[Found this post covered in cobwebs in the far reaches of the Drafts folder, circa 2017 - and yet, it still holds true.]
I often look back on the path of my life thus far and am continuously amazed at how all of the parts have fit together so perfectly... and in the most unexpected ways. I can tell you right now that when I was deciding where I wanted to go to college and what I "wanted to do" I:
1) didn't have a clear idea and
2) NEVER would have guessed where my path would lead me.
To be completely honest, I kind of just made my decisions based off of my most current interests. For example, during middle school and increasingly during high school I was interested in designing and sewing my own clothes. I wasn't much holding fantasies about becoming a famous designer but it was something that I enjoyed. So when it came time for me to choose a career to shadow in high school and then eventually decide on a potential college major, it was easy for me to follow the suggested idea of fashion design. Why not? I liked doing it and I didn't really have any other solid alternative ideas.
I can still recall very clearly the confusion and what seemed like lack of validation many of the adults around me had for this decided ambition.
FLASHBACK:
Pretty much any Adult outside my family: What are you planning to study in college?Cool, I feel kind of bad now. Thanks for the boost! It's ok, not everyone can relate to the same experiences, ambitions or interests (though they should at least try . . . just saying). But no matter, that was my decision and I was sticking with it!
Friend 1: I'm planning to be a Dental Hygienist.
Adult: [oohs & ahhs] That's fantastic!
Friend 2: I'm going to go into Geophysics and Plate Tectonics.
Adult: Wow, so interesting!!
Me: I'm going to study Fashion Design
Adult: . . . oh, . .wow . . . how 'bout that . . .
Looking back, 10 years later (holy cow!), I know that because I chose to explore a current interest (instead of basing my future on 'where I'd make the most money') I had the opportunity to:
- Study abroad in London
- Live in Africa
- Work with refugees from all over the world
- And most importantly, discover my love and passion for working with diverse cultures and helping others improve their lives.
Whoa, most of those do NOT sound like they'd connect with fashion design . . . Nope, they don't. And yet, they do. They did. As a sign I got from my sisters says:
Yes, I 100% agree. My path has NOT been linear . . . like, at all. But, I believe it HAS been just as it should be.
Here's why: I followed my interests. You can call this whatever you want:
following your heart
going with your gut
being true to yourself
answering your calling
Regardless of the words you use to describe your actions, you are making your decisions based on whatever is pulling you.
This is hard to do.
Especially if you don't have a support group to encourage whatever journey you embark on. I have been incredibly fortunate and blessed to have such a support group, which, unfortunately, I have learned is not as common as one would think. But, if you're willing to take some [probably] scary jumps and live YOUR life and not a life others expect of you, I am almost certain you will create experiences for yourself that you never would have dreamed of. Experiences that will stretch and expand your mind, skills, and thinking like you wouldn't believe. Experiences that will undoubtedly change your life.
Why not explore it and see what happens . . .?
