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!

Half-Way

We're mid-2011 today. What have I accomplished in the last 6 months? At first glance, I think I'm so far behind my aspirations and wonder what I've been wasting my time doing. But at a deeper look, I've been a total rockstar since January. List:
1. I healed my first broken heart. I learned to live with unextinguishable pain and turn it over to the Lord piece by piece. I forgave myself. I ate way more than my share of of HaagenDaaz Rocky Road. I grew enough faith to hope in the future.

2. I was promoted at both places of employment and have thrived in the new environments. I love working my new beat at the paper--I've learned about city government, land ordinances, legal processes, and met amazingly inspiring people. At the office, I've increased my ability to be responsible and be classy, coach and mentor others, and keep an environment positive. There, too, I have made priceless connections in the business world.

3. I won a first-place award for an article I wrote and I attended a fancy-schmancy banquet where I rubbed shoulders with Utah's greatest journalists.

4. I finally started paying for my own phone plan and my own car insurance, AND moved to a new apartment near work (a nice apartment with vaulted ceilings and a pool and a gym).

5. I paid for a new car with cash after an accident. Got in a subsequent-much-more-scary accident and survived. Have taken good care of my little car. And have driven somewhat more patiently and carefully.

6. I continued to rock braces, longer than expected, but with flair and style.

7. I started performing again! And in the last six months have been in four amazing productions, two of which were produced by high-end venues in Park City. I have auditioned and taken voice lessons and sung somewhere nearly every week. I've made so many new, talented friends. I've reconnected with old friends.

8. I have spent more time with my family.

9. I bought a guitar and a keyboard. And I USE them daily. (almost, daily...pretty close...)

10. I started going to the temple weekly again and I have been more diligent about reading my scriptures each morning. I pray more sincerely.

11. I've become a master of following food blogs and cooking amazing dishes for people.

12. I say no more often, and I don't feel bad about it.

13. I also say yes more often, to spontaneous, crazy adventures.

14. I have figured out what I really want. I won't settle. And I won't give up. I make choices every day, in determination, preserverance, patience, temperance,and faith, that are taking me exactly where I want to go.

15. I've thrown multiple parties without stressing. This is big for me--my sister's bridal shower, Shelter's cast retreat, things like these. I guess what I'm proud of is the fact that I feel more comfortable with not being perfect, and it's helping to have a lot more fun.


And to start off the next six months on an oh-so-stellar step, I am doing something I've never done before!
I booked the flight on my own, found the hotel on my own, planned the itinerary on my own.
On July 1, I am flying to L.A. and taking a vacation. Scoping out places to live when I move there. Meditating. Meeting new people. Reconnecting with college friends. Trying new things. Getting out of Salt Lake, where I have been working 50-120 hours a week since January 2010. It's been a long time coming.

I'm so excited!!!