Happy, Merry, Joy, Love!
It coming to a close. It’s almost over. We did it. YOU did it. You made 2011 pretty sweet, didn’t ya?
Last year, I gave you the assignment to give me your Top 10 list of 2010. You ate it up. You revelled in what you accomplished. I shared them on my blog. Others read them and congratulated you.
So we are doing it again. With a twist. This is your Top Ten Greatest Hits of 2011! The things YOU are most proud of accomplishing this year. (horns blasting, bells ringing!!)
Did you travel somewhere you had never been? Finish writing your book? Fall in love? Broke it off? Dropped lbs? Dropped a bad habit? The big and the small, we celebrate them all!
The twist: Who was the most significant person of the year for you? Your mom, best friend, Lady Gaga? As you look back, is there anyone who stands out above and beyond in your mind? Let’s give them a little praise.
Leave your list in the comment section. I can’t stress how good this will make you feel! I will be reading every word, no matter when you decide to write it.
Before you go to town, I wanted to share this quick video. I know 2012 is around the corner and you are already starting to plan. I have something today that I know will make you dreams and goals for 2012 foolproof. Click play to watch.
It has worked for me and hundreds of my students.
Jan. 3rd it will be available for you, wherever you are. Did I say foolproof for 2012? Yes. Yes I did.
Lastly, (sorry for this being a lil lengthy) this Wednesday we will have our annual SHRINK WRAP HOLIDAY party. (for Shrink Session:)
Wed. Dec. 21st 6:30-8:30
Chelsea Studios
151 W. 26th 5th flr.
Bring a pal and it is only $10 each:) Sweet deal.
We will sweat (workout!) and then we will be merry. And by merry I mean we give and get little prezzie’s that symbolize abundance.
Last year Jeffery got a small device that foams your milk (for homemade cappuccino) and I got giant knitting needles from Olivia who promised to make me a homemade scarf. I think she is still working on it:)
Click here to RSVP. We would love to have you.
Happies of holidays to you and your loved ones! Now watch the vid + write your list!
xo
Erin
I went skydiving, tried a flying trapeze class & did a catch, went to RHH Live in NYC (which is how I learned about you!), grew in my yoga practice, added SPX fitness to the mix, and rocked positive energy & self-care throughout the journey of the year. Can’t think of one person that stands out, but many!
Fantastic Anne! I love that you were also at RHH live!! Keep rockin’ in 2012 woman! Can’t wait to hear where it takes you:)
xox
Love! I participated in Marie’s mastermind, I launched two websites, wrote 50,000 words for NaNoWriMo, doubled my income from 2010, spoke on stage in front of loads of people, grew myself a little mailing list, got my first paid gig as a writer, was a top 10 finalist for Brian Tracy’s guest blogger contest, learned how to stand in my power, left a relationship that wasn’t serving me, lost 14lbs and counting!
It’s hard to name one person that stands out from this past year… definitely YOU and the mastermind gals, Marie, my parents for supporting me and my best friend!
xoxo
Yeah Steph!!! Girl 14bs and counting! I am not gonna recognize you the next time I see you:)
Thank YOU for being such an integral part of my year. I am so glad we are finally getting to work together too.
Oooh, can’t wait to see what 2012 brings ya!
xo
1. I graduated college!
2. I got into my school’s magazine!
3. I won a grant proposal!
4. I started a child’s community garden program
5. I transitioned a hip hop dance club
6. I had a boyfriend, lol
7. I figured out what my life goals are
8. I learned what my fears were
9. I tended to plants
10. I cooked my own food
I love that tending to plants in on your list. I totally agree that is a big accomplishment and not easy to do:)
Sounds like some big things happened for you this year. Wonderful. I look forward to hearing how 2012 kicks off. Keep me posted, please!
xx
Hey! Mercury Retrograde ate my Top 10 list I tried to post here yesterday. So…I get to revisit it!
In 2011…
1. I did my cabaret! It was a goal I set in Erin’s SHRINK SESSION in 2010, and I DID it! After a 15-year hiatus, I got back up on stage and did a whole show!
