I found an old paper I'd written in high school.
(We had gotten a new sofa -- and in the process, revealed all sorts of "historical" elements in storage that had been behind it.)
The paper -- typed in good old fashion 1990s serif font with the look of a typewriter was titled "My Personality" and clearly based on some test we'd taken.
As I began to read, I was doubtful I had any understanding on myself all those years ago. But surprisingly, despite my overly-enthusiastic high school girl tone (yay for optimism!), the paper revealed I had a good grip on ways I was unique, even then -- and on the strengths and weaknesses that came with it. I even mention my entrepreneurial spirit.
It made me reflect on my journey -- and brought up some insight that I think you’ll find valuable.
Primarily this: So many things in the past (your past, my past) point us to who we are... and where we are meant to make an impact today.
Years after writing that paper, I've experienced the gamut of life's highs and lows. The complexities of life that have refined me and softened some of my overly-perky edges for the good, while still keeping a spirit of love for my work.
I've been through the revealing hardships of life that bring you to your knees. And some abundant blessings I never expected to see come true.
Struggles with things I previously could not have understood -- like challenging mental health phases and PTSD from a car accident.
And the joyful experience and heart of being a mother, something that has become one of the greatest joys and successes of my life.
I've made the slow and hard (& not natural to my personality) choice to speak vulnerably, even knowing I'll be misunderstood at times. This has sealed deep relationships that previously eluded me and I hope has helped others not feel so alone.
I've worked (and rested and trusted) into rebuilding a sense of calm and confidence I didn't know I was missing.
And I've had the honor of seeing many of my creative ventures brought to life. (And the honor of helping many entrepreneurs bring their first or next-level vision to life as well).
I've run multiple business ventures (over 20 years), some for a few years, others for 10+ years before I felt called to pivot to something new. I love my work as a strategic brand & marketing coach, but grew so much as a photographer, creative, and product designer before this.
Roles that offered me adventure, creativity, and flexibility when I needed it most.
Roles that remind me of the younger me… running backyard carnivals as a kid, creating a gift store our of my bedroom, and planning events, fundraisers, and volunteer groups as a high schooler who wrote that paper.
I've been gifted the opportunity to "follow my dreams" (all while being able to find joy in family), and have seen exciting successes... as well as fallen on my face a few times along the way.
So as much as I enjoyed being reminded of my story, talents, and was inspired by that high school me who wrote that paper many years ago... I'm also grateful for all the wisdom that has come with years of experience and wresting with the hard.
What was the younger you doing, Friend? Where did you find delight? Motivation? Joy? Natural abilities?
Is there something you need to lean into that maybe you’d forgotten? Some joy that needs to resurface that has been a bit crushed by the mundane or hard of life? Some skill or talent you’ve since set aside?
No matter what stage of life you're in now -- you were once 17 too. With a whole gamut of gifts & talents to share -- as you are now.
Your stage of life is different. Your journey has been your own, not mine. You have been refined.
Your confidence -- or doubts -- might be different.
You may have had some things that have broken you. You may have had some mountain top experiences.
But right now -- you have a business in your life. And on your heart.
So I want to encourage you that your story matters, your journey matters, and the way you are wired matters. You are more capable than you think!
You have it in you.
Your past points to it.
Your personality points to it.
No amount of discouragement, struggles, or doubt can take away who you were designed to be.
