What did you want to be? Once in a while I think of all the careers I
could have had, what I could have achieved.
When I was a kid most people said I should be a lawyer because I could
argue so well. I never wanted to become a lawyer. I did, however, want
to be President since my parents were such big fans of JFK at the time
and it seemed a very cool thing to be.
I have been told that I should have been a therapist. I have never wanted
to be a full-time therapist, but I did want to be a preacher. I like the idea
of thinking deep thoughts and then telling other people about them.
I have been told I should have been a masseur. I never wanted to be a
full-time masseur, but I did want to take classes and learn more. I haven’t
done that yet.
I had the heritage that said maybe I should be a pilot. I never wanted to
be a full-time pilot, but I always loved to fly and see the world from above
in a small plane. I don’t fly anymore, but maybe someday I will again.
I was told I should be a teacher. I actually was a teacher at the college
level for 9 years. I loved it. I tried to land a full-time job as a teacher and
never made it. I miss being a teacher and perhaps will again someday.
I was never told I should be an artist. Do you know why? Because everyone
already knew I was going to be an artist. I don’t think anyone ever thought
I would not be an artist. I am glad I am an artist.
It doesn’t mean there aren’t other things I wish I could have done and been.
I think any curious and enthusiastic person has more things in their wish
list than they can actually accomplish in one life.
I prefer that to having no wish list.
What did you want to be?
“It’s not what you are, it’s what you don’t become that hurts.” – Oscar Levant
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>Artist, nurse, scientist, journalist, writer, New York loft-liver, Victorian house-dweller, Cob house with bare hands-builder, explorer, expatriot in Europe, ballerina, concert pianist, master gardener, UN translator, world traveler, screenwriter, actress, graphic designer. . .
One life is simply not enough. My favorite quote: "It's never too late to become the person you might have been." ~ George Eliot
Great post!
PS – I graduate from nursing school in December. I got my BFA in painting in 2006. I'm 48.
>You are SO young yet, Chelsea! Many more adventures and endeavors await you. I think it is wise to focus on one thing for MOST of your time. But that doesn't mean you can't keep your hand in other areas. I gave up being an exhibiting artist for many years, but I never stopped drawing in my sketchbook. That consistency and practice in drawing really helped when I decided to take the plunge and go back into art at that level.
>I always have to tell myself that I am still very young and I WILL probably be able to do all those things that I want to do in life. I tend to spread myself too thin- doing everything that I like and that I'm good at, at the same time. I'm trying to take it slower- do one thing at a time because then I can fully enjoy it. My to do list is very long:)
>Hi Marty,
Thanks for visiting my blog. I wanted to become so many things, just like you. I never wanted to become an artist but am becoming one now, slowly. If only you knew what you know now, you could have made different choices I guess. Then again, I'm happy with the way life turns out, every day again. Artist sure is not something people tell you you should become. I remember my cousin going in that direction and his parents were afraid he'd never be able to make a living (he's doing fine). It's all about following your own feeling, singing in your own voice. As a parent myself I hope I will not try to push my kids into a direction of professional fulfillment but rather life's happiness.
Thanks again for stopping by.