5 careers I wanted at one time in my life

 As I have embarked on a career working with the elderly, albeit late in life, I am very excited about what is ahead for me on this journey.  But I do sometimes wonder what it would have been like if I had taken my career down a different path.  There were things that I wanted to be when I was growing up that, obviously, did not come to fruition. It just is where my life took me.  But it's fun to look back and remember when I had these aspirations.  I do not regret where my career has gone so I can look at these memories and smile.  

1. Estate attorney

After I read a will for the first time, I was hooked on it.  Strange, I know, but I was fascinated by the thought of an estate being divided up.  Who got what was really fun to me.  I think it's partially because the first will I ever read, my Aunt Sara's, I was a beneficiary of.  She left things to every member of her family. I thought that was awesome.  I would then read a will any time I could.  I just found it very fun. I learned a lot really and it was a great lesson in what was fair and what was not fair. I learned the legal terms associated with wills and have a good knowledge base because of that. 

2. Antiques business owner

Once I became enthralled with antiques, I wanted to own my own antiques business.  As much as I loved and still love buying antiques, I wanted to be the one to sell them.  I wanted to have a shop where people could experience the same kind of magic that I experienced when I've been to places and found those very special items that have become a part of my life.

3. Minister of music

I don't think that I have ever actually expressed this before, but for a time I wanted to become a minister of music.  My upbringing in the FBC of Monroe was filled with music.  Under the leadership of Jim Reich, Gerald Hamilton and Doug Vancil, I was able to participate in amazing musical experiences.  And it was a way that I could contribute to the church and take part in worship.  My struggles with my faith and dealing with my life, that dream was tucked away only to remain a memory.

4. 1st grade teacher

Playing school was a huge part of my childhood.  All through elementary school, one of our favorite afternoon activities was playing school.  And because my year in 1st grade was such an important part of my school experience, I wanted to be a 1st grade teacher.  I adored my 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Richmond.  She made our year so much fun and she cared about all of her students.  I have never forgotten her and because of her, I wanted to be a 1st grade teacher.

5. Architect 

One of the things that came along with my love of antiques was my love of old houses.  In my early teen years, I spent hours drawing floor plans.  I would study the old houses that I had the privilege of spending time in. I paid attention to the details and how things were laid out.  I absolutely loved it.  So much that I got a drafting table for Christmas one year.  And I still enjoy looking over floor plans, especially of old homes.

Obviously, none of these career paths came true.  That's ok because I'm doing what I am supposed to be doing.  Still, it's nice to think back on the dreams that I once had.  They make me smile and they still play a part of my life...just not as a career.  What were some of your career dreams?

Somewhere Out There - Linda Ronstadt & James Ingram

 I've never seen An American Tail but this song gets me every time!

Matthew 18:3

 

This past week's sermon was based on this verse and it really got me thinking about life and what living like a child means.  Be more inclusive.  Be more inquisitive. Be dependent. Live more simply.  Be more inclusive.  These were all talking points mentioned and have given me a lot to ponder.  I like it. 

You're a nice guy but...it's time to find myself again

 

I learned late in life that there is a fine line between making compromises and losing one's sense of self.  Unfortunately, I lost my sense of self a lot more than I made compromises.  I have always been a pleaser, a person who likes to make others happy and comfortable.  And there is NOTHING wrong with that.  I come by it naturally.  For any of you who knew Mom or Grandmother can attest to that fact.  And it is a good feeling to make other people happy when it makes me happy.  To me, there's almost no better feeling in the world.

The problem for me I stopped thinking of myself in order to think of others first.  That is simply not healthy.  It definitely can mess with a person's mind.  I know it did mine.  I cannot blame anyone for that other than myself.  No one forced me to push my desires and wants to the back burner.  I did that all by myself.  But I thought I was doing it out of love.  To a degree, I was. But the cost ended up not being worth the price.  After years of never expressing what I wanted or needed, my sense of self-worth and confidence went down the tubes. 

That was where I was emotionally when I became single again in my late 40's.  And it's not necessarily a bad place to be when one is starting over.  I have spent the last few years rediscovering the things that make me happy.  Rediscovering the things that I enjoy.  And yes, that still includes doing for other people, but I no longer do it at the price of my own happiness.  It now enhances my life instead of controlling my life.  I discovered things that I had forgotten that I enjoyed doing.  And that's a great thing.

I have talked before on here and with friends that I am learning to enjoy my own company again.  If I do not like spending time with myself, I cannot expect others to enjoy time together.  And I can tell it has made a difference.  I am able to carry on conversations now whereas before I did not think I was interesting enough to. I can sit and watch a movie of my choosing now because I don't have to give in to someone else.  I can go out and do things that I never suggested previously because I was all about someone else. 

It's a very entertaining journey of self-discovery.  Or self-rediscovery depending on how you look at it.  While I will never get back the time I spent ignoring my own needs and wants, I feel better about Bob than I have in a long time.  At least emotionally.  The physical side still needs a lot of work!  But more about that later.

Quote of the Week

 

A great thought to start the day with!

Today's Moment of Mindfulness

 

When you choose to watch a film or listen to some music, notice how powerful the experience can be, when you bring your complete focus and attention to it. 

The library, a history museum, restaurants and antiques shopping.

 Since I last talked about getting out of the house and doing things, either by myself or with others, I have actually made some progress on that point.  And I've tried some new recipes at home as well, which is always fun. I finally made it to the Greensboro Public Library and got my library card.  I can check that one off of my list, now.  And I actually checked out several books.  I have not finished them yet but I will.  I think I was too excited to be there and just should have checked out one book but oh well.  Since they don't charge late fees, I'm not that worried about it LOL  I also went to the Greensboro History Museum that day as well.  That was absolutely fascinating and I cannot wait to go back.  For a museum like that to be free is pretty awesome.  If you have never been, I highly recommend it.  And since LeBauer Park is right down there as well, I spent an hour exploring that.  Some really beautiful gardens there and it's a nice place to walk around.

I have frequented several locally owned restaurants over the past month as well.  I met my friend Shelby out for lunch one day at Fishbones, one of my favorites. Luckily, it's right around the corner from the house.  We hadn't had lunch together since the fall, so it was very good to catch up.  I went to Saffron, an Indian restaurant, and had the lunch buffet one day when I was off.  I actually ran into a friend and former classmate in the next booth!  I have also been treating myself to breakfast out several times a month.  If you're in Greensboro and looking for a good, well-priced breakfast, I suggest Breakfast, Brunk and Dinner and Miam's.  Both were fantastic.

I treated myself to a showing of Hadestown at the movie theater.  I knew nothing of the show except what I'd seen on the Tony Awards years ago.  It totally blew me away.  And it was fun to go to a movie theater.  I had not been in one since the pandemic. And my life would not be complete without visiting antiques shops.  I made several visits to Antiques Market Place here in town.  I left empty handed each time but that is alright.  I have to really love something to bring it home with me now.  And I went to Freedom House Thrift.  They often have some great collectibles but this time I left there with some new clothes and stationery.  I'd call that a win.

That's what I've been up to really.  I can't wait to see what the next few weeks holds in store for me!