Hi Guys,
I’ll be honest. I feel very disconnected from you. I feel like we haven’t talked in weeks. I mean, you’ve heard from me– plenty. Sales tend to have that effect. I’ve also heard from many of you, which I always enjoy. But I feel like so much has been going on in my life that I’ve hardly had a chance to process, let alone share. And I miss sharing.
Before I go on, let me just say that the Multi-Passionate Must-Haves sale last week was a tremendous success. We raised $6,760 for breast cancer research and I feel very proud of the value that we were able to provide to the multipod community. Thanks to everyone who picked it up, to the authors who contributed their products and to my partner in crime fun, Michelle!
But the sale was the backdrop for a lot of other stuff, too. For one, there is a ton of drama in my apartment building right now. More dog attacks, evictions, angry tenants, useless landlord, everyone talking about it constantly. It’s been source of inescapable stress. Well, that’s not entirely true. Grendel and I have escaped to the beach a few times. It’s bad though, and I am very much looking forward to leaving Chicago for the summer in about a week.
I’ve also been writing and recording this year’s album-in-a-month with my band-mate, Rena. We are finishing up the vocal and violin tracks right now (here’s a sneak peak) and the whole project will be wrapping up on Tuesday. I’ve been continuing to write my book, too. Yeesh, so much.
I have a massive new long term goal that I’m not ready to share yet. All I’ll say is that it involves a major shift in lifestyle (think less concrete and skyscrapers, more mountains and streams) and it will take me a very long time to prepare for.
But buuuuut, despite everything, I am very happy with how I’ve been handling the stress of this month. I’ve managed to maintain my meditation practice, I’ve been going to yoga once a week, biking and getting outside. Most importantly, I’ve developed a stronger sense of awareness regarding my emotional state, how technology and other factors may be affecting it, and doing things to change it. I think it’s very important for multipotentialites in particular to learn to deal with stress and learn how to SIMPLIFY and disconnect. In future blog posts, I’ll be writing more about what I’ve learned in this area.
What else have I been up to? Oh I got an A in my chemistry class. You know, just in case my multipotentiality was in question. 😉
Your Turn
What have you been up to this past month? This may sound silly, but I really miss you guys! Sharing love-fest in the blog comments?! Who’s in?
Your posts always make me smile because your evolution always seems to mirror what’s going on over here in my thinking too. I’ve gone from being all about London/city life to planning a move to the coast in September for a more outdoorsy life. I’m going back to studying, this time in the sciences (an MA in environmental science). I have a lot on the go (of course, I’m a multipotentialite!) but meditation keeps me grounded. And I’d identified that technology was causing overwhelm – one of the reasons I’m retraining for a different career – I have to spend every day at a computer and I don’t want that anymore. Thanks for checking in and you’ll always have people here that understand 🙂
Lauren,
That is funny! We definitely seem to be on similar paths, though on different continents. The future’s feeling exciting, eh? 🙂
To Lauren/Emilie/Another:
What would you do if your living expenses were not covered by your job and because of health concerns, you couldn’t go with your plan to use that job to get to a better paying one in the same field? I’ve applied for years to no end in other fields. With re-training, I’d be doing something I’d done before without results. My other alternative is to use debt to cover some education in my passion and my living expenses too. Do people still use student loans to pay rent and living expenses?
Hi Tina, have you looked into getting bursaries and scholarships? If you can get a low interest student loan you can use that for living expenses – you can do what you want with it. Some grants also cover living expenses too. Plus, if your living expenses aren’t covered by your job surely there are state benefits you can claim? Depends on your country of course. Do you have something like a Citizens Advice Bureau for advice on how to get financial help?
I don’t know much about the opportunities in my area. I know of some opportunities that involve being paid to study your subject of interest, but I believe you already have to invested in/enrolled in something to get that in hand. And as far as education, my passion is not the same as my educational background (although getting paid to study it, would be pretty great, right? ;))
I’ve had a few meetings with people who were sought out to educate me on these issues in the past and they weren’t good sources of information. Honestly, I’d rather not live in debt. But the alternative (unless a viable income opportunity comes my way) is no better.
