Writing Dailey

2022, for me, was a year of many firsts. Trying new things, visiting new places, and taking on new responsibilities – it was a busy 12 months for this aging millennial.

Being Brave

“It is not the strength of the body that counts, but the strength of the spirit.”

― J.R.R. Tolkien

I found the courage to stay alone at an Airbnb in Traverse City; went out to dinner by myself; attended a concert solo at the Aretha Franklin Amphitheater; owned the situation of accidentally driving on the sidewalk after the Elton John concert in Detroit because the coned off path outside the parking garage was not clear at all; found an apartment for myself with some major help from my SIL, and stood up for myself a couple of times and spoke my authentic truth.

Takeaway: I’m a lot braver than I thought, but I still get hella anxious going to new places and eating dinner alone.

New Experiences

“Experience is the teacher of all things.”

 ― Julius Caesar

I figured out how to dismantle furniture without getting injured–specifically my spiked bed frame; started selling on FB Marketplace; got a storage unit and played tote Tetris; unfortunately, came down with COVID; tried fake nails and got slightly addicted to the click-clack; unintentionally filmed an ASMR unboxing video; joined a breakfast book club with some fabulous ladies; sponsored a youth art award; tried henna, and participated in the 50th Zonta fashion show.  

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Takeaway: I can wield a Phillips screwdriver and still moderately rock a runway.

Career Growth

“Opportunities don’t happen, you create them.”

― Chris Grosser

I sent cold-call-esque emails that resulted in jobs; handled PR for a documentary film; worked in clothing retail for the first time; created business merch; began waking up around 6 a.m. to start my day; started working at a library; blogged for several local entities; began writing pop culture articles for Distractify; edited a non-fiction book about a Supreme Court case from 1963; had an ad in the Harbor Springs Festival of the Book program, and did a social media giveaway. 

Takeaway: I’ve expanded my professional capacity and still don’t know who Chris Grosser is.

Learning New Things

“Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere.”

― Chinese Proverb

I attended workshops for calligraphy and wreath-making and started learning German because my dear friend lives in Germany and is getting married next summer, and I’ll be hopping the pond to attend (file that under future “being brave”).

Takeaway: I may be an aging millennial, but I can still absorb new information and gain knowledge and skills.

It’s good to try new things, even if they trigger trepidation. Facing such situations or obstacles helps us grow and become more comfortable in ourselves and confident when it comes to addressing the unknowns that will undoubtedly arise over the course of a year and, naturally, throughout life.

So, as this year draws to a close, reflect on all the cool, new, unique, unusual, or challenging experiences you had, and start thinking (and daydreaming) about what you’d like to do in 2023.

A few of my goals include completing the third draft of my novel, redesigning my website, and improving my French and German skills! Here’s to a new year of many firsts – what would you like to do or accomplish?