So, what is it that you do? 

I don’t think I am the only one that has had this question.  It is a common conversation starter.  However, I sometimes find this a little off putting because over my 40+ years on the planet, I have “done” lots of things. They are not all defined by a career or profession which is what most people are getting at when they ask that question. 

Over the years, sometimes the truthful answer to that question was “surviving” because most people cannot relate to preparing for IEP meetings, meeting with teachers, psychologists, teaching assistants, and other healthcare professionals to make sure my child is getting what he needs to learn and thrive.  AND also parenting a second child, being a wife, running a household and doing some work on the side.  My day-to-day has never been routine and my life has never been able to be defined by one “thing I do”.  I am guessing that many of you have had this same experience at some point.

I used to think this was a problem because I couldn’t resonate with how most people around me were living their lives.  Others seemed much more organized and controlled. At least from my perspective. I have come to realize that eclectic and a little bit of chaos IS who I am.  I am an educational consultant, yoga teacher, artist, mother, wife, daughter, friend, coach, colleague and so on.  I am always evolving, learning, growing and trying new things. I am pretty sure that I will probably do this forever. 

I have created my own path and when I work with others, I encourage them to do the same thing.  However, creating your own path is not about drifting with the wind, although sometimes you have to learn to do that too.  It’s about defining what you want your life to look like.  How do you want to live?  What do you want your living space to be like? What is the best working environment for you? What are you passionate about?  What kind of hobbies do you have and/or want to nurture?  How will you connect with family, friends, and other members of your community?  

All of these questions can help you design and create your path in life.  It will change and evolve as you and the world around you evolves.  You will need to make corrections and adjustments along the way.  It will not always be easy.  But, most things worth doing in life do not come easily.