“What do you want to be when you grow up?”
When I was a kid we moved 13 times in 13 years and so, naturally, I thought I wanted to be a real estate agent. I’m 35 now, not quite as grown up as I thought I would be and nothing could be further away from my imagination and how I would want to spend my time on earth…
On my Facebook page I am listed as an author. When people see that they always want to know what I have written… aka: published. Well, nothing. I’ve tried but nothing yet. But that’s okay, because I don’t just write. I make film projects come alive through writing and directing. I am a community builder and community strengthener. I love to help people make connections to each other, and especially love to coach them to find personal joy and purpose in life. Not to mention all of the amazing characters in my head that just need to come alive and be part of the most amazing Netflix original one day. Author? Sure. I’d like to claim author of my life.
Despite my rebellion to limiting labels, I recently decided it was a good time to check in with my kids on what they wanted to be when they grew up. But as I asked the question I just cringed. I recognized that feeling from all the times I had been asked that question before. I never liked answering it and still don’t. So why do I continue to carry on the tradition? I can’t say, but as I started to ask it a new question formed and I suddenly felt like my soul clicked into place.
What do you want to create with your life and talents?
They instantly thought of things they wanted to do that very day and moment. It was if the question gave them the permission to be in the moment present and aware of their thoughts and creative desires.
And it opened my mind to the things I create. A part of me kind of dies when I do things for the sake of just doing something. But there are beautiful things I have created; creations that live on past my touch, that seem to take on a life of their own. Children certainly fit that description but so do my video projects, short stories and communities.
What do you want to create with your life and talents when you grow up right now?
I am part of the Dream Big tribe on Tribalry and I am going to be starting a new series to share on there inspired by this personal discovery. If you would be willing to be interviewed about what you create just raise a hand in my direction. Secretly (not so secretly), I hope you are already asking yourself and that you will start or continue to nourish that desire.
“Don’t ask yourself what the world needs. Ask yourself what makes you come alive, and go do that, because what the world needs is people who have come alive.”Howard Thurman