Accomplishing Goals

It was in the midst of making my to-do list for the day:

“I need to finalize those pieces in the morning and then make sure all the art is ready for market. Oh but I need to make sure I get the rest of that poem onto paper. Will I have time to make some jewelry before prepping for improv rehearsal?”

that I realized…

I’m kind of living the life I always wanted.

I didn’t have a clear picture or specific goalposts in mind, but I knew I wanted to spend my days creating.

Now, I create mixed media art pieces to sell, I create permanent jewelry for people to proudly wear *forever*, I create scenes and situations to entertain and teach important lessons…I’m spending my days creating.

But, not only am I creating in the artistic sense, I truly feel in my late 20’s that I have created a space I love to live in, I’ve created a happy home for my 3 animals, I create food that sustains me, I’ve created a circle of friends and loved ones who truly have my back, and I’ve created a place for myself here in my pretty little city.

 Sure, it’s not *quite* how I imagined it. I can't work nearly as many hours in a day as I want to. I do most of my work at home, by myself. I need extra time to complete projects. I have to take more days off than any “9-5” job or acting contract or gig-based profession would allow. I don’t make a full living off my own work, and I do have to humble myself and accept help (extremely gratefully) to have a comfortable life. I never thought I would be so dependent on others, especially my parents, at this stage in life.

Still, despite all that, I don’t think we ever really get a chance to appreciate living out the goals we’ve achieved.

We live in a society that is always looking for the NEXT achievement.

“Oh, you graduated?! Congratulations! What jobs are you applying for?”

“Congratulations on your wedding!!! When are you having kids??”

“You booked this amazing role!! What’s next for you??”

...

Why?

Appreciate the moments while you’re living them!

 Don’t wait until you’re “looking back” on your life to feel the gratitude these things deserve. Think about all the steps you took that got you to this position and revel in it for a second. Before you start to make your next plans, remind yourself why you had the original goal in the first place, and what it really MEANS to have achieved it.

 Stop underplaying your accomplishments.

You’re k!llin it 🤌🏽

(written Jul 30, 2023)