I went Kayaking for the first time last week–I highly recommend it! Not only is it a great work out, the moments in between the exercise are like no other I have experienced; the quietness of the bay and the steady rocking of the water lulled me into a deep, musing meditation. I turned up my Of Monsters and Men Pandora station, leaned back, set my gaze on the beginnings of a spectacular sunset, and settled into what felt like a cinematic “hero’s introspection” moment. For an outgoing actress, I am very much an introvert; I live alone, love alone time, and spend many lunches tucked in a cafe corner with a book and a latte, so spending some quality ME time wasn’t unfamiliar. I don’t know if it was the ocean water below me or the incredibly clear sky above me, or the sangria in my water bottle, but this specific solo moment was different.
I always thought by the time I was 30 I’d be married, well traveled, and steadily working as a film actress. Well I’m definitely 30, still haven’t been out of the country, tour in a theatre show, and find myself turning down film parts that don’t challenge or inspire me. I am not where I thought I would be, but I have to say, I am completely okay with that. I don’t know what was in that ocean water, but there was a glorious shift that happened: I was at peace with ME. Often times we give ourselves timelines and life-deadlines and put immense pressure on ourselves to be this person we think we need to be–usually for everyone else but ourselves. Though the “it’s never good enough” mentality can be a healthy motivation, you have to first acknowledge your achievements and give credit where credit is due, then you can continue to push the bar higher and higher and aim for the stars.
Gliding across the water I felt a real urge to put my new found contentment to good use, embrace my womanhood, and challenge myself! I constantly see blogs about self-challenges/life cleanses/bucket list quests, and I have decided to hop on the bandwagon and create my own; 30 things I want to do while I’m 30. At first I wanted to “do something new every day!” but in effort to be honest and fair to myself (I mean, I’m only on season 2 of Game Of Thrones..) I’ll set the bar at attainable first. I am not holding myself to completing this list per-say, but giving myself a sort of to-do list as a fun, inspiring way to bask in my womanhood. Below, you will find my “list”; most of it is industry/career related, but I tossed in some personal goals too. I will document my journey and share the highlights here.
1. Get a manager
2. Host a networking cocktail party
3. Take new headshots
4. Update my reel
5. Reach my fitness goal
6. Use my passport…hopefully for a job!
7. Go to more plays
8. Learn a new skill
9. Go to NY
10. Go on a road trip and document it
11. Take a cooking class
12. Take yoga
13. Take risks
14. Try a new acting class
15. Read more
16. Visit family at least once a month
17. Laugh every day
18. Find an excuse to wear more dresses
19. Inspire others
20. Wake up grateful
21. BOOK BOOK BOOK
22. Save $$
23. Produce an original work
24. WRITE WRITE WRITE
25. Take a hip hop class
26. Put my phone away during meals
27. Stop using “busy” as an excuse aka find the time
28. Trust my gut
29. Don’t be afraid to fail
30. Be the best me I can be
Please share challenges you’ve set and/or met in an effort to better yourself in the comments below!