Thank you for sharing this. I look forward to following your adventure. I’ve had to reinvent myself in my 60s. It’s been scary, but rewarding. Now, I love reading about how other people transform.
You probably don’t remember this, but I was in a Zoom small group with you a couple of years ago. I was just starting out, and you were so kind to me, giving me some helpful tips. I’ve been following you ever since.
Patty, of course I remember you and that Zoom! I'm honestly flattered that it made such an impact, wow, thank you!
I find it very inspirational to hear about your reinvention in your 60s. I feel that I have already lived multiple lives, and I love the promise that there are even more different lives for me to experience in the coming years. 💛
It's a brave thing to allow an identity to fall away or give it breathing room. I respect that. So many people cling to something even when the oxygen is gone from the tank. It's fun to see what comes next when we're allowed to let go. That's something I've definitely been learning over the years. Thanks for this post!
I'm sorry I missed your comment when you posted it a few weeks ago, Kate! Thank you for this. And I'm so glad that you agree and are another fellow traveler, seeing where the path takes us. Happy new year!
This really resonates! I have an unhealthy attachment to identity words- I'm a "storyteller"! No I'm an "entertainer"! No, no I had it right the first time I'm a "multi-disciplinary storyteller" ARGH!
It's like seashells! You don't know what you're going to get but it'll be unique and interesting (hopefully). You have a very nice collection of words yourself, Juniper!
I have so many thoughts about this. How we identify is critical to who we are. My whole life I was a painter. I had shows, a community of fellow artists, deep knowledge. And then I stopped painting. It is shattering, especially when others have the expectation of "more." I love writing, I want to be as good at it as I can be, and absolutely adore the community - but I don't identify as a writer, even though I work at it everyday. There's so much to explore on this topic. I'm always deeply impressed by people who take risks, who are willing to grow and change in their work, while remaining steadfast in their kindness, curiosity, and community. You are awesome! ❤️ Isn't life an adventure?
I love this SO much, Suzanne. It's also really interesting to me that I know you as a writer, even though I'm aware that you also paint. We tend to "know" someone based one whatever label or name they are wearing at the moment in time when we encounter them.
It's also interesting how, when you try to put on a different name, you will sometimes meet with resistance from the people who know you as Writer or Painter... they don't want to let you let it go (even if it's just to broaden yourself and do other things). They love you as the wearer of that particular name, and it's a reframing for them as much as it is for you, isn't it?
Exactly. I can't tell you the number of times people tell me I should be painting. It annoys me, but the truth is - I bet this is true for you too - making any kind of art is such a huge commitment that it's disconcerting when people see us very committed folks "wavier". There are so many people who dabble (nothing wrong with dabbling) but the truly dedicated are expected to stay dedicated.
Thank you for sharing this. I look forward to following your adventure. I’ve had to reinvent myself in my 60s. It’s been scary, but rewarding. Now, I love reading about how other people transform.
You probably don’t remember this, but I was in a Zoom small group with you a couple of years ago. I was just starting out, and you were so kind to me, giving me some helpful tips. I’ve been following you ever since.
Patty, of course I remember you and that Zoom! I'm honestly flattered that it made such an impact, wow, thank you!
I find it very inspirational to hear about your reinvention in your 60s. I feel that I have already lived multiple lives, and I love the promise that there are even more different lives for me to experience in the coming years. 💛
It's a brave thing to allow an identity to fall away or give it breathing room. I respect that. So many people cling to something even when the oxygen is gone from the tank. It's fun to see what comes next when we're allowed to let go. That's something I've definitely been learning over the years. Thanks for this post!
I'm sorry I missed your comment when you posted it a few weeks ago, Kate! Thank you for this. And I'm so glad that you agree and are another fellow traveler, seeing where the path takes us. Happy new year!
This really resonates! I have an unhealthy attachment to identity words- I'm a "storyteller"! No I'm an "entertainer"! No, no I had it right the first time I'm a "multi-disciplinary storyteller" ARGH!
hahaha YES, I get this, very much.
Have fun collecting more words for yourself 💛
It's like seashells! You don't know what you're going to get but it'll be unique and interesting (hopefully). You have a very nice collection of words yourself, Juniper!
I LOVE my seashells hehe… and sometimes selling them on the seashore 🤪
that was actually my favorite tongue-twister when I was a kid!
I have so many thoughts about this. How we identify is critical to who we are. My whole life I was a painter. I had shows, a community of fellow artists, deep knowledge. And then I stopped painting. It is shattering, especially when others have the expectation of "more." I love writing, I want to be as good at it as I can be, and absolutely adore the community - but I don't identify as a writer, even though I work at it everyday. There's so much to explore on this topic. I'm always deeply impressed by people who take risks, who are willing to grow and change in their work, while remaining steadfast in their kindness, curiosity, and community. You are awesome! ❤️ Isn't life an adventure?
I love this SO much, Suzanne. It's also really interesting to me that I know you as a writer, even though I'm aware that you also paint. We tend to "know" someone based one whatever label or name they are wearing at the moment in time when we encounter them.
It's also interesting how, when you try to put on a different name, you will sometimes meet with resistance from the people who know you as Writer or Painter... they don't want to let you let it go (even if it's just to broaden yourself and do other things). They love you as the wearer of that particular name, and it's a reframing for them as much as it is for you, isn't it?
And yes to life being an adventure--100% agree!!
Exactly. I can't tell you the number of times people tell me I should be painting. It annoys me, but the truth is - I bet this is true for you too - making any kind of art is such a huge commitment that it's disconcerting when people see us very committed folks "wavier". There are so many people who dabble (nothing wrong with dabbling) but the truly dedicated are expected to stay dedicated.
This is kind of exciting, honestly! It will be an adventure to see where this takes you.
Thank you so much, Sarah! It's fun and frightening to open up and wonder... what now?
Thank you for this wonderful piece Evelyn. It's always nice to give in to our curiosity which ultimately leads to personal growth.
Thank you, Vanessa! It really is such an invigorating feeling to give in to curiosity.
Thank you sharing this. I loved reading it. I hope you discover new adventures in the new year.
thank you, E!
🫶🏻🥰🤩
thank you for always reading, Elaine!