Summary

The author reflects on what career they might have pursued if not a writer, ultimately realizing that their passion for moving people with words is central to both their past and current endeavors, whether through singing, motivational speaking, or writing.

Abstract

In a contemplative piece responding to a writing challenge, the author ponders alternative careers based on their interests and experiences. They consider interior design, architecture, and medicine, reflecting on their involvement with home decor, building design, and a past as an Ophthalmic Technician. However, the author concludes that their true calling has always been to move people with words, a passion that has manifested in different forms throughout their life. From the desire to be a singer, inspired by family influences and a love for soulful music, to their role as a motivational meeting leader with WW (formerly Weight Watchers), the author has consistently sought to inspire and touch lives through their words. Now, as they embark on a new business venture with NEWLAND WELLNESS and contribute to the Illumination publication on Medium, they continue to pursue this passion through writing. The author encourages others to follow their passions, quoting Dr. Wayne Dyer's advice not to die with the music still in you, and challenges fellow writers to share their own stories.

Opinions

The author values creativity and self-expression, as evidenced by their interest in interior design, architecture, and singing.
They have a deep-seated passion for helping and healing others, shown through their holistic approach in their previous medical career and their focus on body, mind, and soul in their motivational work.
The author believes in the transformative power of words, whether sung, spoken, or written, to move people emotionally and inspire change.
They find personal significance in Dr. Wayne Dyer's philosophy about following one's passion and encourages others to heed this calling.
The author appreciates the impact of mentors and peers in their life, acknowledging those who have influenced their writing journey and challenging them to continue sharing their stories.

If I Wasn’t a Writer, I Would Be…

A Fabulous Challenge That Brought Some Soul Searching

This article is in response to a writing challenge originally posed by Sherry McGuinn answering the question — “What would you be if you weren’t a writer?” I was tagged by Timothy Key who wrote about his fascinating life — a great read!

So here goes: “What would you be if you weren’t a writer?” First off, I hadn’t thought about myself as a writer, but I am honored that my work is being noticed and published in Illumination! I am surrounded by so many creative minds!

What would I be…

Some might think I would be an interior designer, as I have spent a lot of time (and money :) decorating the places that I have called home. Always classic, adding hints of the latest trends.

Some might think I would be an architect as I designed the addition that we put on our kitchen in one of our homes. And multiple adjustments to a house that we had built. Not that I actually drew up the plans, but my visions were brought to life. And I had some grand visions.

Some might think I would be a doctor as I have a love for healing and helping those I care about with holistic remedies for what ails them. I actually was a board certified Ophthalmic Technician back in the day — second graduating class in fact. It ended up not to be the right fit for me, probably because it was such a NEW role in medicine.

All of those things certainly have interested me and still do! But…

If I wasn’t a writer — I would be a singer. I’ve been told that I have a good voice and come from a family that has a gift for song. My dad and his family have been involved with barber shop quartets and choruses and I grew up with this. I did not follow that path, though in high school I was in chorus and then concert choir. At home I was singing in my hairbrush or pencil… Now I sing in my condo and jam in my car (hope I’m never caught on social media — lol!).

So why would I want to be a singer? When I was younger, music was everything to me — still is, as I have written about. To be able to stand before people and share a beautiful song.

One day I was listening to the late Dr. Wayne Dyer, as he talked about passion. For those that struggled with what they were passionate about, he suggested thinking back to when you were a child. What did you want to be when you grew up — and why. In that moment it hit me!

Why did I want to be a singer? After doing the exercise of soul searching, I realized it was because I wanted to move people with words! I loved the soulful songs and the powerful way they were sung. An example to better explain, is the song “I Will Always Love You”, written by (and sung by) the awesome Dolly Parton. Yet, it’s Whitney Houston’s version that really spoke to me — really moved me…

Move people with words — that’s what being a singer really means to me…

It was then that I realized that I was a singer. Not in the sense of getting up and sharing a song in front of others, but at that time I was working for WW as a meeting leader. Many had told me I was motivational and inspirational as I went to a deeper level in the meeting room. I realized that people entered the WW program as they wanted to lose weight, but what they needed was to love themselves.

I focused not on the program but on a journey with a body, mind and soul approach. And I was moving people with words…not sung — but spoken…

…and that is what I look to continue to do now with my NEW business, NEWLAND WELLNESS. And as I create it, I am writing on Medium in our fabulous publication, Illumination. Here I look to move people with words…not sung, not spoken, — but written.

Dr. Wayne Dyer had shared many times that when we have a passion for something, to do something about it! It’s been put in our hearts for a reason. Step outside your comfort zone, answer the calling.

One of his many famous quotes: “Don’t die with the music still in you.”

Wow…

Thank you Timothy Key for giving me the opportunity to share. You were the first editor to publish a story of mine…

Now I offer the challenge to some others that have crossed my mind. Tim Maudlin, and JeffHerring.com as they introduced me to Illumination. And adding Mary Holden, Kathryn A. LeRoy, Ph.D., Amy Marley, Jessica Cote, Trista Ainsworth, Desiree Driesenaar, Selma, Indra Raj Pathak, Paul Myers MBA, Terry Mansfield, Tom Byers, Melody Campbell, Henery X (long), Ksenia Sein, Bill Abbate, Livia Dabs, Salam Khan. And though he’s quite busy Dr Mehmet Yildiz…. Gosh, I could add so many more!

When you do write your story, please tag me in it and I will definitely read!

Until next time ~

Sending you light, love — and some soul searching.

Be Well,