and comforting to know that it does just happen; you don’t have to force yourself to like someone, you will just naturally be excited about seeing them and spending time with them (I know this is a given for most of y’all, but I was starting to think something was wrong with me, because I was going on all of these dates with great guys, but felt nothing…)

5. We broke up. Accomplishment? Yes. Because I was honest and gave up what I wanted in the moment for what I wanted most. It was a difficult decision, and I think it could have worked out had a few things gone differently. But I feel good about the experience and I feel good about moving forward.

6. I traveled, a lot. To LA, San Diego, Texas, Seattle. I became a more independent, capable person and traveled to places I wanted to go. This made the world feel attainable; I can go anywhere and do anything.

7. I got a new job!! One that will take me to a new city, and eventually Australia and London. With a company I full-heartedly support, and the work I’ll be doing is IMPORTANT. And fulfilling. And lucrative. I worked hard for it, but it also seemed custom-tailored for my goals and handed to me.

8. I resigned from my other jobs on great terms with my management teams. I have been so touched by the sincere well-wishes I’ve received; both places of employment encouraged me to take this great opportunity, and my employees and my bosses have been so sweet in telling me goodbye. I’m proud of the work I’ve done for them. And I’ve been blown away by the kind, flattering words of my editor, co-workers, and mentors.

9. Sold my contract and am moving out of my apartment: the first apartment I found and paid for completely by myself.

10. I made a Halloween costume. I decorated for Christmas. My holiday spirit is coming back again, and my heart is warming up a bit.

11. Spent TONS of time with my family and friends. I got out of the house (oh, I love staying home, reading and basking in glorious solitude…) and made dinner for dad, took people out for lunch, went country dancing, played with my niece, saw concerts and plays, and had a host of adventures. A very full, festive summer and fall I had.

12. I don’t have any debt, I have some money saved, and my car is healthier than not. I’ll be taking it in for some tune-up stuff after Christmas. I feel responsible and ready to handle more in life. More abundance and more goodness!