Our choice of profession can often define us.  When asked the question, we simply answer…”I’m a teacher, I’m a lawyer, I’m a mom…or in my case, I’m a nurse”.  As women, we can often find ourselves stuck in this box…as if we are no more than what we “do”.  

On the flip side, what we spend our time doing, in turn, shapes who we become.  Spending 20 years as a nurse in a step-down ICU setting absolutely shaped who I became.  Some of it great…some, not so much.   Sometimes the changes are subtle and slow over time…we don’t even realize they are happening. There is no way at 18 years old we are going to be able to predict the path of our lives…no matter how much we try to control it!  We discover new passions and hidden talents we had NO idea were there when we were younger!  It’s so important to listen to these subtle nudges, and to nurture them wherever possible.  

In my case, I listened to the advice of close friends, and started decorating their interiors …which then spread to their neighbors…until I found myself at a crossroad.    Believe me when I say, I definitely could NOT do it all!  I had four small children and was working night weekends (the dream shift!). This schedule was actually best for the littles, who were barely in school yet.   But it started to feel really fulfilling to have a creative outlet and do something rewarding outside of being a mom during the week.  

So here’s the dilemma….how do you know when it’s time to turn your passion into your new career?

For me…It was tough.  I was hesitant and cautious.  I was the sole provider of 4 little ones… Could I really do this? But then I thought….what if I DON’T try?  What message is that sending to my girls?   

I realized in that moment, that their future dreams depended on me following mine.  

And so from there, I thoughtfully planned and saved up.  But even then there were doubts…so I prayed for signs…for peace of mind…for a settled soul. The day came that I knew I needed to put my faith into action…to take the jump!  

I ended my 20 year career as a nurse on June 14^th.  It hasn’t really sunk in yet…but I am confident that being a nurse…or a wife…or a mom…or even a designer, doesn’t define me.   

We are all so much more…colorful and gifted!  

So don’t be afraid, listen to those inner voices, and TAKE THE JUMP…you’ll be proud of yourself for trying!