Hi Tina. Please, please, please don’t take out student loans! It will only add to your troubles. (Believe me, I’ve been there. Used credit cards to pay for groceries too. I just didn’t know what else to do.) Student loan debt ruined my life (no exaggeration!) You’d be better off saving up the money and taking only one or two classes a year, even if it takes you twenty years to graduate. There’s a huge scam behind student loan debt. Check out StudentLoanJustice.org to find some examples of what I mean. People are committing suicide over student loan debt. Please, don’t do it!
You may think I’m exaggerating but I’m not. I was a straight-A student and am now living in poverty because of this debt and I try to warn people whenever I can.
There are other alternatives. You can get an education without taking out those loans. First, you could move to a part of the country such as Texas or Calif where I believe community college tuition is still pretty cheap, and it’s possible to save up your money to pay your way through college. Yes, it takes a year to get residency in another state so that you qualify for the low tuition, but again, it’s better than ruining your life with student loan debt.
This may sound extreme, but many people are leaving the country and getting their education overseas. You can get a student visa and legally work teaching English in Europe, Mexico or So. America, make a little money and get free or low-cost college tuition. UNAM (Mexico) offers free university tuition and you don’t need to be a Mexican citizen. If you don’t speak Spanish, you can take Spanish classes at the university. Cost of living is much cheaper there and lots of Americans live in Mexico. You can take a Greyhound bus to Mexico if you need to save money.
Like I said, this may sound extreme, but many people are doing this and I wish I had known of these alternatives b4 I went to college. Student loan debt can’t be relieved by bankruptcy. It will follow you (and sometimes your family) to the grave. The govt is very ruthless. There was a case of a man who was dying of AIDS and the govt threatened to confiscate his social security/disability if he didn’t pay off his loans.
There are other ways to get job training besides the ones I mentioned. Depending on what type of skill you need, you may be able to find some training online too. Also some cities have schools that charge low tuition for job training classes. When I lived in Denver, there was a school that offered low-cost job training for low-income people, but you had to have lived there for at least a year.
Anyhow, I’m struggling myself, so I know how it is and I’m speaking (unfortunately) from experience. No matter how practical you think getting an education is, please don’t take out loans to pay for it. Find another way.
Totally agree with meri – do not take out student loans. They will haunt you for life and they WILL harass your family, your friends, your place of work and anyone else they can get a hold of if you miss a payment. It is not worth it. Work through school and as meri suggests take a couple of courses a year or go community college first. You could perhaps find a job that will pay for the courses (sometimes 100% or less depending on the grade). Places like starbucks have programs like that. good luck.
This would be optimal. But hiring managers seem to be allergic to my face or something. It could be that I look so young. My skills are best suited in remote positions where this issue does not come up. If I could become better at retrieving and seeking those out, it might help.
Thanks so much for your responses. This the first one I read, but I look forward to giving all the others some thought. I really appreciate it 🙂
-Tina
Hi Meri,
I appreciate the time you took. Out here in California, living expenses are especially high. So if community college is cheaper in other places, in the greater scheme of things you can still be broke and in debt. My issue is I already have an education. Bachelor’s in my field, experience. I just don’t have the right information/connections/proper timing. The benefit of this problem (whatever it is) is that the option to settle has been removed and I’ve grown closer to understanding what I’m really about. Right now, I’m working to create income opportunities from what I love and from what I get paid for (via freelancing) in the hopes of getting paid work from either my dream or my field. I hope these ideas spark something for you. Another issue: launching multiple projects takes time that I don’t always have when illness is factored in on top of everything else. From this, I’ve learned to scale down and only approach what could be done simply.
