When I Grow Up, I Want to Be…

This week we’ve been asked to describe the jobs we dreamed about when we were children.

My youngest granddaughter now has dreams of princessing.

Almost two years ago (the week of February 23, 2015 to be exact), the topic was childhood dreams. I went back and read my post from that week (you can read it HERE) to find out if any of those dreams related to occupations. Apparently I’ve wanted to be a princess, an actress, a professional musician, a teacher, a mom, and an author. I guess those all qualify as careers.

Back in 2015, I decided that the changes in my professional aspirations were due to my “growing up.” Little girls listen to stories about princesses, and when they’re a bit older they begin emulating the young ladies they see on television. And then there are the tumultuous teen years when you’re trying new things, and new ideas like becoming a professional musician. Reality flares, and you make other choices, like becoming a teacher. Being a mom was a later dream, after I met Mr. Right, and becoming an author was a new challenge taken on after retiring from teaching.

Me on one of my authoring days.

So have I ever regretted the choices I’ve made? Not at all. Princesses have to spend way too much time worrying about what they look like, what they say, what they wear, who they spend time with, where they go… I kind of like being able to come and go as I please, for the most part. And sometimes I just don’t feel like dressing up. I could never look as polished as the Duchess of Cambridge – even on a good day. I can’t imagine being that buttoned up all the time. As an actress you’re always quoted and criticized sharply when you make a mistake. While I have a daughter who’s excellent at tearing me down, I can’t imagine having my missteps plastered on the gossip rags and the internet. I’ve had a taste of being a professional musician – I get paid once in a while for playing one or more of my instruments – but to make a living at it I would spend countless hours practicing and traveling from gig to gig. The last three wishes – teacher, mom, and author – have been good fits for me. I can’t imagine my life any different.

Listen up, pardner!

I looked at that list again and realized they all have something in common. I like it when people listen to me. A princess has her kingdom, an actress and a professional musician have their audiences, a teacher has her classroom, a mom (sometimes) has her children, and an author has readers.

Guess my little brothers were right – I’m just a show-off!