Recently, Michaela Christallo, a fellow blogger and creative I have much respect for, nominated me for a blog chain challenge. The challenge, you ask? To answer the question: Why do I do what I do?
This kind of reflection is exactly the kind of dialogue I enjoy having with you on Artist Strong. It’s important for my creative practice, not to mention my personal and professional development. So really, how could I say no? Today, I’m answering that question with a story. Part of my story.
A view from one of my apartments in Dubai
I came into the world of blogging in 2010 while I lived in Dubai. I can credit two people (who never knew me in person) as being my instigators, or my triggers: Everett Bogue and Tammy Strobel. I started reading about this thing called minimalism. The topic fascinated me, and still does, but I was equally intrigued by the ability of these people to reach out to and connect with so many people!
I became a teacher because I wanted to reach as many people as I could and support their developing interests in the arts. And while I am fortunate I’ve worked with hundreds of kids in my 9 years as an educator, I had started to feel like it wasn’t enough. I was not doing enough. I wasn’t reaching enough people. Discovering bloggers who not only shared resources, which were the products of their personal creative endeavor, they made a living from it. This idea ignited a fire inside of me I didn’t know I had.
“This idea ignited a fire inside of me I didn’t know I had.” (Click to Tweet)
An entrepreneur was born.
Students preparing for an extracurricular activity (celebrating Holi) at my old school.
I blogged for years with only the aim to connect with creatives and spread my message. I knew people could make a living doing things like this and the more I engaged with the blogging world the more convinced I was of the internet as a teaching tool with what feels like infinite reach. No more classrooms of 25 kids. How about reaching that number multiplied by a hundred? Or one thousand?!
My other career continued to develop and grow. Being an art teacher has given me a constant stream of ideas and content for Artist Strong. Then I discovered our assistant principal was leaving. I’d earned a masters in educational leadership and had a very supportive admin team who encouraged my leadership. I applied. Again, my desire to effect change in a community drove my decision. What about my art? I’d make it work. It was all about balance.
It was a year of new challenges when I accepted the role. I learned so much from my year of being an assistant principal. SO much. I also learned my desire to help others was not sated. It wasn’t enough.
“I also learned my desire to help others was not sated.” (Click to Tweet)
Sapped of energy from the new role and its many challenges I grew very ill.
I would walk around Dubai Marina with a friend every week. I took this photo on our last walk together.
Sometimes it takes our health to realize we don’t fit; that we are in the wrong puzzle.
In the middle of a particularly hard day at school I looked at my teammate and colleague, a person I hold in much esteem, sighed, and said, “Sometimes I wish this was taken out of my hands.” We joked a bit, and I returned to my office to navigate a difficult discipline issue. Sitting there, trying to catch my breath, my husband-to-be called. He never called me at work.
“I’ve just been offered a job transfer to Muscat.”
I’m not into the woo the way other people are… I don’t believe everything happens for a reason. But when my man told me the news I heard a voice I’d quieted inside myself speak. It said, “It’s your turn.”
On that day I decided Artist Strong was my future.
Why do I do what I do?
The arts are a vehicle for personal change. I want to help people. I want to reach as many people as I possibly can and impart knowledge, skills, and offer encouragement so that everyone can utilize the arts to better their lives.
“The arts are a vehicle for personal change.” (Click to Tweet)
So many factors in our lives can lead us to our whys.
Home isn’t a place for me. It’s a feeling. And it’s a commitment to you.
I completed that school year a changed person. Not only was I stronger for each and every discipline issue I faced, the role made me take a good look at myself and what I value, and what I want. In many ways, leaving the role was taken out of my hands; there was no way I would remain for my contract and be separated from my husband for an entire year. In all honesty, I’d probably be an assistant principal today if my now husband’s job wasn’t transferred. But I am changed. No matter where we move now, I know what I’m meant to do. The country can change, but my heart has found home.
Artist Strong can help foster this change.
Thank you, my readers, for being WHY I do what I do.
Listen to this post:
Consider joining the rest of us in the land of email. Sign up here and get a free coloring book for adults that I drew based on my adventures in the Middle East.
BE COURAGEOUSLY CREATIVE: Why Do YOU Do What You Do?! It’s a great exercise in reflection for your creative practice. Give me 3 words that explain WHY you do what you do. Share them in the comments below.