I’d really appreciate being part of a group where people like you and me (and anyone else who is interested) could share our progress in doing our own thing for money or finding decent work to cover our bills in the meantime. If anyone wants to discuss this in the next puttylike opening, I plan to be there.
Hey Tina,
I lived in Cali and had to leave as I cdn’t afford to live there anymore, so I know what u mean. My situation’s similar to yours in that I have a BA (worthless in terms of getting a job and overqualifies me for the service jobs out there) but can’t afford to go back to get an MA which wd be more practical jobwise.
Pls believe me re: the student loans. They WILL ruin your life. Pls don’t do it.
Have you heard of Mooc-list.com ? It lists free online courses. Check out Udemy.com, Coursera.org and others. MIT and Stanford are starting to create free online courses, I believe. But ur close to Mexico. Wd u consider moving there temporarily to further your education for free?
Emilie’s group is called Puttytribe. There are lots of multipotentialites there.
Sorry to hear about your apartment troubles – I know how frustrating that can be 🙁
Glad the meditation and yoga is helping. I’ve been focusing on simplifying too, and would love to see more posts on those subjects!
Noted. 🙂
And yeah, it’s no fun. Has your situation improved any?
I moved into a new house in South Tabor, around 60th. Much more along the lines of the communal houses I’m used to.
Simplifying. Note taken, Saul! I think I’ve got that part down. 🙂
Yuck! I’ve faced apt issues, and those sound dreadful. I’m glad you’re finding peace. Congrats on the fundraiser!
Thanks Willi. 🙂
I’m a HSP multi-potentialite. I really have to question anyone’s ability to live a sane, healthy life in a city, much less living in an apartment. You have no control over neighbours, and constant noise, light and the sheer overwhelming proximity of other people and their lives impinging on yours must surely drive you insane. If I was in your situation, I can tell you that I would be dead. I would have taken my own life, rather than live in such bondage.
Many years ago, I left the city forever. I have the richest , most incredible life – even now I’m writing to you from a fairytale place that few people ever get to see, listening to the wild dogs serenade the sunrise, the birds sing and the glorious winter sun(yes, I’m in the Southern Hemisphere) blaze over the horizon. Had I attached myself to a city this would never have been possible.
It’s not all roses, life never is, but the joy I have in being able to have my own peace and quiet, and the exponential boost in creativity and energy to explore my many I interests – from learning Aboriginal languages to drawing to bird watching and website design- would never, ever have been possible in the prison confines of a city.
I hope you solve your problem, and feel deeply sorry for you being in such circumstances. Unlike me, you seem to be coping with this. If it was me, I would have broken by now. Glad the fund raiser went well, I still use my resources that I bought a couple of years ago.
AJ, your living situation is so inspiring, thank you for sharing. I’m alright. I’m used to cities, and once the present drama fades, I will be able to at least get through the next year. Then we’re moving back to the West Coast.
Wow, sounds like chaos! Haha. Can’t wait to hear this year’s ‘album in a month’. I’ve been putting the finishing touches to my new member’s area. Got a great guest coming up next week! 😉
Heh cool.
And yeah, I’m actually really excited about how the album is shaping up. I think it’s going to be really good!
Congratulations for raising so much money for a great cause – that must feel so rewarding. I think we don’t help enough – and it’s funny because it’s what really makes you feel the best- contributing beyond yourself.. who agrees???:).. Have you ever done a myers briggs test, i think you might be an INFP or similar, i think we ALL might be infp’s, what a rare combination it is as well. Well, here’s my rant started :).. I’ve been working on my photography, building my portfolio, and juggling other interests, philosophy, working freelance reviewer, which is so hard and time consuming and yes, sometimes i feel like I get nowhere because I can never dedicate myself to one direction. Even when I’m aware of something like that about myself, I can’t really do anything about it. I’m sure you know how it feels. Thanks for checking in with me, It’s always nice to return to the site and reconnect!!!
OH, and Yoga :).
I am totally an INFP!
