I worked with a woman named Anne off and on for about 6 years in the 1980's, kept in touch off and on via Christmas cards and letters in the 90's, and then lost touch over the last five years or so. Anne is one of the brightest and most creative women I know. A true dynamo. She has always had a "big picture" perspective, and yet is able to focus in and do the hard work needed to be successful at whatever she pursues. I credit a lot of my career success to her mentorship.
In 1990, her husband had an opportunity to move temporarily to Poland to do some non-profit work there, and she left her consulting career to go with him. Within a year, she had started a business designing and selling jewelry made by Polish artisans and sold in the US. She built it up over the next 15 years and eventually sold it for "a bundle."
As I have been contemplating going with Ken to Australia and considering various ways I may spend my time there, she came to mind as, once again, a possible role model and someone I could learn from. Using Google, I looked her up and tracked her down in Washington D.C. where she is now earning a Masters degree from John Hopkins. We spoke on the phone while she walked across campus on her way to class.
The stimulating conversation ranged from global energy policy to Indonesian textiles, but I most enjoyed her distilled advice to "Follow your passion."
Although I could easily spend a couple years simply enjoying the experience of being in Alice Springs with Ken, exploring what's there to explore, and amusing myself with myriad hobbies such as sewing, rubber stamping, and photography, at the end of our adventure I think I'd like to be able to look back and say "I accomplished x."
So ... I'm evaluating ideas for projects and/or businesses that could be done while based in Alice. Half baked ideas include things such as creating a photo portfolio, starting an e-commerce business, and writing a non-fiction book (which I think I'd do better at than I did with fiction.) The thought process is really just beginning.
Of course, these days Ken is my passion, so I won't find it hard to take her advice!
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Posts
Isn't surviving 2 years in the Outback a significant accomplishment in it's own right? One thing you might consider is a public blog of some sort - don't know that it is a money-maker, but if you have a subject you are passionate about you can share your knowledge and help others to learn, explore their passions, and take action. This service would be a wonderful accomplishment. You are very good at it - interesting topics and excellent writing that have me eagerly looking forward to the next chapter in your on-going story.
ReplyDeleteHigh praise coming from someone I used to plagiarize! Thanks for your comments and feedback, Julie. I look forward to them as well.
ReplyDelete