Some forward thinking

My childhood friend, Jason, has a blog that I haven't visited in a while. I finally decided to check in on him today. It seems like he's had a really rough year. But it sounds like he is finally ready to move forward.
That made me think a lot about what has happened this past year. Maybe it was turning 30 that really gave me a kick in the butt that I needed. Maybe I was just finally ready. But taking the big step of really doing the photography thing was very scary for me. But with some support from my family and friends, I did it anyway. And so far, so good.
I was finally ready to put myself out there. I am finally able to accept criticism, and see it as constructive, rather than hurtful. I am finally able to realize that not everybody is going to see what I see, and like what I like. And I'm OK with that.
I was also ready to let go of things that have happened in the past, lots of anger and disappointment, and a good chunk of self-doubt. Man, I feel better already.
I still need to work on totally and fully accepting rejection, no matter what form it comes in.
I do need to still need to work on voicing my feelings and being heard. Sometimes I don't say what I really need to say, but instead keep quiet not wanting to hurt someone else's feelings. I also realize I have a lot more growing to do personally. I like that I'm learning so much more about myself than I would have before. Hopefully, in the end I will be a better mother/wife/person for taking a step forward.