Hi, my name is Anna Hickey and I live in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA.
I’m a freelance actor, teaching artist, and choreographer. Basically I run around doing as many onstage and on camera things as people will allow.
The hardest things I had to do in 2014
The way I view my own body. Obviously being in a career that throws you in the spotlight and compares you with other people makes you judge your physique, but this was more than that. I become obsessed with any slight jiggle, even if my clothes still fit. I would look at old pictures and be disappointed in how much weight I’d gained, even though I was being hired for modelling and on camera positions. It became a shame game, but I eventually realized “Eh! I really love myself.” And I took it from there.
I also had to overcome the awful actor’s curse of comparing yourself to other people. Why did she get that job? Is she prettier than me? Is her song better than mine? Why didn’t that audition come my way? Blah blah blah. Soon I found that this was toxic, and began befriending instead of comparing. Now I have a a lot more friends and a lot less inferiority complexes.
What I learnt from all this
What I learnt from all this is that I am completely capable of providing my own happiness. Literally, it’s all me.
Some accomplishments from 2014 that I’m proud of and happy about…
I worked in my first equity house, meaning that as an actor I was in a high profile performance that I got paid well for. I accepted long term positions with several teaching institutions, and I started dating the love of my life. And I saved up enough money for a trip to Disney World.
If you are feeling down at this time of year, my tip is
Go outside. It’s cold (in Minnesota, for sure), but don’t let the weather win. Bundle up and go for a walk. Look at the trees, look at the restaurants, look at the people. It’s easy in the winter to feel isolated. The simple act of being outside makes you feel like you’re part of the whole world again.
My intention for 2015 is to…
To let go. To let go of what I think my future should be. Let go of my expectations of the jobs I should be booking, and be grateful and mindful. And, of course, to laugh and sing and play. Like any 27 year old child.
In 2015, I am the Queen of Kindness.
Connect with Anna:
On Facebook here.
On Twitter: @annalynnhickey
On Instagram: @ahickey0901
MEET THE REST OF THE 2015 QUEENS HERE!
