As a young girl I had many interests, mostly related to art. I took classes, traveled and researched many careers/lifestyles. I did what every young person should do, explore my options to see what fits.
Suddenly one day my mother said, “You are becoming a jack of all trades, master of none.” I was devastated, and to some extent still am, by that comment. I was on a fabulous path to discovery, one I would wish for any young person and I was grateful to be able to indulge in. I was sowing my roots, as they say, and becoming the woman I was dreaming of when suddenly I hit a road block with that comment. I began to analyze what I was doing and how I could pull it all together into the one thing I was meant to do.
I settled on photography and studied and became a photographer. Throughout it all, I used my camera to explore the world and the options I encountered that inspired me. I used each new series I began with my photography as a way to expand on my creativity and fill a need for new inspiration.
In the last five years, I have allowed myself the freedom to explore again as I did in my youth. I began cooking, styling, writing, painting, gardening, supporting local farms and letting each of these interests take me in the direction that aligns with my life. I had finally let go of the box I had created for myself in the hopes of pleasing my mom. It felt very freeing and from it I found the path that I was always meant to take. I am not the kind of person to focus on one thing. I have a vast interest in many things and a wide eyed view of my surroundings. I am constantly inspired and never bored.
In our ever changing world, we all have the capability to be involved in several things at once. Coining the new phrase multi hyphenate. I could add a few more things to the list of what I do now but you get the idea. It’s ok to be involved and do many things. I find that each influences the other, and while I may not be a master at any, they all fuel my creativity and happiness. Feeling fulfilled in what you do is most important. I love being involved in lots of different things. Every day is a new adventure and a chance at revealing a new side of myself.
At the end of the day, even though she is not around any more, I know my mom would be proud of what I am doing and see the value in exploration. We all need to move forward and not compartmentalize ourselves but allow ourselves to be open to new opportunities. I love being a multi hyphenate and observing how everything I do overlaps and becomes a part of who I am.