What do you want to be when you grow up?

This New Yorker cartoon by Mischa Richter is spot on.

With the exception of my bf Justin, I don’t know anyone my age who predicted his/her current career. (I’ve been told that at a young age Justin carried around his Dad’s briefcase, dubbing it his “Litigation Bag” and foreshadowing his law job.)

When I was little I wanted to be a dentist or a haircutter. I remember saying I liked the tools.

Now my tools are intangible; they’re just who I am:

My ability to curate and communicate – i.e. this blog.

My empathy, which allows me to make a connection with each and every person I meet at work.

And so many more!! :)

The best jobs are the ones that incorporate your innate abilities. Justin happens to be wicked smart, especially in terms of critical thinking. He’s a natural lawyer. And I’m a complete klutz; you don’t want me cutting your hair or cleaning your teeth. You do, however, want me (I hope) writing intriguing blog entries in my spare time, creating a custom yoga program for you when I’m on the job, and teaching you the exact Counter Actions necessary to achieve the perfect Adho Mukha Svanasana when I’m instructing a private yoga session.

These things I do now couldn’t have been predicted 20, or even 5 years ago. And I like to think I’m not “there” yet: grown up. But at least I’m “there” in terms of doing what I want to be doing. And as my brilliant Yoga Teacher Chrissy Carter says (much more eloquently than I’m paraphrasing here) there really is no “there” – “there” is where you are in this very moment.