My Year of Leap

When it was almost 2018 and I looked at what I wanted to achieve in the coming year, I knew I needed my word for the year to be “leap.”

I’m sure it would have made more sense to do it on a leap year, but I’m not willing to wait that long. I was ready to tackle it this year!

What does it mean?

It’s my year to stop being so fearful and cautious. To do things that pushed me out my comfort zone.

The first opportunity came early in January: the offer to run the front desk at the brand-new dance studio. YES!

Several other opportunities have shown up as the year has progressed. Some have been things I’ve initiated (like running a small group for 6 weeks), and others I’ve been ready for when people suggested them (like surfing. Once you’ve picked your jaw up off the floor, you can read all about my story here.)

Some are one-time opportunities, like the surfing (because as good as it felt to try it, it’s NOT my cup of tea. I still don’t like water!). Others are things I’m joining and continuing, like taking a musical theater class at the dance studio. Not only am I getting gradually more comfortable singing and acting in front of the class, but I’m pushing myself to tackle emotions I don’t usually experience (currently humor and anger!) Plus trying (and loving) yoga, and yesterday was my first stretching/conditioning class. Oh, and I’m going to attempt hip-hop with a bunch of 9- to 12-year-olds. No, you can’t see video ;) I’m a ballet dancer so this could be really awkward. No, I pretty much guarantee it!

I’m doing smaller things, too. Writing little notes to people, just out of the blue, to thank them for their friendship. Things that are still putting myself out there, but aren’t quite as earth-shattering as surfing. 

I’ve still got 3 1/2 months of the year to see what else I’ll tackle.

And you know what? I don’t foresee stopping this once it’s 2019. I don’t think my 2017 me would even recognize the me I am now, and I like that!