Point A to Point B may
not be a straight line,
If
it is or it isn’t, the path is still mine.
It’s not how or when we
get to Point B,
Who
we meet, what we learn - THAT matters, you see.
Sometimes our journey
has curves and bends,
How
we view the turns – on us, it depends.
The road can be bumpy
or smooth on some days,
Grab
the wheel, hold on, embracing each phase.
Do we set goals and follow
our dreams?
Or
have we lost sight, to some, it seems?
Each person, each moment,
all have a part,
Of
the adventure we’re on – a piece of our heart.
The ups and the downs,
confusion, and doubt,
The
glass we view is what it’s about.
Is it half-empty or
maybe half-full?
Experience
from both is what we will pull.
Successes and struggles
create who we are,
To
better our vision, more clear by far.
What is God’s plan? What is His will?
Have
we prayed for guidance when going uphill?
Life can be messy and
that is true,
But,
never give up, whatever you do!
We have gifts and
talents unique to us,
Find
them and use them. Don’t worry and fuss.
Be confident you were
created for more,
Do
you hear God knocking? Open the door.
He’ll take our hands,
you and me,
And
help us travel Point A to Point B!
A sweet high school
friend of mine, Alison, traveled the winding road from Point A to Point B. She pursued her passion of becoming an
Interior Designer, by way of a few other credentials after her name. I was inspired by her story, so I wanted to
share it with you today:
I have always loved
houses.
I remember vividly, a conversation with
my Dad before going off to college. He'd asked me what I wanted to study,
and I answered something like historic preservation of houses. In his
own, Dad-only-wants-the-best-for-you way, he suggested I pursue something a
little more likely to offer, say, a job when I got out of
school.
When I visit with peers
and potential clients, they often ask how I got from point A to B. Let's just say it
was a circuitous route. It seems a bit self-indulgent to post, but my
journey might offer some insight to others who may be searching for their True
Path, so I thought I'd share.
When I landed at The
University of Texas, (hookem!) I knew it had a renowned School of
Architecture, but didn't think it was for me. I ended up majoring in Nutrition, and despite
sharing the (dismally-named Home
Economics) building with the Interior Design students, I never
knew Interior Design existed as a profession.
Forgive me, but I thought it was a place-holder degree for women waiting
for their MRS. Little did I
know! After graduating, I went on to work in medical sales.
It was a good living. I enjoyed meeting
with patients, but I just didn't feel a connection to the sales
aspect. After about five years, I decided
to leave the business.
At the time, I was
dating my soon-to-be fiancé. When I told him I was
thinking about leaving sales, he (who was
just finishing up law school), suggested I get a law
degree.
So, I did what anyone
trying to find a fitting career does - wrack up a lot of debt! In the meantime, my new husband and I were
renovating our first home - a 1920s bungalow. Maybe I should've seen it
as a sign that I was WAY more interested in the space planning and finish
selections of my house, than I was in keeping up with my studies!
Ultimately, law school was a good experience. I made great friends, but by the time I
earned my JD, I think I knew in my heart I didn't want to practice law. But who wants to admit the last three years
were potentially a very expensive mistake?
I floundered for a few
years as we moved out of state, started a family, and moved overseas to Brazil.
There's
a sort of limbo you go into when you first move to a foreign country. You
know you're not in Kansas anymore, so to speak, but you're also not acclimated
to the new culture. It was in this time of semi-seclusion that I first
learned of design blogs. I pored over blogs written by people who were
schooled in Interior Design, were practicing it, and writing about it in a way
that showed it in its true, professional light. It was one of the biggest
lightning bolt moments I've ever had - I knew it was what I was meant to do.
I started a blog as a
way to channel my thoughts and inspiration about interiors, but being overseas,
wasn't sure how to make my way forward with actually becoming a designer. I used the time
in Brazil to absorb as much design as possible - the Country offers a fantastic
study of classic mid-century design, mixed with cultural aplomb. There's
no doubt that living in Brazil significantly impacted my aesthetic, honing my
preference for eclectic design. It was, in itself, an education in
design.
When we returned to the
States, I focused on settling our family, and personalizing our home. Once again, I
felt that rush of excitement of having a design project to dig into. Truth be told, I probably crave renovations more than straight up
decorating, but am happy as a clam doing both! It gave me time to think
about how I wanted to pursue a design business in an area where I have no
friends or family to do those "freebie" design projects for to build a
portfolio. I decided there was NO WAY I was going back to get yet another
degree, but still wanted some street cred, so I enrolled in Northern Virginia
Community College's Interior Decorating Certification program. It's a
great program that provides sound fundamentals in the design process, and was
just what I wanted in terms of credentials.
Sometimes, I feel like
I'm getting such a late start, but I also can't imagine coming to the table
with any different experience. My story comes through in my work, and I dare
say, will ultimately make me a stronger designer.
You can find Alison in
her beautifully cozy, decked out and jazzed up, corner of the web at Alison
Giese Interiors. I’m so very proud of you, Alison! You found your Point B and I can see how happy
you are using your gifts and talents!
Keep shining, my Dietitian-Saleswoman-Lawyer-Designer Friend! Woo-hoo!
Have a wonderful week, Sunshines!
Bye for now.