Yeah, I know that feeling well. It’s one of the reason I am so strict with my creative rituals, use a timer, small wins journaling, etc. I find little ways to feel a sense of progress. It also helps to remember the up sides to being a multipotentialite. How your work will be end up being more interesting, you’ll get to experience so much over the course of your life, and so on. 🙂
Thanks for checking in, Heidi.
And yes, yoga!
Hi Emilie,
Sorry to hear life has been throwing you curve balls. Over the past two years, I’ve had my fair share of misadventure, and your work has in part helped me get back on my feet. During that time, I cam up with a half original saying to help me out:
“It can’t rain forever” (which is the existing part of the saying)
“But if it does, I’ll build a shipyard and start selling boats” (my twist of the original)
I hope those words will give you a little nudge upwards. Take care.
PS If you ever need a dream vacation, come to Malta (Europe) and I will take time off my work to show you all around the place. It’s the least I can do.
Cedric
Hi Cedric,
Thanks so much for your comment. And I may very well take you up on that offer sometime! Malta sounds incredible.
WHAT– dog attacks, evictions, what the heck? I’m so sorry you’ve been dealing with so much stress in your own home. That should never be the case. I hope wherever you’re going for the summer provides a lot of needed calm. Glad to hear that meditation and such is working, but as living and perceptive beings we can only take so much!
Thanks Jennifer. There is really only one problem tenant in the building, and he should be moving out while I’m gone. And yes, I plan on doing a TON of relaxing this summer. Very excited for that.
Hey, Emilie!
Wow and I thought I was busy! Nipped on over to your “Tip of the Hat” site and really enjoyed your music. Looking forward to hearing the new stuff once it’s recorded.
I find it difficult to pursue so many interests and give them my best. While spending time on one task I find myself regretting not spending more time on other things. Stuff gets put off and the procrastination leads to more regret. Wowza! What a vicious circle.
As a professional musician and creative in general I must multi-stream just to make a living. I’m a supply teacher, a private music instructor, performer, recording artist, conductor, arranger, composer, director of musical theater, clinician. I paint watercolours, dabble in photography and I’m a professional scale model builder. I’m president of the local musicians’ union and Music Ed./Artist Liason with the local jazz festival.
I run a bunch of blogs (sporadically) and have found recent new interests in pursuing veganism. (Just a sec. Gotta catch my breath)
Plus a bunch of little stuff I won’t mention.
It’s so refreshing to see young women like yourself and Rena throw yourself into your songwriting and performing/recording with such honesty and integrity.
Love what you’ve built here. Hope to buy your book soon.
Blessings
Gary
Thanks so much, Gary. I agree, being a multipotentialite (and a creative in general) can be difficult at times. In fact, it can go from excited and dynamic to overwhelming in a split second. One project too many, and over you tip.
I have found that I am getting better at knowing what to say no to or delegating projects to future months. There are just some times when despite your best efforts, everything collides.
Thanks for the comment, it’s nice to ‘meet’ you! 🙂
Thanks for sharing all the ups and downs. Sorry to hear about the rough parts, but glad to hear things are moving too. And exciting that you are planning a big lifestyle change!
I’m moving this week to another apartment, so also a bit upside down. But this week I’ve managed the first little step by inviting some people over for this Saturday to come and listen to a reading of my (not yet published) stories. I charge a small fee and they get coffee/tea and biscuits and listen for an hour. It sounds a bit ridiculous now that I type it out, but I’m finally getting the wheels rolling!
Nah, I think that sounds incredible, Doret. Have fun, and good luck with the move!
Emilie,
I miss you too. Thanks for the message and love the, “less inbox clutter so comment where everything can be in one place,” move!
Glad to hear from ya and all your adventures. I’m listening and not always speaking.
Who me? Just raising little Emerson (my son) who is 8 weeks old now and working on cash flow with my “Brand Inside a Brand,” coaching for folks working in corporations who want to have more impact, build more connections and more opportunities within their company. It’s basically my Intel story and the culmination of many things I’ve done up to this point. I’ve also been doing some project work.
