Have you ever wondered who you would choose to be if you could be anyone? I am not implying you choose to be some jet-setting businessperson or a blockbuster movie star or even a politician with an entourage of cars following them. I meant that if you could think of a different career or profession, what would it be?
We all grew up within the boundaries of our parents’ expectations, and some of us, if not most, chose careers that were outlined by them. Most of us wanted to be the ideal children; we studied what they wanted us to, and then some of us joined the family business or chose conventional career paths that would make not only our parents proud but also make all the neighbourhood chachas and kakas (also all the aunties) envy our parents. Everything was all about showing whose child was smarter. All those cliché Asian jokes on social media about Asian parents wanting their kids to be engineers or doctors are actually pretty much true. Imagine if you didn’t have to carry that burden of expectation. Have you ever wondered what your chosen career would be? Think out of the box. In fact, deep dive into your heart and mind for this. Be creative.
I remember when I was in my teens, I had read Ken Follett’s book The Third Twin; it’s all about a plastic surgeon who alters people’s faces, and I thought, wow! I want to be a plastic surgeon when I grow up (albei not like the crazy one in the book), but if you ask me now, I would say I would have loved to be a DJ. It’s true! I can picture myself playing on a podium/ deck, on an exotic beach, stars twinkling in the inky blue sky above me, music resounding around me that takes you into another world, people dancing, trees swaying, the sound of the ocean and that beautiful cool sea breeze caressing my hair. Sand, sea and music. Sounds blissful to me. This is my imaginary version of being a DJ. I think it’s amazing when people choose unconventional career paths. It takes a lot of courage to believe in yourself. So, think what you could be if you wanted to be anyone; leave aside the thought of income and your future for now. Just for fun, would you have chosen to be a skydiving instructor or a flame-throwing dancer or someone who wears a wetsuit and feeds marine animals in the aquarium, a professional wine taster or maybe a bartender in a resort or someone else?
As we grow older, we realise life is short and time is less. We look back, and some of us regret or marvel at our past decisions. Living with abandon can truly be attained by a lucky few. So, it’s best not to think too much about what the world thinks about you; don’t judge others either. Live in joy, laugh, and love with your whole heart. In a world where you can be anything, choose to be kind.
By Rakhi, Write to me at artnsoulbyrakhi@gmail.com.
Rakhi is an artist & an art therapy practitioner. She does commissioned art and
teaches adults /kids mindful art at her studio at Om Chambers, Kemps Corner.
Instagram @artnsoulbyrakhiTel: 98200xxxxxx
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