2. I took a solo birthday trip to the Dominican Republic.
3. I completed the 60-day Insanity workout in November.
4. I put in notice to leave my corporate job – ready for a new start in 2012!
5. I did not eat meat or fish in 2011, which is a personal decision that makes me happy each and every day.
6. I made a beautiful vision board/wall in my apartment.
7. I supported my BFF in her daring, brave, one woman movement performance piece.
8. I found a great new therapist.
9. I quit smoking cigarettes again.
10. I deepened my meditation practice.
Banner year, for sure. Looking forward to more in 2012! I can’t settle on a “most important person” so I’m going to table that for now.
Looking forward to another year of SHRINK SESSIONS and MAGICALY MANIFESTING MY DREAMS!
Thank you ERIN!
Love,
Jeffrey
You just keep getting better and better, Jeffrey. I just can’t wait for your next show!!
I love you.
xx
E
Hey Erin!
I do this list every year & damn, if it doesn’t make me feel like a rock star!
Here goes 2011…
1. Got back on the dating horse after 4 years goin’ solo. Nothing like a summer fling with a Brazilian surfer to get your groove back
2. Hustled up the entry fee for RHH Live & met a ton of kick ass women! Changed my future, for sure.
3. Did the Kris Carr ‘Crazy Sexy’ Cleanse ~ lost 20 lbs, let go of some old wounds, and energized myself enough to run a small country, at least!
4. Plunged headfirst into a first class marketing education.
5. Grew my own vegetables. Dug in the dirt. Ate a lot of fresh chard + kale.
6. Discovered what my first book will be, and started writing it. Just you wait, 2012! I’m giving women everything they need to know about hiring the best people + surrounding themselves with superstar employees!
7. Aligned my natural rhythm with that of Mother Nature. Slept when I was tired, ate when I was hungry, channeled my muse by spending a lot of time outside: kayaking, hiking, foraging, sailing, eagle-watching.
8. Moved in with my sister to help raise her son (3 yrs) + newborn daughter, because it takes a village. Values in action.
9. Radical financial overhaul – living debt-free, job-free, and worry-free.
10. Opened up my heart more than ever before. This is a biggie for me.
As for the most significant person? I must pick 2. One stranger + one intimate.
The stranger is Simon Sinek, for he, during his “Inspire Leaders + Start With Why’ speech, made me cry. And I don’t cry. I am, or should I say WAS, a fortress. But for some (thank the universe!) reason, he reached inside my heart and unlocked my passion for living. Eternally grateful for the sense of safety he created for me.
My intimate is my dad, who was just diagnosed with cancer. Nothing more to say about that, other than the fact that he’s technically my stepfather, but in name only. He IS my dad.
Thanks, Erin, for creating this space for me to reflect – it’s one thing to share this with my own readers, but it’s liberating to share it with yours, too.
May 2012 be your best EVER!
Kellie
Kellie
This is a really beautiful list. Congratulations on all these beautiful accomplishments.
I love everything from your summer fling to your book idea. Put me on the list for a copy, please.
Sending you so much holiday love and yes, May 2012 be the best year ever:)
xo
E
Doing this list has been cathartic. I have been feeling like I have done nothing this year, and career-wise that is sort of true in regards to racking up credits and getting the big bucks, but in doing this list I realize that I got some really important stuff done and I feel great about that! Here’s some…
1) I returned to movement for sanity, pleasure and health benefits. I wanted to find my inner athelete and be at ease and strong in my body again. Began in Erin’s class January 2011 on a lark, knowing nothing about it but having hit a wall in my movement (could not get motivated). In addition to Erin’s class which I continued to take, another woman in the class started a 90 day Megamovement Challenge, which I joined: Mar 4 – June 1: 30 min sweat 6 days & 1 gentle day. I liked it so much, I continued 90 day on my own with the same accountability partner: June 2 – Sept 2. Continued another 90: Sept 3 – Dec 4: and I am still going — as I type this I am completing day 293 daily movement.
I started cooking while my sweet cat was sick and I discovered that I am a great cook and I love it. I always baked a little, but this has been awesome. My husband of a year was thoroughly surprised and thrilled as he had no idea.
2) I stopped caffeine over 6 months ago!
3) I took myself on a Personal Retreat for my birthday — 4 days of healing and peace.
4) I played a featured role in an independent feature film. (This was the one goal on my carer goal list that I did do. It was awesome.)
5) In January I got off the Fear Fence and joined SAG and AFTRA to let the Universe know that I am ready for more, I am a pro.