I’m hustling and seeing the difference between being a side hustler and a full-time hustler.
Hey Mike!
I’m always checking out your new Emerson photos on Facebook, so you’re not alone in “listening and not always speaking.” He’s beautiful.
Glad you’re doing so well and smooshing together your backgrounds! Sounds like a great project.
And congrats on being a full-time hustler, in case I never got a chance to say that. Truly awesome. Thanks for checking in!
Emelie,
Thank you for the vulnerable email this week. Highs this week for me: bought a multi-potentialite mega sale basket and had a four day weekend which was a good balance to the stress I feel learning my new job. Now that I bought in on the “Big Sale” I am feeling a bit overwhelmed on where to start… I chose a shopping list from the life is messy planners and the Fierce Love course. Food, water, love. The basics. Christi
Hi Christi,
Great to hear from you. I understand the overwhelm. It’s always a (paradoxical) issue with these bundle sales. Sounds like you’re doing the right thing and starting small, with the basics. Also, those are two excellent products to start with!
Glad to hear from you. Good luck with your new job!
xo.
Emelie,
Thanks for the vulnerable post. Highs from my week include: buying the multi-passionate must haves and dunking in a cold creek. Now that I have these must haves I am unsure where to start! I am drawn to the life is messy food shopping organizer page and fierce love class. Start with the basics: food and water. If you come to Central California this summer would love to see you. Christi
I’m writing a musical!
No way! That is outstanding!
One of our songs on the new album is very musical theatre and I love it. So much fun to write.
I know the feeling Emilie. I haven’t posted much lately, either in my blog or on Puttylike. Too busy working to pay the bills. But that’s not my long term plan, so thank you for the encouragement.
Anytime, Michael. Hope you get to have some fun soon. 🙂
Around the time when the first National Parks were founded, doctors used to prescribe fresh air and nature for all kinds of ailments, many of which were brought on by stress.
I went on a 13-mile hike, just outside St. Louis this weekend. The earthy, rustic smell, the light breeze and the physical activity were the perfect way to start our 3-day weekend. It separated us from work, gave my husband and I time to talk about what we plan to do next, and was incredibly satisfying.
Mountains and streams will definitely be a break from the Chicago lifestyle. Best of luck and have fun!
That sounds incredible, Sarah!
My first comment on your blog…your email was so inviting I want to chime in. Sorry for the frustations in your apartment building. Maybe it is loving you imperfectly enough for you to choose something better for you. Sometimes things have to fall apart a bit for us to be open to taking action on the thing/situation we want more.
As for me, my years of multipotentiality are turning into multireality. You helped me embrace my many facets to not have to choose only one. My independent contractor gig is going to turn into full time work June 10, which gives me a team to play with, a large sandbox, and a base income. Plus I am volunteering in another love on Monday nights for 6 weeks. Plus I am investigating moving to a location closer to where I grew up, to be closer to family and friends who I would like to see more often. And to a climate with shorter winters, which gives me a chance to play outdoors more often. I am learning I don’t have to take the large leaps I used to take, which were disruptive and traumatic. Now I try micromovements, check things out, and trust my intuition.
Lastly, I want to share that we just experienced some really sad news here in Cincinnati. A 21 year old college student had been missing for 7 days. His family loved him dearly. A large community effort searched high and low for him. He was found last night dead and hanging in a nearby vacant apartment building. Self-inflicted is assumed, but police will investigate thoroughly. Why do I bring in this downer? To remind everyone to be kind to one another. We never know what someone near us is going through.
Sorry for your stress. Glad you are finding good coping mechanisms. Thanks for your great stuff!
One of my multi-potentialite symptoms is that I seem to often hear myself saying that I’m in transition. And when I hear it, I sometimes wonder if it is an excuse. Oh, well.
