The start of a new year always feels like a good time to reflect, doesn’t it? A moment to take stock of what went well, what didn’t, and what’s been quietly simmering beneath the surface. Last year? Well, it was one of those years that felt tougher than it looked in hindsight. Ever have one of those?
You spend months feeling like you’re spinning plates—juggling auditions, side jobs, relationships, health, finances—and yet when you pause, you realise, “Wait a minute, I actually got some stuff done.” It’s not the “Oscars speech” kind of progress, but it’s progress all the same.
There’s this great quote from Bryan Cranston that sticks with me: “The actor’s job is not to book the job. The actor’s job is to go into the room and be compelling.”
Now, replace “actor” with whatever you’re striving for, and it still works. Sometimes, the wins aren’t about the flashy results but about showing up, being present, and doing the thing. For me, last year had a lot of that. I didn’t book a blockbuster, but my audition-to-job ratio was solid. Small victories count—and they add up.
On the personal front, I’ve been reminded how much joy comes from sharing pieces of your life with someone else. Taking Lucy to Chicago, showing her the places that shaped me, was like giving her a guided tour of my past—with some excellent pizza stops along the way, of course. Sharing those stories made them feel fresh again, as if the city had been waiting for someone new to see it.
But let’s not sugarcoat it: life last year was also frustrating. Trying to level up in acting while keeping the bills paid is like running a marathon with a backpack full of rocks. You’re moving forward, but you’re constantly aware of the weight.
And then there’s the mental soundtrack—you know the one. Social media’s endless parade of other people’s highlight reels. Media shouting about how the world’s falling apart. It can pull you down faster than quicksand.
But here’s the thing: stepping back helps. Perspective is a sneaky superpower. When I finally looked at my year objectively, I saw that it wasn’t so bad. Stress just has this annoying habit of zooming in too far on the messy bits.
There’s a Bible verse I always find amusing: “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own” (Matthew 6:34). I mean, it’s solid advice…and also a bit sassy, right? Like, “Calm down, mate, today’s already a handful.” But it’s a fair point. If we’re too focused on what’s next, we miss the quiet wins of today.
Health-wise? Up and down, like one of those theme park rides that makes you question your life choices. But overall, I’m upright and functional, which is more than enough some days. Mental health? Same. It’s a balancing act—holding onto the good stuff while not letting the bad stuff knock you flat.
As we step into another year, maybe the real trick is to keep moving while remembering to pause. Take stock, find the humour in the chaos, and celebrate the small wins—even if it’s just getting through a tough week with your dignity intact. Or at least most of it.
So, to whoever’s reading this: don’t let the world or its noise pull you down. Find the joy in showing up. Take stock of your wins, however small. And remember Bryan Cranston’s advice: the job isn’t always about booking the job. Sometimes, it’s just about being there, being compelling, and keeping faith that the pieces will come together. Here’s to a year of spinning plates—and maybe catching a few.
