Some of the most interesting people I’ve ever met didn’t know what they wanted to do when they were 40 years old.
Because we have children and grandchildren, I’m honored to spend time during the holiday season watching bright, creative young people perform in their holiday recitals and presentations. They are learning to have a fun outlet for their creative energies.
We all know that a very small percentage of them will find gainful employment as a creative artist, but they will all benefit from their participation as they try a little bit of everything before they choose to explore whatever “gets it“ for them. It’s rewarding for them, and fun for those who get to share in the experience.
Every child who tries new things is a winner. Adults, too. This is why children can go from wanting to be an astronaut one week to an artist the very next. It’s our job as parents and grandparents to encourage them to try it all.
There’s an amazing world of “things” out there for them to do; some things may prove to be a passing fancy, and others won’t last even that long. Others will provide them with creative fun for a lifetime.
The process is addictive. All those experiences are the building blocks that become who they are and where they are. My children went through so many different creative experiences – I recall the violin lessons that were soon dropped by one daughter. Our son still recalls fondly those piano lessons he took, and he tickles the ivories every time he gets a chance.
We need to encourage them in all they do. There is no place for comments like, “You don’t expect to make a living doing that?” because, well, maybe they do and that’s not your call.
Encourage them all to find their way forward, as most of the current generation members understand what earns a living and their creative outlet will most likely be different, and that’s OK, too.
You can get a sense of satisfaction from your vocation as well as your creative outlet.
A small percentage of our population gets to make a living doing the creative things that we love, but many of us have found what houses us and feeds us to be highly rewarding … so says the guy who’s on career number three at the beginning of his 67 trip around the sun.
And, who knows, there could be a fourth in the near future.
Look through eyes that encourage, not only for the children in your life but for your contemporaries as well. Add that value. You can and should.
Creative outlets should be a lifelong blessing. Maybe someday you’ll discover what you want to do when you grow up.
