Allow me to explain. I was thinking today of what I would be doing if I weren't a full time mom to three awesome kids. Rob and I were at a Christmas party last night with his co-workers and he told them that I work [as a personal chef] about three hours a week. I'd like to think that I actually work more than three hours a week in general, but some weeks are different than others. Anyway, I started thinking about who I would be if my situation were different. Of course, this raises the question of nature vs nurture, but for this post, I'll try to keep it simple.
My major in college was writing. I thought I'd like to be a proofreader or editor. Obviously, my plans were changed when we were blessed with Josh. It was more important for Rob to graduate with a degree - his major was athletic training. His plans were changed as well, as athletic training certainly isn't conducive to raising a family.
So, I became a mother and he became an investment advisor.
Over the years, my love for food developed. Eating it, preparing it, serving it to others - I love food. I started cooking when we were in college, as a way to impress Rob, I admit. After a while, though, I realized it was something that I could do well and that I loved it. I also still loved writing, but didn't really have the opportunity to pursue it. I probably could have researched ways to use my love of writing, but the three kids kept me pretty busy.
Now that I have some time on my hands [with the kids in school], I have been able to blog more and to cook more - and I am loving every second of it!
If I could describe my dream job it would include: travel, food, and writing. Would that make me a travel blogger? I certainly don't have the personality to be Anthony Bourdain or Andrew Zimmern (plus, I would never eat half of the stuff that he eats) - but I would love traveling, eating, and writing about it.
I also love to cut hair. That might sound kind of random, but I think cutting hair is so fun. I usually cut my own hair, always cut my Dad's hair, and occasionally will cut the kids hair. I couldn't stand on my feet all day, though, and try to please the public - I just don't have the personality for that, or the stamina. I'm a wimp. I like downtime. I love to be by myself - and I need to prop up my feet, read a book, and "veg" occasionally.
But, back to the original question: Who would I be if I wasn't a full-time mother? The obvious answer to the question is - I wouldn't be me. I certainly have plenty of time to pursue my dreams - I'm only 33, after all. But, I know without a shadow of a doubt that my life has been pre-ordained - and that I am where I'm supposed to be. In the future, I hope that I have the chance to travel with Rob (and I'd love to write about it, even if I don't get paid for it). I hope that I can continue to pursue my love of food.
So, what would you be if you weren't you? Where would your gifts lead you? What do you dream of doing someday? What do you love?
If I wasnt the "me" I am now, I'd probably be a journalist or own a bookstore.
ReplyDeleteMy life changed a lot 19 years ago and it's taken me to places i never expected to be. I'm not sure if that's part of the grand plan or
not. I do know my life hasnt turned out anything like I thought it would . Ithought I;d have a house full of kids and maybe work part time for personal growth. Wow.Look how all that turned out.
Talents: I'm not sure I have any that stand out and certainly nothing that I could parlay into a life passion/living. You're certainly lucky you love food and can get paid to do something you love. And you're good at it! You're the complete package Kirsten.
Mrs P - journalist or bookstore owner...very interesting. I find life to be so interesting, all of the twists and turns that lead us to where we are. Rob and I were just discussing the other week if we would have "found each other" had we met at this point in our lives. He doesn't think so - guess it's good we met when we were 16!
ReplyDeleteI think you would make a great bookstore owner (you're great with people and you love books) or a journalist - I can see you really pursuing a story! :)
Truthfully, I think your talent is blogging. I don't see any reason why you can't keep growing your blog and someday do it full time. Really.
It's very interesting how life takes you on a journey that very often you have no idea where it will lead. I always wanted to be an Interior Designer, but for a number of (really stupid) reasons I chose to study primary teaching. Something that I did not enjoy. My life lurched from one thing to another, nothing bad happened but no 'light bulb' moments either. I'm still wondering what I'd like to do when I 'grow up'.
ReplyDeleteDon't get me wrong I have had a pretty fabulous life, certainly very little to complain about, I'd really like to open a quilting/embroidery/crocheting/knitting tea shop, yes lots of variety, lol, but with the current economic climate, and our ridiculous laws here that make it nigh on impossible for small businesses with staff, to run successfully I think it will have to wait a little longer.
Maybe Mrs P and I could join forces and have a book/fabric/crochet/embroidery/tea shop together.
Kirsten, I think it is fabulous that you have found you. I love reading your blog, and maybe once the children are older you will find a way of combining your love of food with writing and travel. Having had E later in life (ohh that makes me sound ancient) I was able to travel and do all sorts of things before hand, you will be able to enjoy those things later.
Thanks for your comment, Marg - maybe you and Mrs P will have to open your tea/bookstore/crafty place in Fiji since Australia isn't very small business friendly! :)
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your encouragement - I love hearing the stories of other journeys in life - thanks for sharing yours!!!