6) I am one day from completing the Capes 29 Day Giving Challenge to give something away each day for 29 days. It has been awesome.
7) I reconnected with a woman helping me put together/update my musical theatre audition book. It was a goal form 2010 but I fell off track. This was one tough goal to meet for some reason (huge resistance.) But I did it and now have 17 new songs in my book, with cuts and have started learning them. I will own them soon and get out there!
9) I learned 6 new monologues — audition ready.
10) I took a Shakespeare class and fell in love with the work.
11) I coordinated a wonderful family reunion of sorts this summer.
12) I lost the extra pounds that I’d gained over the last three years — my clothes fit! I am so happy about that!
13) I joined Equinox – what a great gift to myself.
15) I have been consciously eating for 151 days — making some changes and feel so good, have so much more energy and feel clear. Have done several successful juice cleanses over the past 6 months: a 10 day, 2 five days, a 4 day, two 3 days.
16) I started a daily gratitude and meditation practice.
I have a tie for the two people who have most influenced my year. One is Erin. I have met so many wonderful people through her class, and have really been making progress in so many areas of my life, but the greatest gifts there is that I am shifting some core beliefs and choosing to want more for my life, from my self, having been inspired on a daily, weekly, monthly basis by Diva Stutland and the amazing soul warriors that are drawn to her. For my clothes to fit again is great, but it is really about feeling happier and stronger and to be experiencing the joy of showing up for myself and others in the community Erin has created. I am so grateful to the Universe for leading me to her class. The other person is Suzanne, a mentor who has been helping me in my life so much. When the student is ready the teacher appears, and she has been the teacher I really needed to find. The work we are doing is helping me in ways I never hoped for. My cup runneth over and over and over…
May thanks to Erin and the Shrink Community! Here’s to a wonderful 2012 ahead!!
This is such a beautiful list MC. Thank you for bringing so much to Shrink Session this past year. Your light is bright.
2012 is off and running!
xx
1. I started writing and sharing my writing on a regular basis.
2. I produced a TV show!
3. I recorded an audio book with my dad, which was such a meaningful experience. And great to work with him professionally.
4. I started a meditation practice.
5. I let go of an important relationship that wasn’t serving me & opened myself up for my true love.
6. I cracked my heart open and open it has stayed.
7. I fell in love with myself this year.
8. I started writing a script that I am very excited about.
9. I took up pottery again and remembered that I love it.
10. I started cooking more and making better food choices which make me feel great.
Ooooh girl. Can’t wait to see what you do with your writing in 2012!! And more!!
1. I completely let go of the sad old story entitled “Jamie Is Bad at Auditioning” which resulted in a callback with Mark Wing-Davey, two short film bookings, and a number of other kick ass auditions. (no audition coach or general craziness required)
2. I moved into my own apartment.
3. I auditioned for graduate school, got a callback, didn’t get in, and realized that I totally dodged a bullet.
4. I founded a non-profit film production company. (See website above!)
5. I wrote a short film.
6. I took another birthday vacation by myself and this time even ventured out on a zipline and snorkling adventure by myself.
7. Deepened three new friendships.
8. Informally organized an audition prep group with people who are super supportive and incredibly helpful.
9. Found ways to move my body without a gym membership.
10. Went to a dinner party alone knowing only the hostess (this is probably the biggest accomplishment of them all)
OH! And the most significant person to me this year was… me. I know I need to praise and appreciate the people who have supported me, and I do (My friend Clea Rivera was a total angel this year and we really became close friends.) But I have to give myself props (for maybe the first time in my life) for showing up for myself, standing up for myself, having my own back and never backing down.
Although a couple of weeks ago I would’ve said 2011 was a pain in my ass and a hard year, I’ve since then had a little conversation with 2011 and understood that it was ALL ME. So, it has been and continues to be a great year!
1. I went down to the bottom, the deep dark bottom, and broke through to shine brighter than ever.
2. I released all resentments towards my parents that were holding me back from having an exceptional life!
3. I started writing Daily ♥ Reminders, little reminders to myself to always know how special I am and to LOVE myself. These were just for me but have become reminders for others, and that makes me so happy.
4. I created five new pieces of art, in less than 3 months – larger work than I’d ever done – hurting my hand in the process but oh so worth it.