Once again as I answer your question, I have to say I’m in transition. We are trying out a life on the road – in a fifth wheel RV. We finish up a five-month commitment in southern California today – and hit the road again tomorrow – heading north up the coast and through Canada to Alaska.
Thanks for asking.
Awwwww. Bless you. I want to send you a big hug and a kiss. You sound kind of vulnerable and I get that. It’s tough having your home attacked and I totally get the terror of dog attacks, whether on you or on Grendel. Not nice.
I hope it all eases up and smoothes out and that you manage to have a lovely summer. I’m also keen to hear about this mountains and streams plan. Are you going to become a hermit? Or study something spiritual which involves forty days in the outback? Pray do tell as and when able. I am intrigued. It sounds awesome.
Good luck with the book and the album recording. Aren’t you the talented little thing. You go girl, the sky’s the limit and it’s a long way up :).
Looking forward to hearing more next time.
All the best.
Keep up the good work.
Well done on the A in Chemistry, by the way. Brainiac!!! Very impressed.
Rebecca x
Ps: Do you knit? It’s very good for stress and anxiety. I practice it myself in my free time and in my work and I use it on others as actual therapy. I’ve kind of become an artist in one sense and a yarn therapist in another, blending knitting with traditional talking as well as Reiki and EFT. If you are interested, check out my website: http://rebeccalatherton.wordpress.com or http://thelifeenrichmentblog.wordpress.com/treatments/knitting-therapy/. Or ask me for more details. I really think you would enjoy it is you are into creative things like that. Not sure on that one. Anyway, it’s there if you want to learn more.
Kiss, kiss. All the best. Sending you happy vibes for both you and your immediate neighbourhood.
Rebecca x
Aw Rebecca, you are so sweet. Your comment made me feel really happy, thank you! I’m not ready to share about my big plan. It’s not quite hermit-level. I actually plan on making a real effort to meet people while I’m out there in the wild (not meeting people IN the wild, per say, just near it. lol.) Anyway, I will share more when things are a little more fleshed out.
I heard that about knitting. I’ve never quite been able to get into it, tried a few times. I am considering taking a woodworking class in the fall though. Maybe I will fall in love with whittling? Heh.
Hi Emilie!
Thank you for your site as it is such a welcome relief! Multipotentialite, who knew?!
Anywho, I just bought your Ren Biz book and absolutely heart it!
So my next steps are trying to figure out how I can be helpful/profitable with an Illustrator break every now and then. So off to Starbucks!
Nikki 🙂
Ou fun! Enjoy the process, Nikki. And it’s nice to meet you. 🙂
Hi! I occasionally get around to reading the blog, but I really have yet to find time to discover freedom from my own shortcomings! Sorry about the crazy living situation, though it sounds like you have a peaceful endeavor coming up soon! Currently, I am spiraling due to it being my senior year for my degree, and not sure if I am cut our for grad school. Plus, my son is getting married at the end of the year, and that detachment process is more challenging than I realized! Keep the emails coming though, you are inspiring! 🙂
Wow, that does sound challenging! And so sweet. Your son will still be your son, always. 🙂
Good luck with the rest of your degree!
Hi Emilie! It’s been a month of movement, I’ll say. I’m building steam on my freelance sideline after neglecting it for a while – a career web site is running an article I wrote for them next month, I resurrected my LinkedIn profile and I’m still cranking out a new web comic every week!
I’m also working oresurrecting the Paid to Play Podcast; my best friend and I recorded a podcast episode together, which I still need to edit (it’s around an hour of geek chatting) but I’m hopeful it’ll get an audience!
I’m feeling the pressure too, what with the newly-announced federal budget taking a lot of my wife’s pensioner benefits away, so I have even more incentive to get rolling on freelancing.
I’m looking forward to reading more about your Big Plan, having moved from a Big City to a small tropical one myself a few years back. And congratulations on the A!
