You can be more than one thing.
I’ve been thinking a bit about this concept lately, and I recently saw someone else post about it, so I thought I’d splurge some thoughts on the topic here. I am a writer, but…that doesn’t have to (shouldn’t!) be exclusive.
Buckle down for a rambly post! And let me know your thoughts in the comments because I’m curious. š
Me, I was told when I was small, “just learn a trade” so I learned ’em all.
ā Bert, Mary Poppins Musical
I’ve always felt like a bit of a jack of all trades. I’m sure almost everyone has that stage when they’re constantly changing what they want to be when they ‘grow up.’ A nurse, a pilot, a writer, a florist, an actor, a dancer, a singer, a musician, a teacher. All. the. things.
I was chatting with a young friend the other day and she asked me “what do you want to be when you grow up?” In that moment, it struck me that…a) I am practically an old lady. Somehow that happened along the way over the last few years. I refuse to be a boring adult, so don’t worry too much yet. š But mostly b) I’m not one thing, and I don’t have to try squeeze myself into one box.
A lot of my posts, here and on Instagram, are all focused around books and writing, and that’s great because it’s what I love! I love reading and writing and talking all things bookish, and that’s what this community is for.
I love to read books and write books. I love editing for my clients and helping people to polish their stories so they shine. I love fangirling about books to anyone who will listen.
But the greatest thing is that I’m not limited to only loving books.
I also love long walks on the beach, the feel of salt water and sand on my feet. I love playing music and teaching music. I love singing, exploring nature, making people laugh, time with family and friends, baking delicious things. I love indoor plants, yellow flowers, journaling, fairy lights, and all things aesthetic. I love that gorgeously cool breeze on a sunny summer morning when the day just smells of adventure and whole world is singing the glory of God.
That got a little more poetic than I intended, but I also love that. I’m a creative. An artist. A lover of many things. š
Youāre more than one thing. More than the titles attached to your name. More than your Instagram highlight reel. More than what people say about you. More than your current situation. More. So much more. […] WE ARE MORE THAN ONE THING. More than writers and book lovers. Letās welcome each other with that in mind and see how far we go together.
ā Caroline George
Being a jack of all trades is actually pretty great, if you ask me. I wouldn’t change it for anything.
Come tell me what your ‘more than one thing’s are!! What are some of your loves and hobbies outside of writing and reading? š
This was beautiful to read, Jane <3 A very good reminder that we are in no way obligated to only have one passion and hobby š
From a "mostly artist"'s POV, my extra hobbies are writing, music, and cooking! The kitchen is my other happy place if I'm not drawing xD
Aww, thank youu! I’m so glad to hear that. š
Yaaas, I love that list though! I’m in full support of kitchen happy places because it usually results in something tasty. šš
Great post Jane. š
Thank you! š„°š
Very true, I am not just a writer (some people who know me probably don’t even know I am one). My other hobbies and loves are art, animals, and music. Writing is just something I do for fun, not necessarily what I will be doing for my whole life.
That’s awesome! I love how broadly ranged our loves and passions can be! šš
I agree, I happen to do multiple things, acting (including directing and screenwriting), doll customization, animation (hand-drawn and stop motion animation), singing (and songwriting), and drawing (I might have also forgotten one), so I could never really see myself fitting into a singular one of the things I do, I see myself fitting into all of them.
It was really neat to read your post, Jane. š
-Quinley
Direction and screenwriting?? That’s so cool! AND animation! I’m squealing!
YES yesyesyesyesyes YES JANE. I LOVED THIS POST AND WHAT YOU SAID. Identity is something I’ve been thinking a lot about, so this is /perfect/ tysm. <33
In addition to loving books and writing, I also play/write/enjoy music, study filmmaking, take photos, paint, enjoy aestheticness, raise animals, clean (X'D), blog, do Martial Arts, all the things. XDXD There's so much you can do!!! And omw, your thing about being an old lady made me laugh okay. XDXD We can be old ladies together. -nods- XP
Aww, your comment warmed my heart, Mem!! I’m so glad. šš
That list makes me so happy to read! So widely varied and all of them so much fun!
It’s a deal. Old ladies together forever. š