I really hate this game. Typically when asked to play it, I freeze up. I can’t think of any unique or interesting facts about myself that most people don’t already know or could easily guess. I am a pretty open book, or so I thought.

After much thought, here are my two truths and a lie:

1. For five years I masqueraded as a professional writer and e-Learning developer.
2. I’m a tomboy at heart. I am more comfortable talking and hanging out with a bunch of guys, than women.
3. I harbor a secret fantasy to be the lead singer in a kickin’ all girl rock band.

After my post first blog post last week, several people I know responded with “Wow! I didn’t know you could write.” Well, number one above is true.

I am not a “trained” writer nor do I have a degree in English, but I did work as a writer and e-Learning developer for a little over five years with my current employer. It was a brand new role and there was a need to be filled. I thought “Hey, that looks interesting, I’d like to try that.” So I dug in, worked hard, and did it.

The truth is, I’ve done so many things I never thought I’d do, things I’m not qualified for, or even feel capable of. Much of my career and life has been made up of these types of situations. Feeling like a fraud, faking it till I made it, and then moving on to learn something new or when the struggle was no longer worth the reward.

I’m the exact opposite of number two above. I am not, nor have I ever been a tom boy. The tag-along of six older siblings – three older sisters and three older brothers. My mom and sisters were my life-blood and support system. The women in my life still are. Don’t get me wrong, my guys are pretty awesome, but when I need reassurance, encouragement, or just a good laugh, I’m going to turn to “the girls.”

So my discoveries this week…

• We’re all so much more than what we seem. Not frauds at all, but growing, evolving, beautiful beings.
• While I  haven’t always purposefully chosen my path, I’ve gained valuable experiences along the way. I need to continue to embrace new opportunities and use them to help pave my future.
• The most sustaining relationships in my life are with women I’ve been blessed to know. These relationships need to be encouraged, cultivated, and cherished.

That still leaves number three. Although incredibly inhibited, I love to sing. Raising my voice and belting out a great song makes my heart soar. So yes, it’s true. I fantasize about being in kickin’ all-girl rock band and you never know…

I could “pretend” to be in one some day.

 

 

I need a change.

I’ve spent my adult life trying to make the most of the situations I’ve found myself in.  I’ve focused on being a good mom, being safe, and doing the things I thought I should. When given lemons, I’d do my best to make lemonade.

With all this lemonade making, I realized that I no longer take risks, I rarely try new things, I’ve lost my creativity, and forgotten what my passions really are.

All this lemonade is giving me heartburn!

I’m starting this blog to take a risk. To hold myself accountable for trying new things and exploring the things that are essential to me – as essential as lip balm.

Now let me tell  you how much I love lip balm…

As ridiculous as it sounds, I can’t live without it. If I don’t have it, I can’t stop thinking about it. Like going too long without a drink of water, I feel parched and dry. I have multitudes of tubes hidden all over my house, in my purse, in my car, and in my desk at work. I am addicted and I know it.

I need to discover (or maybe even rediscover) “real” things that I feel that passionately about. I hope writing this blog will help reveal what’s risk worthy and what’s really not.

So tonight I’ll skip the lemonade, I’d like some tea instead. Then I’ll post this blog and throw myself out there. It’s just one of the risks I’m ready to take.