Stories and jewelry, that is. More stories than jewelry, by the way. :D
I was in my thirties and questioned what took me so dang long.
I thought about my 15 years as a child & family therapist, and special education teacher (really, they were nearly the same job, just different workloads), and wondered why I had wasted so much time.
I mean, I enrolled in a Master's program twice!
Sure, I'd always adored books but never imagined I was good enough to write.
I'd written boatloads of papers, reports, progress notes, and journal entries, and knew I was getting pretty darn good at stringing words together.
I once even put "author" as my dream job on one of those silly email chains, and later, when I saw a psychic for kicks and she told me I'd become a writer, I laughed at the absurdity of it.
Looking back, I'm grateful for the path I took, and that I'd honed those skills in previous careers. I mean, I know my family dynamics and mental health disorders like the back of my hand ( go ahead--ask me a question. Mental Health Mondays, maybe?).
It helps with world-building in my stories, and certainly helped when my son had learning issues last year. During that trying time, my husband told me how thankful he was for all of my knowledge in that concentrated area.
I guess it just takes some people longer to figure things out!
And that's okay. All of those experiences led me on my path to ME! It's been like an awakening.
Some days I still question my sanity and my choices, but people in my life tell me I'm the most settled I've ever been. Like a void's been filled.And I am. Settled. And Happy.
How about you?
HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND, EVERYBODY!
(powerfulintentions.org, awakeningresources.com, gapingvoid.com)
26 comments:
I loved this! Your voice was soft and totally got your sincere approach across. If I had more time, I would tell you the journey that got me to where I knew I was a writer. Maybe I'll post about it, eventually. Thank you for sharing.
Not bad. Many people a lot older than 30 still don't know what they want to do or aren't brave enough to do it.
LisaDay
Sounds so much like my own bumpy path. Amazing to feel that inner peace when you're doing what feels right. Thanks for this post.
It took me forty years to get here, so you're way ahead of the game if you ask me. But I really appreciate it so much more because I know what life would be like without this.
When I was 8, I wanted to be a writer after reading the Famous Five series by Edith Blyton (it inspired me to become an avid reader). That dream faded (English wasn't my best subject), but the creative side of me flourished. Maybe that's why I wasn't meant to be a drug rep. It didn't nurture my creative side. ;)
I'm not sure I'm settled yet, but I think I've come a LONG way since 2009. 2010 has been fantastic and I can't wait to see what awaits in 2011 :)
Great post. The time you spent working with family and kids probably really enhances your writing which makes the time not wasted. It is good to feel like you are settled in what you want to do.
Aw I love this post!
I am working on it. It is scary sometimes to move outside of that comfort zone, even if it is holding us back. This was a great post! Eye opening and inspiring. Thanks.
OK - I'm asking because you said to (and for fun).
I was once diagnosed with Oppositional Defiance Disorder. Isn't that total BS? To me it just means that I wasn't willing to listen to what stupid adults told me (I was 15 or so). My mom was dead and my dad was a drunk and out of my life, so I had decided I would be growing up and making my own decisions.
Now, I know this got me into trouble sometimes, and I certainly didn't know as much as I thought I did - but a clinical disorder? Give me a break, this is just an excuse to get kids on drugs from big pharm and to support residential therapy programs. Can adults even have ODD?
End rant.
Ooh Matt- big can of worms. And by the way, that SUCKS big time!
I am very familiar with that disorder and for an adult it can turn into Conduct Disorder or anti-social disorder—ha (are you a closet psychopath?)!
IMO, I think things are “better” diagnosed nowadays (with exceptions). I think a lot of kids were pigeon-holed years ago.
If it’s the “right” diagnosis, lots of families/kids ARE helped.
I’m so glad you found your way—b/c you are a wonderful human being (and father)!
I'm happy and settled too. I love being a writer and a wife and mother. It's what I always wanted to be. I'll never stop living the dream.
Excellent post. I think the whole point here is that you traveled your own path. And it led you to what you should be doing, right when you should be doing it. And that's priceless.
Great pic, BTW. ;)
I've had a rough path getting to me, but I definitely like where I am now. So much that my significant other asked when I was going back to writing (small haitus). He said I seemed happier writing. (Hugs)Indigo
Can of worms indeed. I think I found a mental health consultant for my next book. In return, I'll let you borrow my brain. I'm not using it right now. ;)
Ben,
AWESOME!
Great post.
I always knew I wanted to do something creative, but it has taken me a long time to get to the place I'm in now. Sometimes te journey is weird like that.
I knew I liked you for good reason. See, it is our past experiences that shape us...influence us and even sometimes push us forward (even the bad experiences). Without your past you definitely wouldn't be, well, you.
p.s. I know you can relate when I say there is such a sweet calm about living what you knew (in your soul) you were destined to do. Put here on this Earth to do.
I'm still holding down the teaching job while working as a writer. I hope within two years to be full time in the writing business.
I think there's definitely a reason for all the detours we take. But it's so awesome that you're where you are now and you know what you're meant to be doing!
I love this post. It gives me hope that one day I will be able to grow up and be just like you! A career girl who finally found her passion!
Merry Christmas, love.
How beautiful... the entire read just made me smile, and feel a bit settled myself. Must mean that you really are onto something, and just sharing it brings joy!! Love it! :)
~Tabitha
So there may still be hope for me? I too dream of being an author but have not had 'the big idea' happen yet, a children's book, I am sure.
I sure am glad you went CREATIVE on us. Cause, damn you are good at it!!
I love hearing things like this. Working with students everyday who feel such pressure to have it all figured out by the time they are in their early 20's is insane! I am a true believer in lifelong learning- in AND out of the classroom. There is no way I am the same person I was in my 20's. That's what life is all about. Living, learning, growing. I am so glad you are happy Christine!
It's great that you've finally come full circle and know exactly what you want to do. I sometimes find myself asking the same questions as you!
I've always reminded myself that it's never too late to be extraordinary. :)
I needed to read this today, by the way.
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