The Year of Love: In Review

What a whirlwind this year has been. I started the year (and this blog) with the intent of putting myself out there and opening myself up to love. And while I am still as "single as they come", I am a changed person. My outlook exiting 2013 is much different than it was entering 2013. No longer am I bitter about love or the "lack" of it in my life. I still get lonely, sure, and sometimes I wonder if "the one" will ever manifest himself. But this year has taught me to love myself and appreciate what I DO have in life.

I have had opportunities beyond my comprehension and have given thanks every day that I am where I am in life. I'm not sure what I did to deserve so many amazing loved ones in my life, but I am happy that I have an ocean of friends and family to support me and laugh/drink/cry with.

But because the end of every year is full of lists, I will include one here, too. You may remember the visions I made for myself and my Year of Love. I was actually quite shocked when I revisited them. I had forgotten so much of what I set out to do in 2013.

1. Lose 20 lbs: Nope. Didn't happen. I'm still pretty sexy though.
2. Quit Smoking. For Good: This one was actually pretty good ... until I directed a show over the summer and all hell broke lose. Happy to say though that once that show opened and closed I was done. Pretty much.
3. Stop Biting Fingernails: See #2.
4. Take Salsa: This I did and I LOVE IT. I think the salsa dance is the perfect exercise for the "modern woman". There is something so freeing about letting the man be a man and lead me across the dance floor. To give up the control that I cling to so desperately in life. I still have some classes left on my card that I will carry over into 2014: The Year of No Fear (more on that later).
5. Meditate: This one was a lot less structured than I would have liked. I confess that I certainly didn't carve out quiet time in my day to slow down and meditate. But my capacity for thankfulness and spirituality certainly increased and this is another vision I will carry with me into the New Year.
6. CAREER!!!!: This is by far the most impressive change in my life. I received a hefty raise at my "money job". I directed several outstanding theatre pieces (to rave reviews) and I was able to observe a world renowned voice teacher in her final semester of teaching. I feel so much more prepared for teaching and I'm looking forward to finding that right opportunity that will kickstart me on the path towards the life I want.
7. Credit Card Debt: Oh, do we really have to talk about this one? Okay. So even though I received a significant raise, I was part-time all this Fall because of the observation. I counted every penny, but still had to charge rent this last month of 2013 and charge Christmas. So I have less debt than when I started 2013, but I didn't reach my goal. Not to be discouraged, this will carry over as well.
8. Build a New Home: Well, I wasn't able to move into my own place this year, but I did get two new roommates. I miss my "old" roommate desperately, but we've painted walls and rearranged furniture and I am excited for this new chapter in all of our lives.
9. Blog: Yeah. So, that happened. I wasn't as faithful as I would have liked. I think that the blog serves as a creative outlet when I don't have as many creative opportunities in my "real life" so when I'm directing/acting/teaching, the blog falls by the wayside. But I am going to try to continue with it as I think it is a good way for me to process all that is happening in my life and help me keep perspective on all that is important.

So as we say good-bye to 2013: Year of Love, we say hello to 2014: The Year of No Fear. Already in the works is a skiing trip to conquer the fear that developed after I took a tumble down a green and separated my shoulder on a youth group ski trip. Rounding out the list (so far) is learning to surf, taking archery lesson (in case of the zombie apocalypse) and finally writing my one-woman show.

I'm still planning on blogging about life, love and living without fear so feel free to check in once in a while.

All the best to you and yours for a prosperous and "take the world by storm" 2014!

XOXO
Me