Sunday, May 2, 2010

Call me a Renaissance Soul, Renegade or Bandida - stop calling me Insubordinate!


I haven’t posted to my blog in many months. I’ve been preoccupied with the deep-thinking that has to happen when going through a big life transition. I’m journeying again, yet I know I’m not alone. Many of us go through them and some more than once. I think this is my second – but who’s counting?

Early in my formative education I was labeled as insubordinate - because I was a bit of a rebel (surprise, surprise). During high school, I was told to decide what career I wanted to pursue. I said, “I want to be an Artist!” Was asked, “Well, what kind of artist do you want to be (insert counseler's frowns here)?” Truth is I wanted to experience many different kinds of art. I LOVED art, creating things, making things…. However, I’d been advised time and time again to focus on something, don’t be all over the place, don’t be a jack of all trades and master of none. I’d often ask, “Why do I have to pick one thing; says who?” BTW, Jack-of-all-Trades is not listed in the Occupational Outlook Handbook.

I was repeatedly encouraged to develop my great secretarial skills. I lost my confidence, my will to do as I wished - my dream of being an artist. The controllers won and like many I grew up with the mindset of being an employee – picking one career and sticking it out. Even if it did not fill me with joy or wonder or make me want to get out of bed in the morning.

When going through my first big life transition, I decided it was time for me to get back to art and I pursued it with more passion than ever; I was hungry and I couldn’t get enough. It took me many, many years to be able to refer to myself as an Artist. I always felt like I was having an identity crisis. When asked “What do you do for a living?” I would answer in a low shy voice, “I’m an executive secretary - and also an artist.” Now I blurt out, “I’m an Artist - oh, and I also have 25 years experience as a secretary.”

I’m working on creating a portfolio lifestyle as a living. Doing a range of arts and activities that I’m passionate about is extremely appealing to me. I will run my own business and take the opportunity to explore a range of talents that allow me the experience, joy and freedom to make my own way in the world. I can hear the eyebrows rising… Okay, so I’m a romantic and idealist; I know this about myself. While some would say this is a negative trait in the business world, I’ve accepted it as a positive in my life. It is part of who I am. It is part of my art, it shows up everywhere. My cup is always 80% full and often running over.

I just wish I could go back and make them white out she tends to be insubordinate in my records, and replace it with she tends to be a Renaissance Soul.

What kind of soul are you? When did you know what you wanted to be when you grow up?

3 comments:

Cage said...

You Rebel with a cause LOL ;-) Glad you are finally following your heart's desire Chaquita...life is too short to wait for "someday". Too bad we didn't live closer...I'd do that business with you in a heartbeat. xoxo

Juanita Burton said...

I'd like that very much. I hope to have my own gallery one day and then you can have your work there with me. That will force you to visit me. lol. xoxo. Much Love Dear! <3

Martha said...

I basically did the same thing, ever since I was young girl; I spend my summer days drawing and seeing the world different perspective than others. I also was discourage and was told to work and find a good paying job. I wasn't happy working for others... I've finally realized my passion is art. I've also began doing it again, I believe I've perfected now that I am older. I also love all forms of art. I love it! This is who I am! Make your dreams come true Juanita!