“What do you want to be when you grow up?” my father’s work colleague who’d come to dinner asked.
“A pig,” I replied.
Aghast, my parents’ faces turned crimson with rage. If it had been possible for steam to come out their ears, as happens in cartoons, I’m sure it would have. I don’t remember what transpired next (fortunately), but I was probably banished to my room and grounded for a week. I was in the doghouse, for sure!
What I do remember is that, at 11 years old, I was already weary of being asked that perennial question adults love to pose to kids. Usually a polite and well-behaved child, I nonetheless resented being treated like a ‘child’. I had no clear idea of where my life was heading, so I just said the first thing that came to mind.
Ever since that fateful evening, I’ve been careful in my response to that irritating question. I didn’t know how to respond then, and I still don’t. Perhaps, at 70, I’m still waiting to grow up! For as far back as I can remember, there have been so many things I wanted to ‘be’. If I thought something was worth trying, I usually did.
The call of music: A creative journey
In my early years, the piano was my instrument of choice. As a teenager, a chance opportunity to attend a music camp introduced me to percussion instruments, which I had never played before. Surprisingly, I was good at them. This eventually led to an invitation to play in the highly competitive Australian Youth Orchestra.
While I toyed with the idea of becoming a professional percussionist, fate intervened when I fell in love with the viola. After just one viola lesson at age 16, I decided that was my path. As you do! Most kids start string instruments at 5 or 6, so I had a lot of catching up to do. Still, the dream never wavered. After thousands of hours honing my craft, I finally secured a permanent seat in a professional opera and ballet orchestra.
Life as an orchestral musician was exhilarating. But 20 years later, I was burned out, my marriage was in tatters, and I had a child to care for. Adversity demanded a change of course, and I quit playing the viola, vowing never to touch it again. It was a devastating decision, but it opened the door to explore other creative pursuits.
Embracing change: The courage to start over
Although music had been my life’s anchor, I’ve always been drawn to learning and trying new things. Each new chapter of my life seemed a natural evolution from the last. I became a music teacher despite lacking formal teacher training.
I traded stocks and shares, built websites, started online businesses, wrote and self-published books, and even taught textile art. Some endeavours were successful; others were not. Each one taught me something valuable.
“I wish I had your courage,” colleagues would say, while others thought my career changes were reckless. But if you want to do something different with your life, you have to grab the proverbial bull by the horns. No one else is going to make your dreams happen.
Carpe diem.
Returning to roots: The power of second chances
Seven years after quitting the viola, I felt a void. Something was missing from my life — music. You can take the person out of music, but you can’t take music out of the person.
So I borrowed a viola, joined a local community orchestra, rediscovered my love for performing and began rebuilding my career. Before long, I was playing opera professionally again, even leading the section. The lure of the theatre had recaptured my heart, but my years away had given me a new perspective. I continued pursuing other creative interests alongside my music, blending the old with the new.
Exploring the world: A lifelong passion
Travel has always been one of my greatest passions. From the postcards my father sent during his international trips to my own adventures as an adult, the desire to see and experience the world has been a constant thread in my life. Each journey, whether near or far, offers new perspectives, challenges, and inspiration.
Now, in this chapter of my life, I’m embracing the dream of travel more fully. Writing about my travels allows me to relive those experiences and share the joy, lessons, and wonder that exploration brings. It’s a dream that keeps evolving, much like the rest of my creative life.
Lessons for dreamers: How to make dreams come true
Bringing dreams to life requires action, determination and courage. Over the years, I’ve faced doubt, fear, and the judgements of others. But I’ve learned to be my own cheerleader and keep going.
Here are some lessons I’ve picked up along the way:
- Dream Big: Believe your dreams are possible, no matter how audacious they may seem.
- Take Action: Commit to learning and doing whatever it takes to make your dream a reality. Action is better than inaction.
- Embrace Failure: If you ‘fall off the horse’, get back on. Every misstep is a step forward.
- Stay Curious: Lifelong learning keeps your mind active and your heart young.
- Enjoy the Process: Celebrate every small win along the way. You deserve it.
It’s never too late to chase a dream. Whether you’re picking up an old passion or embarking on something entirely new, take the leap. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Leave a Reply