I really appreciated hearing the anecdote about the performer who came into their prime in their thirties. As I enter my late 20s, I've felt like I'm running out of time. When I graduated drama school in 2019, I was at my fittest and most motivated. Cut to losing those first two years out to the pandemic, I was really thrown for a loop in terms of the timeline I had dreamed up for myself. I know it's going to be an ongoing challenge for me to overcome the fear of getting older in the industry without the CV credits to back me up (and not being able to keep up with these incredible fulltime dance kids), but I'm feeling much more hopeful, inspired and reinvigorated than I was before.

I mentioned on call tonight about a few of the silly ways I trick my brain into mindfulness and gratitude. First is my bingo card for the year, I have a professional and a personal one. Some of the spaces are more of a reach than others but it's fun to see if I can get a row. Second is my audition jar. For every submission I make, I put a pebble in the jar. If I get a callback or book, I add a different colour. Even if the initial submission is as far as I get, I still get the little win of another pebble.

Hi everyone! Just gotta say I've already loved reading everyone's posts and comments, this is very exciting. My name is Meredith and I am actor, dancer, singer and musician. I grew up in Perth, studied at Brent Street in 2016 then did my BFA in Musical Theatre in New Zealand with every intention of moving back to Aus until the pandemic trapped me for an extra three years. I moved to Melbourne a year ago and am loving it. Most interesting gig to date was probably touring Shrek the Musical around Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Dubai for four months. While I am so grateful for the professional opportunities I have had so far, I think that self doubt and a fear of not being enough has been holding me back. I also struggle with where I fit within the industry, as someone who identifies as being a bit of a Jack of all trades, master of none. I can't wait to learn and grow alongside you and connect with you all! So so happy to be here.