Hi Rob! Great to hear from you. Sounds like you’re rolling right along. Exciting! Hopefully you can turn that federal budget pressure into real impetus to hustle, thus making it something positive. Sounds like you already are doing that.
Miss you in the Tribe, by the way. 🙂
Hey Emilie,
Unfortunately, I have been mostly in survival mode trying to find a FT job, so that I can continue building my multi-pod businesses, projects, endeavors. I am building a music production company to create music libraries, do on-off music for film, TV, ads etc… and building a Drupal web site to support that .I have some great people as partners and collaborators and am starting to get some work. I sing in a rock band doing covers and originals and am working on a project for crowd funding called Music Mystery Tour. Most days though, it’s interviewing for that job (I had 8 interviews last week and I had to take the three day weekend to recover, Sigh). So that is what is going on with me. I slink slowly forward trying to balance all these things.
Keith
Wow! A lot of those sound fun, but it’s definitely a balancing act. Good luck with all the job stuff! Nice to hear from you, Keith.
Yeah I am kind of like that. I have the skinny branches guy and the scaredy cat guy. they fight it out.
Keith
Hi Emilie,
Congratulations on the money you raised, the album work, the A in chemistry, and all the other great stuff you’re doing! That apartment situation certainly sounds like a recipe for stress, and I hope things start to change for you soon. Problems with your living situation can end up affecting everything – I’ve just had an unexpected house-move myself, which is never the most enjoyable experience.
I only discovered Puttylike recently, and I’ve been following the Renaissance Business course – it’s incredibly helpful, so thank you! Really clear, easy to follow, and makes loads of sense. I’m starting work on a blog based on what I’ve learned in the course, which I’m excited about. I’m also building up some freelance writing work, have been teaching kids courses on Roald Dahl and film studies (which was wonderful fun), have a couple of gigs lined up for the summer with the band I play in, and am doing my best to grow some veggies in my new backyard.
I get the pull towards greener and calmer places to live – I enjoy living in a city right now, but I think the countryside will reclaim me eventually!
Finding ways to de-stress is so important, and I hope that you’re feeling less disconnected after seeing people’s comments on here. Keep up the good work, it’s much appreciated! 🙂
Thanks so much, Gwen!
This month has been crazy! I got a job doing what I love and I am good at it. It was perfectly out of the blue, but something I have been doing on and off since I was 18. I took a break for a while to raise my son whom has Autism, and now I get to return. So, I will tell you how old I am and say, I have been doing this for 17 years. It is not the creative side of me, but the medical side of me. I soak up medical information like a sponge. But I know that I will need to keep doing more creative things to keep the other parts of me happy, so I am remodeling my kitchen. YAY! I am also gardening and selling plants off my driveway to help financially. Organically grown Heirloom tomatoes are apparently a hit! Last week, I made a birdhouse out of wine corks. Who knew? Next week gets a bit crazy with teaching First Aid and CPR, so I’m working in a lot of creative stuff until then.
Thank you for all you do Emily! Chat with you soon.
Melissa
Wow, Melissa! That is awesome. Go you!
Yay I have been thinking about you! Wow that is a lot of drama. I can relate to being surrounded by drama and while I still have a bunch, I’ve decided it is time for a new story. One with just as much excitement but much less stress! Hmm romantic comedy? Actually I think a screwball comedy is more my speed although I’m sure in real life Step Brothers and The Hangover would be less funny LOL.
I’ve joined Jeneth Blackert’s High Performance Change Artist certification program and I’m so thrilled with everything I am learning!! It felt like the right next step for me.
I hope you have an amazing summer in Chicago! I’m sure there are a lot of people who will be happy to see you. I just had a peek at your sneak peek and I loved hearing it. And yay a book too!! I’m looking forward to listening and reading and to seeing those posts about the crazyiness that all this uber-connected techie world brings and your solutions in-the-works.
🙂
That is so inspiring, Faith. “Changing the story.” I love that!
