I wrote this post while on a plane to visit American Idol during Hollywood Week (see recaps here, here and here). That trip set me on a path that is looking very much like what I want to be when I grow up (i.e., part of something truly amazing). Stay tuned.
Sometimes I say things like “when I grow up, I’ll have a washing machine that doesn’t dance around during the spin cycle” or “when I grow up, I’m going to figure out this time management thing.”
Bwahahahahahahaha! Sorry, that last one made me laugh.
But really what’s most on my mind when I think about growing up (’cause I’m still so young and all), is what I want to do—you know…what awesome, amazing thing(s) I want to accomplish or what “oh my gosh I love my job so much” job I want to have.
Don’t get me wrong, I love being a wife and mom and blogger and freelance writer and social media specialist. And I’ve enjoyed my time as an office assistant and project manager and web guide producer and communications manager. But crap. I’m still trying to figure out what I really want to do with the rest of my time and talents and whatever skills I’ve picked up along the way.
One of those skills is figuring out the perfect way to run errands so a Sonic Route 44 Diet Coke is always part of the equation.
I’m one of those people who knows a little about a lot; I’m not overly skilled in a single area. And I like so many things, from cooking and reading (which I don’t do enough of) to tweeting and writing. I feel like I need some focus. I have far too many irons in the fire and they’re all getting really, really, really hot.
Do you feel the same way or have you found your “thing”? Have you always done what you loved or did you discover what you loved doing later in life?
There’s a woman in my ward who is known as the Cruise Lady. She provides LDS travel (cruises, excursions, etc) and has done so successfully for quite a few years now. But she didn’t even begin her business until she was in her 50s. When she shared that at a recent meeting, I felt a little more hopeful. I still have some time to figure it out.
And I think by figuring it out and focusing on that “thing” (see note at beginning of post), I will feel a little more settled about life in general and there will be less of those irons in the fire.
Maybe I can even take one of those irons and roast a few marshmallows in my spare time.
I do want to be published, and a friend and I have a project in the works to make that dream happen. We may even throw in an app to go with it. Combine an eBook with all the awesome craziness that is the IdolTweethearts and I’m thinking 2014 is going to be a pretty good year for growing up.
Well, except for that part about turning 40.
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Fellow IdolTweethearts Meg (left) and Elizabeth (right) at Soho House in West Hollywood
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jen
Sounds exciting! Can’t wait to hear what your new adventure entails…
Emily Hill
I know! Me too!
~j.
My friend, this is your year to SHINE! 40 included! I love seeing what you do. Keep it up!
Emily Hill
The same for you, though I think you started your “growing up” last year when you hit the stage. Can’t wait to see what marvelous and amazing things you will accomplish in 2014. :)
Lara {less cake MORE frosting}
I always say I need another hobby like a hole in the head. And no way I can pick one that I love the most. Just the one I love in the moment. And I thought I wanted to be on broadway when I grew up….but I think that might be broadway in my living room. I need a real goal. How ’bout get out of bed first. When I grow up I want to be upright. You are the most fabulous almost 40 year old of ALL TIMES!!!
Emily Hill
I actually love what you said about “just the one I love in the moment.” That shows you can enjoy the moment, which more of us need to do. I still think you’re going to do great things far beyond being upright.
steph
I am the same way, the whole knowing a little about a lot thing. It’s hard to decide what direction to go, but for you I see big things happening this year!
Emily Hill
Thank you, Steph! We can put our minds together and then we’d know a LOT about a LOT!
Anne Marie
You are awesome, Emily! I can’t wait to see what you do! You inspire me so much with what you accomplish.
Emily Hill
Anne Marie, you are still my favorite. I will never forget meeting you in person for the first time. Best day ever!
Happy Kids, Inc
Let me begin with a cliche that is TRUE: the 40s rock, no joke. You are comfortable in your own skin and ready for anything. No problems there, right?
I am trying to see this gift of being an IdolTweetheart as part of the entire journey. All those little skills that you have (and I’m guilty, too, of that) combine and contribute to what is going on right now. It’s those skills that got you where you are right now. Trust me, that cliff that we are going to jump off of is coming soon, so be ready for it!
Emily Hill
I love this and will consider it my mini pep talk for the week. One of the best things about IdolTweethearts? Becoming friends with you and EE. :)
Kelly
It has taken a while to find time to respond–too busy doing too many things at once!–but I wanted to tell you how much I appreciate your post. Being of the same age, I think we are facing similar dramas–ones in which are cast the selves we were in school, before motherhood, after motherhood, during babyhood, and beyond….We have been so many selves, will we ever be just one?
I have dedicated the next few months to looking deeply into my options (and my self) to find a path I can commit to. Now that I’ve been a mother (and a professional, and a landlord, and a marathoner, and a PTA president, and and and), it starts to feel like I’ve been everything and yet nothing….Even within my professional field, I feel comfortable and happy at every level of work–I have trouble with the notion of hierarchy or a natural progression of roles. (And I get bored easily.)
I heard someone on NPR a few months back (Google failed to help me find the reference), and he said something that has been ringing in my head ever since: “Do only what only you do.” I’m not sure what that is for me, or for you, but I’m pretty sure it’s the right thing. If I figure it out (or figure out how to figure it out), I’ll let you know.
Good luck, sister!
Emily Hill
Oh. My. Gosh. That is exactly how I’ve been feeling. I love that quote from NPR and I’m going to let it ring in my head until I figure out what it is only I can do. This was the perfect comment at the perfect time. Thank you.