5. I co-exhibited my work along with the artist that inspired me to do art in the first place, Simone Lourenço, at [space on white] in NYC!
6. I manifested an invitation from one of my favorite writers, Cheryl Richardson, to a Hay House event where I got to meet, not only Cheryl but one of my all-time favorite humans, Louise Hay!
7. At that same Hay House event, I was told that I would be getting the opportunity to create a Magicalized Portrait for not only Cheryl Richardson but for LOUISE HAY! (I also received the news in front of Erin Stutland which made it even more special and magical!)
8. By deciding that nothing was more important than feeling GOOD, I’ve been able to focus on my joy, my art, and in turn, in the last 3 1/2 months of this year, I’ve had 10 commissions for my work . . . and more on the way.
9. I dedicated myself to a daily meditation practice and rarely go a day without doing it. It has changed my life.
10. I have learned to truly give myself a break and love myself unconditionally because through love and with love anything is possible. . . I practice daily kindness & compassion towards myself because I’d been beating me up for waaaay too long. . .
The person that made the most difference in my life in 2011 is going to sound shocking and crazy but . . . it was Harold Camping. He was the dude who came up with The Rapture and the end of the world craziness back in May. Because of this, I was able to go back and understand my upbringing and my parents and how growing up with Jehovah’s Witnesses made an impact on my life. I was able to write about it and get it all out. . . I thank him for his crazy-talk. It helped me get rid of the crazy-talk I’d grown up with.
Thanks for the opportunity to recap 2011 Erin!
I admit that this was as challenging for me as bragging. Not because I’m shy or lack confidence, but more so because I feel like I spent a good deal of 2011 in a state of complacency. Things were good. But I dont feel like I was living up to my full potential. So 2012 will be all about refocusing my intentions!
Top 10 I can stand by as truly great “hits” in 2011:
1. I got my HEALTH back – long story
2. I got back in shape after a very depressing 2 years of dealing with health issues.
3. I lost 10-15 lbs (that were gained in 2009-2010).
4. I reconnected with my BFF who I thought I’d lost touch with forever.
5. I supported my boyfriend (mentally, emotionally and financially) through a yr of unemployment.
6. I weened myself off Cymbalta!
7. I started a blog & discovered a true passion for writing that I didn’t know I had.
8. Sealed the deal on getting my company’s plumbing spec’d into the largest, multi-million $$$ development in NYC!
9. Built and nurtured a tight relationship with one of NYC biggest developers.
10. Took a giant step toward overcoming a lifelong history with disordered eating and feel the healthiest I’ve ever felt.
Here are my top 10:
1. I dropped my story that in order to be happy, loved, etc. I needed to lose weight.
2. I performed in a burlesque show
3. I took on fitness challenges that were out of my comfort zone. Core Fusion, Physique 57, Barry’s Bootcamp, etc.
4. The quality of my relationships vastly improved!
5. I dived into my fears head on
6. I have a blog that is evolving into something I love
7. Stability in my professional life
8. I now have a business
9. Experiencing positive body image acceptance and healing in this area
10. Most importantly I have fallen madly, deeply in love with myself.
I just posted a very lengthy post with each why and pictures in my blog.
Here is my TOP 10
1.started the first 3months of this year playing the best role of my career so far.
2.met the love of my life, and moved in with the love of my life.
3. after being thrown out of my home in a dramatic manner i found a new and amazing place in 2 days.
4. booked a national commercial and lots of voiceovers.
5. maintained my weight loss of 45pounds sucessfully.
6. i strengthened my relationship with my Mom after a very painful year.
7. letting go of an ex boyfriend with lots of grace and dignity.
8. survived the worst financial time of my life, and rebounded even better.
9. said no to 3 gigs that wasnt in direct alignment with my desire.
10. that i made so many choices in 2011 out of love and not fear.
And the person that inspired me the most this year is Erin Stutland. For creating a community that truly helped me in the most painful year of my life. Even when i was too broke to take classes i still read the emails and said the affirmations a million times a day.And i know that is what helped me turn this year into a magical one.Thanks Erin for inspiring me too live the best life ever. 2012 HERE WE COME!!!!!
