I realize that some of you may think I’m crazy, weird or maybe actually ambitious in taking on the roles that I’ve acquired over the last year – from freelance landscaping to writing. And to that I will respond with this: for once, I’m okay with whatever you think. Coming from a closet insecure person, that’s a big deal. Because I feel good about my odd conglomeration of jobs I’ve had and the ones I have right now. In this period of transition, it’s exactly what I need.

Sure I may not be honing one particular skill for a future full-time job in one particular field, but I still don’t know what I’m actually called to do or if I’m even called to do just one thing. So to have several jobs that highlight my strengths and weaknesses and then be able to decide which ones I’d rather keep pursuing is quite perfect for me at this time. It will make for a horrendously confusing tax time next year but we’ll cross that bridge when we get there, ha.

We had this discussion at our Bible study and it’s so true, but no one seems to get it – we are not defined by our jobs, education, wealth, etc. So why are we okay with labeling ourselves by those things? Who cares?

Just because I’m uncertain about who I’m supposed to be as defined by U.S. standards doesn’t mean I’m less “successful” than anyone else. If anything, I believe that I’m making myself more well-rounded and less trapped by a silly title. In fact, this time in my life has made me feel less anxious than ever before – many of you may not know this, but I got physically sick at both of my past FT jobs in Illinois due to stress, anxiety, etc. I always felt like I wasn’t where I needed to be, but didn’t really have a good reason to get out. Which is why the lay off was one of the best things for me and my health. Not to mention it opened up so many new opportunities, like moving to Golden, CO.

I have a lot going on in my mind about what my future might possibly have in store, but I’m a strong believer in not planning much for the future because you just never know what bigger things God has planned. And I’m also a huge believer in taking advantage of every opportunity presented, within reason. So that’s what I’ve been doing.

The only problem: I’m still trying to figure out what to say when people ask me what I do for a living. So far all I’ve got is a paragraph of babbling…but I really need to make it more succinct to avoid glazed expressions and confusion. Maybe it should go something like this:

I’m doing a variety of things that interest me including design, photography, writing and public relations.

That’s probably sufficient.

So call it what you want, but especially during the crazy economic times, this lifestyle suits me. I’m a professional multi-tasker, (at least for now), and I’m proud to be using multiple skills God gave me to possibly create more opportunities in the future. And I can feel myself becoming healthier in the process…definitely a refreshing feeling.

Always in prayer regarding this crazy life,
Laura