There have been times when people have come to know something of what I have done over the course of my life and have asked me the question, sometimes with a bit of disbelief, "What don't you do?" I used to be somewhat uncomfortable with the question, because I felt it made me out to be different.

But the reality is that I am different. And so are each of you. Each of us is unique. So over the years I have come to accept that this is simply part of who I am. I love to learn. I love the challenge of learning something new, of stretching myself and exploring new possibilities.

So one day just for the fun of it, I sat down and wrote out a list of things that I have done (the "HATS" I've worn) in the course of my life. I'm not sure about the 101, but it seemed like a nice number, and if I'm not there yet, then I have room to grow. And that keeps life exciting.

On a more serious note, while I do offer this with a bit of tongue-in-cheek, I also share it to challenge you to consider that you may have far more possiblities in you than you give yourself credit for. After all, I wasn't born with all of these abilities. The only one I would consider somewhat of a natural talent is the art and creativity end of things - but the rest I have developed over the years.

My challenge to you is twofold: One - write out your own list of all the things you can remember that you have done. Chances are it will be far more than you think or give yourself credit for. And two - take off your limits and go for it - see what you can do with your life.

SO - here are some of the "HATS" that I have worn over the years:

    • artist (oil painting, watercolor, acrylic, pen & ink, pencil, pencil crayon, pastels, etc)
    • graphic arts (logos, business cards, brochures, newsletters, websites)
    • bookbinding
    • calligraphy
    • paper making
    • rubber stamp artist
    • crafts (too many to list)
    • sculpting
    • weaving
    • photography
    • writing (newspaper column, journaling, poetry, e-book author)
    • musician (organ, guitar)
    • singing (alto)
    • instructing (painting, drawing, calligrapy, bookbinding, life success, business, etc.)
    • cooking/baking
    • gardening
    • hand crafts (sewing, knitting, crocheting, embroidery, etc.)
    • business (arts & crafts, waste management, mini storage, real estate investing)
    • bookkeeping
    • office manager
    • web designer
    • leader (president or chairperson of several organizations)
    • founder (Cochrane Artisans Guild, Cochrane Arts Tourism Promotion Group, Leduc Writers Club)
    • executive assistant