Thank you so much Nikki. You have inspired me tremendously as well. You continue to amaze me in so many ways. Here is to more tremendous growth in 2012!!
hi erin!
these are my top 10 hits of 2011!
-got cast as the lead in an off-broadway musical, i got to interact with kids and sign autographs for them in character after the show and they inspired me with how much they loved their theatre experience!
-got a dream role, penny in hairspray – believed in myself for the first time in an audition room, that i really deserved something, wanted it and got it!
-started freelancing with an agency
-signed legit with another agency
-got my equity card!! this was a big fear to overcome since i was eligible for sometime, but now had to join. couldn’t be happier i made this choice and overcame fear and said YES I DESERVE THIS!
-made more money in my survival jobs
- held my first workshop “invest in yourself”, starting my interest in career coaching and started seeing erin as a coach, which i thought i never needed before but opened up to the idea and turns out it was the best thing ever and i needed it more than anything!
-learned to let go and not feel guilty for taking time for ME. saying no to opportunities that wouldn’t advance me.
- i shot two shorts for collegehumor, 3 student films, built a reel and got a ton more commercial/voice over auditions then i did last year!
- made serious progress in my voice lessons which has been a big barrier for me.
-dated a great guy but knew when to let the relationship go when it wasn’t what i was looking for. went on a lot of dates, putting myself out there instead of complaining about it!
Gosh, influential people of 2011 would include my voice teacher Ken, who has really given my confidence when I needed it…Erin who really made me realize that I have skills to be a career coach and my dreams of a fulfilling survival job can be a reality! And personally – my sister. She has really encouraged me and will remind me of my progress when I am down on myself.
I can’t wait for 2012! I am starting it off with a trip to LA and a cruise through the Mexican Riviera! Starting it off RIGHT!
Thanks, Erin for your positivity and the amazing community you have created!! <3
Wowza, lets see and celebrate!!
1. I broke it off.
2. I surrendered when things happened I wasn’t so thrilled about.
3. I started a new job/career.
4. I succeeded at new job/career!
5. I manifested a trip to Europe.
6. I deepened my friendships.
7. I allowed some amazing people to show up for me.
8. I fell down, but got right back on that horse!
9. I learned how to let go a little bit more
10. I took care of ME for the first time in a while.
HAPPY New Year lovely!! Thanks for your inspiration and looking forward to the new year! xo
Fun!
In 2011:
1. I joined the Actor’s Union! Woo! and I earned a year of health benefits
2. I met a girl on tour that has become the best friend I’ve ever had. She makes me better and inspires me on the daily. Rockstar.
3. I moved into an area of NYC that I’m in love with.
4. I was completely single for OVER half of the year and I am learning to love myself more each day because of it.
5. I rang in the new year dancing on stage at Madison Sq Garden with Phish. Coolest night of my life!
6. In the month of December, I revived my love for theatre and have never felt more confident.
7. I moved across country for one month spontaneously, only to be completely happy there and still know NYC is where I am meant to be right now.
8. I broke my wrist and decided to believe it was meant to be. SO many things went right after that.
9. I flossed a lot this year. (it was last year’s NYE resolution)
10. I got organized!!!
Most influential person goes to the friend I met on tour. SHE IS SO INCREDIBLE!
Shayla
better late than never!
1. I cut my hair!!! I have had incredibly long hair my entire life (as does my mom and sister) and I cut it on my 25th birthday…not sure if I will keep it short forever, but at least I no longer have to say “what if…”
2. I got a cat that has made each and every day hilarious and filled with love
3. I strengthen my relationships with my siblings and my parents by being more “me”
4. I plunked down the money for some new headshots and a website
5. I was proactive in taking care of my health!
6. I finally quit a job that was emotionally draining and got a new one!
7. I stopped going to open dance calls
8. I got called back for a lead in a national tour
9. I worked on two short plays that have been some of my favorite acting moments in NYC this far
10. I have remembered why I love to sing – this is huge after having years and years of drama about my voice
11. I made some decisions about my relationship and living situation – long overdue, but this has transformed my life
12. I applied to grad school and didn’t get in – I also think I dodged a bullet!
Thank you Erin for being a life force and inspiring mentor. Though I was out of class due to health reasons for awhile, your encouragement and enthusiasm for living your best life resonate throughout my days.
Let’s go 2012! It’s already a great year.