Living Outside The Box
Once I closed my last business, I was frequently asked, "What's next?" Those aware of my acting talents would inquire, "Are you returning to acting? Will you write and direct?" Meanwhile, those who knew me solely as an entrepreneur speculated about my next business venture.
Back in August, the initial weeks post-injury were challenging. Confined to bed, propped up by pillows, I eagerly awaited friends who would assist with basic needs. During these quiet moments, I found myself pondering, "Who am I? What do I aspire to become?"
I devoted subsequent weeks to personal joys—reading, watching short films, writing, delving deeper into business, brainstorming ideas, and exploring filmmaking. It dawned on me that my life, God willing, is not only mine to shape but also limitless in potential. I don't need a definitive career title. I'm simply me: a woman blessed with multiple talents and skills, aspiring to carve out a unique, 'unicorn' career path for herself.
The Problem with Boxes:
I realised during my recuperation that my struggle stemmed from trying to fit into societal boxes, to find that one career or life path. This only caused internal turmoil. I no longer wanted to confine myself to a single interest or career path, not that I ever truly did. But I often felt external pressure to conform, as it seemed to make it easier for others to 'understand me' or 'make sense of it all.'
Not all my interests need to be monetised, but many do hold the potential to both generate income and establish my name. My answer to the question, "What do you do?" is simple: I live life pursuing my passions and realising my visions.
Multipotentialite: Embracing Diverse Talents
You might have come across terms like 'Multipotentialite', 'Multipassionate', or 'Polymath'. Emilie Wapnick coined 'Multipotentialite' to describe those with varied interests and creative pursuits. Historically, such versatility was often seen as highly valuable.
During this period of stillness, I embraced my identity as a multipassionate individual, eager to impact and explore the world through varied endeavours. I relish waking up each day to a life of my choosing, excited about the unfolding chapters and endless possibilities.
Learning and Growing:
Through this journey, I've learned:
Categorisation: I divide my interests into categories—projects for joy, income generation, curiosity, and helping others.
Focused Attention: I avoid multitasking, dedicating protected time to each project. Some ideas are temporarily shelved, awaiting the right moment for revival.
Selective Sharing: Outside my inner circle, I keep my endeavours private unless necessary. This shields me from doubt and aligns with my unique path.
Balancing Challenges: Recognising the need for stability and variety, I've found self-employment most fulfilling. Managing multiple interests requires patience and honed skills to achieve greatness.
In your 'Rebuilding' stage, you'll encounter numerous opinions on your next steps. Remember, the only person who truly knows what's best for you is you. Don't feel compelled to conform to societal norms. If you resonate with my story, I hope it inspires you to break free and embrace the life you desire.
In next week's newsletter, I'll delve into a crucial topic: 'The Lens Through Which We View Our Life - Perspective.' This piece will explore the transformative power of reframing our mindset, especially during challenging times.
Our words, thoughts, and emotions play a significant role in our journey towards resilience. Sometimes, they can inadvertently impede our progress. By altering the lens through which we perceive our lives, we can greatly ease and enrich our path to recovery and growth.
Stay tuned for an insightful exploration into how a shift in perspective can be the beacon of hope we need to navigate through life's storms.
I'll speak to you in next week's article!
Love,
Ejiro
Bounce Back Guide - 3.12.23
Video
In moments of deep reflection, as I navigate through my thoughts and seek answers to the myriad questions in my mind, I often turn to various sources of inspiration. During one introspective journey, I discovered Emilie Wapnick's TED Talk, among many other enriching resources that I hope to share in future articles.
This particular talk might resonate with those who, like me, sometimes struggle to find a single label that encapsulates their multifaceted nature. Wapnick's perspective on being a multipotentialite could offer a sense of identification or, at the very least, an interesting viewpoint to consider.
However, I want to emphasise that it's perfectly fine to exist without neatly fitting into predefined categories. Being uniquely 'you' is enough. Yet, if finding a descriptor helps you to understand or explain your approach to life and career, Wapnick's TED Talk could be an enlightening resource.
Remember, the journey to self-understanding is personal and diverse. Whether or not you find solace in labels, the most important thing is to embrace and celebrate your individuality.
Book
‘I have a theory that nobody understands talent any more than we understand electricity. So I think we’ve done a real disservice to young people by telling them, “Oh, you be careful. You’ll be a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none.” It’s the stupidest thing I’ve ever heard. I think you can be a jack-of-all-trades and a mistress-of-all-trades. If you study it, and you put reasonable intelligence and reasonable energy, reasonable electricity to it, you can do that. You may not become Max Roach on the drums. But you can learn the drums.’
Maya Angelou - Smithsonian Magazine Interview 2003
I wholeheartedly recommend Maya Angelou's "I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings," not just as a compelling read, but as a profound source of inspiration. Angelou, through her mastery of words and storytelling, ignited my passion for writing at a tender age.
I vividly recall being 13, perched atop my bunk bed, the room bathed in the soft glow of my stereo player's light. The night sky lingered in a dusky balance—bright enough to read, yet dark enough to signal the late hour. It was in these quiet moments that I delved into Angelou's world. Her words resonated deeply, stirring within me a newfound voice that led me to pen poems, songs, and stories—treasures I kept hidden in my wardrobe.
Angelou's influence extended beyond writing; she empowered me to express my emotions through performance, fueling my love for acting that lasted many years. Her multifaceted legacy as a poet, playwright, polyglot (mastering approximately six languages), activist, dancer, and memoirist is nothing short of remarkable. She was an extraordinary woman whose life and work continue to inspire and shape my journey.
Thank you for reading. We've all hit rock bottom or experienced a setback but we don't have to stay there. Starting over isn't easy, which is why I'll share insights, lessons, and tips every week to help you rebuild a happier, healthier you. As an entrepreneur, a mother, and a woman with big ambitions, I'm walking this path with you.
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