Currently taking archery lessons and loving it – I may have for once in my life found a sport I could actually be good at! Off to an Appropriate Technology workshop next week to learn about building solar ovens and rocket stoves. About to have another go at a free online Data Science course – gave up on them last year because I find video lectures really tedious, whatever the subject. I can happily read a 600 page textbook no problem, but 5 minutes of watching a talking head and zzzzzz. Trying to fix several years of neglect in the vegetable garden a few hours at a time – it is winter now so not much outside time.
Hey, I’ve been doing okay. School is progressing and my little one is growing and developing more and more each day. Watching a little life grow and discover is a beautiful amazing gift. It’s much easier to see it in my child than my own life. You know, doing the dad thing; other than that, I’m just making the daily grind of school and work, more schooling and more work to make ends meet.
Multipotentiallight4life, lol.
Hi Emillie,
I hope things get better for you. I too live in the city. Sometimes I want to leave the city, but when I look back at where I used to live and how hard it was to survive in that type of environment, it makes me appreciate the city more and the nicer parts about it. Hopefully, things will get better and thanks for the email!
Hi Emilie! I’m sorry to hear you’ve been having issues where you live, I went through that last year and it was intolerable; car fires, armed police raids on next doors meth lab (and this is England, we rarely get police with guns)etc -it’s so stressful; you have my utmost sympathies.
I have days when I get overwhelmed, I’m often doubting myself or procrastinating, but then I have days when I just click and get everything done, so my plan is to try and improve those incidences. Right now I’m revising for my Math exam, writing (blog, novel, short story), running (next up, 16k obstacle race!) and of course parenting my lovely girl, who just turned seven, is in love with the Hulk and thinks Babymetal is the next big thing in music 🙂
Hi Emilie!!
Thank you for asking and being interested in the life of your followers. I am happy to share that after what seems like weeks of stagnation, I got up today and took a rigorous Jog … Yah I took my sweet time doing it but I DID pull it off eventually in 90 degree 11 o clock weather. I sweat like a pig and I felt great! I’ve also re-picked up Yoga after months of not practicing and have been feeling better everyday since I started again a few days ago. Anyways, All those endorphins really kicked in during my shower and have been feeling wonderful all morning.
Right Now I’m enjoying some down time watching some crude comedy on television.
Prior to today I’ve set out to create my own business and have handcrafted many-a-business card that I’m sure are charming and practically layed out enough to gain attention and clients. It focuses mainly on domestic work -babysitting, garden, yard, office organization, tutoring etc (It covers a very wide array of personal skills and interests such as story telling, teaching, making things clean and clear, and working for myself among others). I figure there’s a lot of people out there that need help in their homes, and I know that I need help moving out -. Can’t say how successful it will be at this time but like any good multipotentialite (I had to save that in my phones dictionary, lol! ) I have a plan A, B, and C and counting. This business will be the springboard for other businesses in the future.
I’ve always known I’ve been a multipotentialite since I was in my teens (now 23)…but thanks to you I have a positive word to associate with it that I will NEVER forget…back then all there was, was “Jack of All trades Master of None” – whichsoever we are all too familiar with its’ condescending undertones…and believed there was something wrong with me for the longest time..until now *Dun Dun Dun! (Or Run Run Run, nay sayers!! 😉 )*
Your presence and your blogs believe, God sent. Idk if you are an atheist but I consider your work to be extremely important and useful for the days to come and the days that are. (I always talk like this. Poetry is one of my many passions 😉 )
I wish you the best, and feel free to contact me if you need one more person to pray for anything – that goes for all readers.
Thank You for existing, and for all your hard work, and being a virtual supporter of me and many who are like me. In religious terms you are a blessing in a world of curses.
With Deep Gratitude and Love –
Thomas.
I’ve been meaning to reply to this thread for ages!
I just switched day jobs for something new and better-paying. I’ve been doing some freelance ghost writing work on the side. I’ve been doing the odd web comic for my own pleasure.