Reinventing Yourself

Summary

The author shares a personal journey of self-reinvention, transitioning from a traditional job to becoming a balloon artist and writer, driven by the desire for a more fulfilling life.

Abstract

The article "Reinventing Yourself" delves into the author's experience with personal transformation, sparked by the realization that there is more to life than the routine. After leaving a stable job in pursuit of a dream, the author faced financial challenges but found renewed purpose as a balloon artist, which aligned with a love for children and a desire for freedom. The journey continued with the author adopting a nomadic lifestyle, living in a van, and later walking across the United States with little planning, which led to profound self-discovery and insights into human kindness. Currently, the author is exploring a new identity as a writer and invites readers to share their own experiences with reinvention.

Opinions

The author believes that everyone deserves more than just getting by in life.
There is an emphasis on the importance of recognizing when one is not living up to their potential.
The author expresses a disdain for the "same old, same old" and a strong desire for new challenges.
The decision to become a balloon artist was influenced by the author's strengths and desires, suggesting a belief in the importance of aligning work with personal values.
The author values freedom and the opportunity to work with children, as evidenced by their satisfaction with their balloon artistry career.
The author views their nomadic lifestyle as a pursuit of a dream life, indicating a belief in the value of experiences over material possessions.
The odyssey on foot is presented as a transformative experience that deepened the author's understanding of themselves and others.
The author expresses an openness to continued growth and change, as demonstrated by their current endeavor into writing.

Because the same old, same old is boring

Do you ever feel like there is more to life than what you have or what you’re experiencing?

I know I have been there — many times.

It can take a form of frustration, disappointment, or even boredom.

When you find yourself staring in the mirror and asking, “Is this all?”

You know, deep down inside, that you deserve more. There is more to life than just getting by.

You may be well off financially and in a good relationship, or you may be struggling in all areas of life. But when you look in the mirror, you feel a certain sadness, because you know there is more to life than this — whatever this may be that you’re looking at in the mirror.

What do you do? You reinvent yourself, of course.

In July 2007, I fired my boss to pursue what I thought was my dream goal.

Seven months later, I was faced with a situation where I was broke and looking for work. I knew I didn’t want to work for someone else. I was tired of the same old, same old.

So I reinvented myself. I became a balloon artist, something I had never imagined doing. It was something new and challenging, but it also catered to my strengths and desires.

I have always loved children, and I cherish my freedom. Working as a balloon artist offered me both; an opportunity to work with children and a flexible schedule with no boss holding me hostage.

In August 2011, I became Happily Homeless, as I moved into my van to pursue my dream of living a nomadic life. Being a balloon artist allowed me to work from anywhere I was. I have been a nomad ever since.

In the summer of 2016, I went on an odyssey of faith. With no money and no definite plan, I embarked on a journey from Chicago to Los Angeles — on foot. I discovered a new world within and without. I met strangers who took me in as a house guest, and others who contributed towards my other needs. I learned as much about myself as I did about people in general.

And now, I am reinventing myself as a writer.

Have you ever thought of reinventing yourself? Have you ever done it? What was it like? I would love to know.