In the creative industries, I would argue, there is a game we like to play in the grand scheme of life where we make assessments, judgments, and calls to figure out where we land amongst the others.
It happens quietly.
It happens in the moments of scrolling, connecting, colliding, watching…
It happens so quickly that we are not aware of how firmly it is embedded into our thinking.
Recently I have been trying to unearth the roots of comparison from my life.
I would like to say that I am good at it.
Good at keeping my eyes in my own lane and appreciating the lanes of others without the twinge, the raise of heartbeat and the critical disdain.
But that would be a lie.
I am human.
We are all apt to want to join the game that has been lain out for us.
Pick up your token and roll the dice. See where you land.
I’m throwing the dice in the trash.
I’m playing a different game.
I’m playing a game that only I can play. I am the only me on this board, and I can only truly battle with my own inner demons.
Industries, society, cultures will all have their norms, their way of life and rule book.
I just happen to be a bit of a maverick, and I think that’s okay.
I think it’s okay to come into your work and life recognizing that your calling may not be aligning with everyone else. It might be okay that you come into your position with a different background, different passion and angle.
Sure,
I’d love to be the next Elizabeth Gilbert, Glennon Doyle or even...Maya Angelou… but the truth is. I’m not.
I’m Amy Grace, born, raised and deeply anchored in Halifax, Nova Scotia. I think deeply and see movies and words in my head. I arrive at storytelling and writing with the angle of a trained interpreter with a passion for communication and psychology. I spend a lot of my time shooting the breeze with my closest people, listening to podcasts, stopping at random to lay on the floor and cuddle and wrestle my daughter. I get ideas in the shower or while I am moving my body in cardio or dance. I write them down with either water or sweat dripping down my face. I value quality time with others and would always prefer to either being quietly reflecting or deeply discussing.
I feel deeply called to develop projects that move people. Make people think, ponder and mull over things in their heads.
Sometimes this means…I create less than I want to. Other times this means I am neck deep in ideas, projects and meetings I don’t know what to do with myself.
But the point of this is.
I cannot and should not be the next Shonda Rhimes, Marie Forleo, Sarah Polley or Chriselle Lim.
What I can do,
is be me.
Who are you?
What are you about?
What is that thing that makes you arresting to yourself and those around you?
Because you are. You make me weak in the knees when you show up as yourself.
I want more of you.
All of you.
We all do.
Despite the games we all habitually find ourselves playing from time to time, we are all our best and highest selves when playing for ourselves and ultimately the One who gave us all these thoughts, ideas and dreams to begin with..
