Ever since I can remember, people have been asking me what I want to be when I grow up. I realized that over the span of time that answer has changed. I have wanted to be a cop, a radio DJ, a nun (it’s true), a teacher, and workshop facilitator. A few weeks ago I had the opportunity to gather some stuff that has been stored at my parents’ house – the stuff that will never fit in a NYC apartment – like trophy’s, plaques, photo albums, boxes of letters, and even school papers (the one’s when I got an A). After cleaning off the mounds of dust, I began to get a good look at my life since I was about age 12. Going through theses boxes, I began to reflect about all the people throughout my life who helped me get to where I am today. I found letters of support from my parents and sisters sent to me while I was on retreats, along with many letters from friends from all around the world.
As I read these letters, notes, and even high school yearbooks, I noticed that throughout time, people said similar things to me. They often complimented my hard work, my poetry, enthusiasm, faith, commitment, generosity, and humor. It was a nice feeling to see how many people one life touches and that my core values have remained the same.
Then I stumbled upon my 8th grade yearbook. It’s a handmade paper book that was put together by my school classmates. In the yearbook, we named our professional dream career. There it was in black and white – a writer. I had no idea I even said that back then. I must have blocked it because every time I told people I wanted to be a writer, folks would tell me about the struggle of getting published and how hard it would be to make money and pay bills. So, on I went to do other work in non-profit and then started my own healing arts company. And sure enough, over the past 18 years, I have helped write proposals, articles, workshops, brochures, outlines, blogs etc… Without the attachment of the label, I have always been a writer. I have kept a journal for more than 20 years and always have a notebook with me to capture the random thoughts and ideas that go through my head. Last month, I even became a contributing writer for a spirituality blog.
It’s nice to know I am living my dream with so much joy and enthusiasm. While I have probably been a combination of many professions, each one has included writing. No matter the label, I am a writer. It’s taken me this long to claim that inside and now I get to share it.
If you removed the label, what is your dream? Do it, be it, live it.
Oh yeah, my favorite song in the 8th grade – “Jump”, by Van Halen.
Dedicated to all those that have supported my dreams and to all those who read my writing (thank you).
Mary Anne