I met an author at a blogging conference a couple years ago named  Donna Cutting. Donna wrote a great book called The Celebrity Experience: Insider Secrets to Delivering Red Carpet Customer Service.

She sent me a note about her cousin who embarked on a cool journey this year. At 34 and gay and living in Los Angeles,   he is examining his life. “Turning 34 has got me to think about what more I want from life and how I can go about getting it. I’m taking control and trying to shake up my simple routine. For the next 12 months, I will be trying to accomplish 12 carefully selected goals that will fulfill lifelong dreams, overcome fears, improve my quality of life or give me memorable experiences I never thought possible.”


His name is Liam Gillen and he lives in Los Angeles. “My life’s defining moment came 8 years ago when I took a vacation to LA to see a live taping of Will & Grace. When I got to the studio and was escorted into the audience seating area, I was in awe at the sight of Will Truman’s living room only twenty feet away. It’s difficult to explain, but right then and there I made the decision to move to LA. I understood that moving just for the sake of living where television is made was drastic.  Six years later, I am still living like a LA tourist and wondering what else life has in store for me!”

He set up the site and decided to blog about his journey as a way to help keep himself on track. Knowing that friends, family and even complete strangers are holding him accountable,  will force him to stay motivated. 
It’s a great idea! Some of the goals are very targeted, like becoming more financially responsible. And some could be a bit of a challenge perhaps to reach. Like becoming a member of  the Los Angeles Gay Mens Chorus . 



“One of the first things I did after coming out to my parents (besides trying to erase the memory of my mother asking me if I’ve ever had “the anal sex”) was seeing the Boston Gay Men’s Chorus  perform. This was an especially great concert because Nell Carter was a guest soloist and it was the first time I could participate in gay things openly.

After the concert, I was determined to try out. Auditions came and auditions went yet I still couldn’t bring myself to go for it. I was too terrified at the thought of singing in front of people. No one was pushing me to do it so it was easy for me to put it off and say “I’ll try out next year”. Ten years later, I’m living in a new city but still saying, “I’ll try out next year”. “


Another goal is having dinner with Kathy Griffin and Anderson Cooper!  Liam is a clever and witty writer and on a great journey. I wanted to share his site with all of you and perhaps you will check it out.

12 Goals 12 Months

And Kathy, if you are reading this, he is waiting for your call!

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