A question I had difficulty answering in the past was, "What is your passion?" I would completely shut down with this one. My brain would start to turn and turn as I thought about it, unable to come up with anything. It was like I became a computer that had too many windows open and suddenly was disconnected from the internet. It was a terrible feeling, as I would think to myself that I did not have a passion.
Everyone has something they are passionate about. It might be hard to find and it might not be something discovered yet, but it is out there. I do believe that not everyone finds it, which is an awful thought. I thought I would never find mine. Somehow, I managed to. I did not realize what it was, even though it was all around me, constantly in my face just unable to see it.
I worked in my father's real estate appraisal office years, as I was in limbo about what I wanted to do in life. I had a degree in History, but was not sure what I wanted to do with it. Since I was already working as my father's office, I decided to get my license to appraise real estate. It seemed like the sensible thing to do. The only problem: I had no desire to be a real estate appraiser. I did get the license, as I was pretty far into the process before I had my sudden realization. In a way, that helped me find my true path. I realized that there were specific areas of the job I loved, and others I could not stand. I LOVED inspecting homes and having the opportunity to experience every kind of home there was. I would study the materials, the architecture, the color selection. I would rework the furniture layout in my head if I felt it was not serving the room to its fullest capacity. What I did not realize was that I was designing. I was barely scraping the surface of course, as I did not truly understand what it meant to be be an interior designer, but I was starting to think with the mindset of one.
Upon this realization, I applied to go back to college. At the ripe age of 27, I did a 180 and went back for my B.A. in Interior Architecture and Design. It was one of the most difficult but also the most rewarding thing I have ever done. I dove into it headfirst and loved every second of it. I could work on a project nonstop for hours and not even realized time had passed. I was hooked. And I was happy. I found my passion! I used to think I loved history; now I realize I liked history. I LOVE design. I love the hands on experience of getting to touch materials, stand in the space, envision something new and exciting. From day one, it was a challenge that I accepted and ran with.
Designing has been in my blood my entire life. I just did not realize it yet. I did not realize that I had the potential or the artistic flair that I would need. I learned more about myself during this process than I ever have. From discovering my passion to creating a business around it, I have grown both in my work and in my personal self. I have become a better "me." I have found my passion and in turn, found myself.
Thanks for reading!
Colleen
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