The 30 by 30 Epilogue

Almost exactly a year ago, I held a bow and arrow for the first time, and found myself competing with a 12 year old blonde kid with elvish genes whom I then referred to as, “Legolas”. Learning archery was the first of the 30 things I promised myself I would attempt, as part of this project. A project I had started because I wanted to find my niche! My bliss! I was tired of being a jill of all trades, and a master of none. It was a quest… to find out finally, what it is I’m really passionate about!

And now, one year – and 30 things later, I still don’t have a clue! Haha!

But it’s not a bad thing!!!

Because honestly, putting myself through all of the activities I participated in – truly TRULY made my year a LOT more interesting AND more fun than if I had just sat myself down and let life pass me by. 

I mean it’s one thing being a joiner like I already am… But then having a goal in mind – like I did, really did something to my psyche. It’s like having a propeller. Whenever something came up… like an opportunity to do something different for example, my brain was sort of wired to automatically say “YES!” almost like I had no choice. Because the choice to say “yes” was predetermined by the contract I made with myself to do this project and see it through. Does that make sense?

And the law of attraction or the power of thought or however you want to call it --- was definitely working to my benefit too. One thing kept leading me to another. One activity led me to meet someone who did this thing, and going to that thing led me to see a poster about this other thing, and going to that other thing inspired me to try this other new thing… etc. You get the picture, right?

And one of the greatest most amazing gifts the universe has given me was leading me to meet my favorite writer, who was in fact my inspiration for this endeavor. Like I mentioned in my previous entries, this whole project was my homage to his “Yes experiment”, and meeting him right at the very end was just too movie-like perfect.

In fact, someone should seriously turn this into a movie… and I nominate Emma Stone to play me!!!

I’m trying not to be cheesy and feel-goody about this ‘epilogue’… but it’s haaard because I really did have such an amazing time doing this! I mean I don’t think I would have sought out to learn Archery, or had the guts to play Dodgeball, or subject my body’s flexibility to Anti-Gravity Yoga, or give up bacon for Veganism if I didn’t feel like I had to. But I’m glad I did!

I did have my challenges. At pne point in the middle, I had lost my momentum. I got exhausted! I felt like I was doing too much, my body was literally failing me. I had temptations of giving up halfway... I thought about quitting. I was running out of things to try, things to do... and I was so tired.
But everyone goes through low points, and I slapped myself out of it eventually. I just taught myself to slow down and pace myself. I actually ended up doing more than 30! Some of the activites just didn't make the cut. Too boring to write about. Nothing really eventful happend when I took voice lessons or hip-hop classes. I already bored you guys with the horseback riding story, I didn't want to do it again.

I’m happy to report though, that I’m still doing Muay Thai, 4 times a week, thank you ver much! I really like it, and its one of the ones that stuck with me. I still play and rock the ukulele, trying to get better at it everyday. I still volunteer on a regular basis, and recently got an offer to be a real face painter (Woohoo! Didn’t see that coming!). I’m doing the triathlon again this year, focusing on my navigational skills in the ocean this time. And traveling? Well, plans for a Greek Island Hop is underway!

                           

And even if I didn’t find my niche like I had intended… beh… So what? It’s okay. I still have the rest of my life to figure out what it is… and the point is, I don’t think I’ll ever stop trying anyway. :) Just because the 30by30 Project is over, it doesn’t mean it stops there.
As a matter of fact, after I’ve turned thirty, I’ve driven a boat, coordinated a wedding, volunteered as a paparazzi, AND auditioned for a musical (Les Miserables) at a local community theater (I got in!!).

So you see?? Maybe trying EVERYTHING is my niche! Maybe I’m just a master at being a jill of all trades! Maybe life IS my bliss!
Maybe I had it all wrong. Maybe we aren’t supposed to have just ONE passion or purpose in life.  

                                              
 
Who knows? I’m no expert, but I do know that right now, at this very moment, is the youngest I’ll ever be… and I don’t plan on wasting my youth by moping about, complaining about the things that could have been, kicking and screaming about my limitations… But instead, I choose to celebrate the things I can do, and be grateful for them. I choose to be proactive, and seek out adventure that makes me feel INFINITE! I choose to be mobile, and continue to discover different places, music, food, and cultures of the world! When I am faced with a situation where I have to ask myself, “Why” – I choose instead to ask, “Why not?” … And to opportunities, suggestions, favors, or invitations where I would normally say “no” – I choose to say, “YES.”

And I hope you do too!

Lastly, I’d like to leave you with a nice blessing, borrowed from our friend, Neil Gaiman…

“May your coming year be filled with magic and dreams and good madness. I hope you read some fine books and kiss someone who thinks you’re wonderful, and don’t forget to make some art — write or draw or build or sing or live as only you can. And I hope, somewhere in the next year, you surprise yourself.” ♥

Thanks for reading, guys. It’s been a pleasure.

xoxo,
Eartha