Now, for my nominees. Check out their websites in the next week or two to see how they answer the question: “Why Do I Do What I Do?”
I introduce to you:
Jackie Johansen is a writer and soul seeker. She is passionate about how our stories have the capacity to create huge, positive change in ourselves and others. She writes at Finally Writing, where she combines personal development with actionable writing strategies to help you write the words that will inspire the world. If you are ready to unleash your inner writer and get writing from the inside out, head over to Finally Writing for inspiration, strategies and some freebies.
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My work includes identifying creative blocks and fears, then helping clients find ways to tune into their unique “inner creative”. My 14 years of experience as a professional writer and creativity consultant, combined with my intuitive gifts and training as a Reiki Master and healer, enable me to guide clients through personal development challenges, while offering clear explanations of what’s happening and how to shift it.
I really enjoyed hearing your background of why you do what you do. This is probably a good thing to learn about lots of people. We are all here, living our life, dealing with challenges and obstacles all the time. Being about to relate to others helps us to feel motivated with our own journey.
Thanks for sharing.
Thanks for reading Rebecca!
I saw this quote today and thought it was appropriate here:
“What did you do as a child that made the hours pass like minutes?
Here is the key to your earthly pursuits.” — Carl Jung
Great quote thanks Indre!
Why I do what I do in three words. I can’t stop. It is as natural to me as breathing. I am not a full time artist, although I would love to be someday. I am actually a commercial insurance agent. As my mother said when I was young, Kori does better in everything else in her life as long as she is creating art. oxoxo Kori
Love hearing that you know how important art is to you Kori. 🙂 Makes my heart smile! If you really want it to be a career, I’m sure you can find a way. The Abundant Artist is a good resource, as is Crista Cloutier (I interviewed her she has a course about selling work). I’m glad its a release for you from your current profession.
Such a beautiful, heartfelt post Carrie. I always find it fascinating to learn the details behind why people do what they do, why they are driven to share a part of themselves to improve or open up the perspective of others. You are a true teacher at heart in all you do, and I’m excited to pass along the blog chain in the coming weeks. Thanks for sharing your artist self in the world in such a touching way. Cheers!
Hi Katrina, thank you so much for your kind words. I look forward to reading yours! 🙂
hi ,
ive lived 7 years of my life in Dubai/Abudhabi and what kept me there the most was community living . even with longer working hours people manage to take time out for them selves and others they love being around.
i was more of a go around kinda person but today for me life has changed . My father suffered a brain stroke which made me leave dubai and for last 5 years ive been around him just to make him realize that all that he did for the family was enough and now he should let me take care of him and other matters . but what changed me most was me getting married to a beautiful women .. we have had issues … a lot of them because of the stress around when my dad was bed ridden … it made me think a lot abt relations and life … anyways what brought me into the online business world was my exit from dubai and trying to do something which made me use the resources and also stay close to my dad. it was a long struggle as i did it all on my own …. entering the noisy world of e business and then finally managing my space in it . now im done with my on ground business and ive built up a couple of streams online to keep my B2B trade moving.
i believe there is a lot of space for people especially women who want to work at the comfort of their homes and manage family and work together.
i exactly have a business model blueprint or you could say a map inside me which i want to unleash for those who have the passion and commitment to make it through the entrepreneurship journey, as i know its not easy to keep yourself moving when the results you are achieving are not financial initially . secondly i strongly believe that learning art of self development and human behavior is something you cannot succeed without if you want to put up a client base for your e business .
I am looking out for people who share the same thought of helping others to achieve what they want and that too with efforts of their own .
Nothing comes easy in this corporate world and for me that is what keeps me going … achieving goals … getting comfortable in the NOW and then create FLOW to rise above to achieve your long term goals .
Would love to hear what you have to say about all this so i can provide you with more info as to how i plan to take this through with help of a few individuals who can not only mentor but also keep them inspired .
ooohh and please ignore the number of times ive used the Word AND as i often do when im writing without a strategic layout 🙂 your story brought all this outta me
takecare God Bless .
Hi Aly thanks so much for sharing your thoughts. It sounds like you have quite a story! I hope your choices in business and life are bringing you fulfillment and happiness. Persistence and determination are key traits for entrepreneurs as you say and I’m honored sharing my story has encouraged you to share your own. Best wishes to you!