Have you ever had a hard time nailing down what you're really passionate about? Maybe you've felt that you're good at many things, but not great at 1 thing like other people. Do you ever get bored quickly and are ready to move on to the next thing?
Eclectic: deriving ideas, style, or taste from a broad and diverse range of sources.
I always thought I knew exactly what I wanted to be as a kid. A dancer. Duh. I grew up loving dance, performing, and choreographing. Going through elementary school, I met a teacher that inspired me and encouraged me when I discovered my love for writing and storytelling. Then, I thought I was going to be a writer for some newspaper or magazine. In high school, I also discovered my love for fashion, which led to asking for style guides and spending hours on Pinterest pinning outfit inspiration. I didn't realize it at the time, but I was developing a love for design. I started college pursuing a psychology degree because I wanted to help others, and I've always been intrigued by how the mind works and why people are who they are. I quickly realized (I say quickly, but I was really half way through my degree) I was bored with the research and was longing for something more diverse.
My mom and I started selling LuLaRoe around that time, and I fell in love with creating graphics for our brand, setting up an aesthetically pleasing pop-up shop, and layering the walls with new outfit options and inspiration for our shoppers. By the end of that journey, I had changed my degree from psychology to art with a focus in Graphic Design (a big difference in these 2 majors, I KNOW). I was so excited to dive into the new world of art that I had found. I was also very nervous because I cannot draw. My very first semester I was put in a beginner photography class. I thought it would just be a filler class and that I would take 1 class and move into more in depth graphic design classes. Well, fast-forward to the end of the semester, and I was IN LOVE with the art of photography.
So, here I am half way through school and split AGAIN between 2 loves in 1 major. So, I did what all logical, sane, normal people do.... I split my focus. I couldn't choose. I loved both and envisioned a future for both. I had a very short amount of time to obtain all the information I could. As graduation grew closer, they started asking the hard questions. What job will you look for? Where do you see yourself in 5 years? What do you want to do with your degree? I STRUGGLED answering. I even broke down in tears a few times in front of my teachers which was really embarrassing. I wanted to combine photography, graphic design, fashion, and helping others. HOW DO YOU DO THAT? No one really had an answer for me and the planner in me started to PANIC. I was realizing I had too many passions, too many interests, and too many things I wanted to do. I felt totally alone, because everyone around me seemed to know exactly what they wanted and had ONE thing they were chasing after.
Flash forward 1 year later. I'm a JSU graduate, married, and living in a NEW city. I love to try new makeup techniques, design all the things, capture memories in a photograph, and write my heart out to anyone who will read. I still don't know what I want to be when I grow up. I still don't have just 1 passion. In fact, I've discovered I really love designing the perfect living space as well! I've wondered why in the world I still didn't know what I was going to do or what job I wanted to have the rest of my life. Well here was my answer. Last week I was working on blog content, making videos, and journaling ALL my ideas for the next few weeks and here is what I heard in the midst of my busy thoughts.
I am a creator. I love creating things, all things: taking photos, creating doodles, writing blogs, planning parties, making videos, creating websites, cultivating community, and so much more. I create because I love putting a smile on other people's faces. I love seeing someone else have their ah-ha moment. I love helping others. I find joy in helping others be the best version of themselves, whether it be spiritually, physically, or mentally. If it means learning how to apply the perfect eyeshadow combo, then let’s do it. If it looks like handing fears to the King of Kings, let’s embrace it. If it transitions someone from shy and uncomfortable to confident and unashamed, then I’m in. Creator is who THE Creator made me to be, and I am learning to embrace that every single day.
My life is eclectic. My style is eclectic. I love combining many things to make something beautiful. In fashion, in design, in life, I find bits and pieces of things I like and make my own style. My path is different from most. There isn't 1 clear cut thing that I'm led to do for the rest of my life. My soul purpose is eclectic with an overarching theme of helping others.
So, here I am today. I am pursuing my passions, ALL the passions. On instagram, you'll see me making makeup tutorials, creating new outfits, and rearranging spaces at least once a week. On my blog, you'll find me pouring my heart out about my faith and sharing ALL my great finds in fashion, beauty, and home. This isn't a common "job" or something that everyone enjoys seeing...I just know that I love what I'm doing and I love sharing it with everyone. So, let’s see where this leads together.
Seniors, ladies, teens, young adults, college graduates... maybe you identify with these struggles and realize that your soul purpose is eclectic too. I kept these feelings to myself and tried to just stick to the status quo, but then I started talking about it with my best friend, and it turns out she felt the SAME WAY! It felt good to know that I wasn't the only one struggling with this. We started sharing our hearts and I realized that we can't be the only ones with this problem. So, explore ALL your passions and don't give up on ALL the things your heart loves. You don't have to choose just 1. You don't have to strap yourself down to a typical dream job. Your call in life may include many things. ALL of your dreams, desires, and passions are put into motion for a reason that only YOU were created for. You may not know what it is yet, but I can promise you that there is a job for you that He has created you for and you alone.
No one does YOU, like YOU! Leave behind the 1 way street and start designing your own life. Do ALL the things and see where it takes you. I'll be sharing my journey along the way! I love you babes, and I hope this might help you feel a little more normal and a little more reassured.
- Madelynn Duke
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