One Sunday morning I ran into my mother's bedroom and woke her up. She was my very best friend. She sat up and intently listened as she always did. I said "Mom! I have to figure out who I will be when I grow up and what I want to do!" She smiled and answered, "Why now? You are only seven." I can't explain why I was so passionate at seven to decide this all important question. I just knew innately that I didn't want to waste a minute of this precious life that was given to me. I explained that there were some things I knew for sure. When I chose a career I wanted to do something that would never bore me. I wanted to face every day excited and happy. The last promise I made to myself was that I would try to make a difference in the world. You are now thinking how this could happen at seven years of age. I do admit as a Leo birthday that I was a bit of a drama queen...and I still wear that title. My mom patiently heard me out and then wondered how I would find such a career. She always encouraged and supported me to follow my dreams. I came up with an idea that I was sure would be the ideal solution. I would interview people and ask each of them what they did for a living. If I liked their occupation I would follow it.
Off I went to the sometimes embarrassment of my mother interviewing friends and strangers alike on their career choice. Nothing resonated a purpose for me that met my three requirements. Then it hit me. My neighbor that lived below us in an apartment house in Jacksonville, Florida was the answer. I was sure of it! Each morning I waited for the school bus and she waited for her bus to take her to work. She always greeted me with a huge hello and smile. If she could be that happy every morning at 7 am... even in the rain.... on her way to work then she must love what she does every day.
That evening I approached her front door filled with anticipation. She opened it with that smile and invited me in. "Mrs. Lillian I am looking for a career! You always look so happy on your way to work. You must love what you do. What do you do every day?" I implored. She didn't treat me like a child or think I was acting in a silly manner. She asked me to have a seat as she realized how important the answer to this question was to me! "I am a clothing buyer at a department store in the downtown area," she replied. "A buyer? I have never heard of that before. What does a buyer do every day?" I replied. She smiled and explained that she traveled the nation and bought beautiful clothes for her departments and used other people's money to do it! I was thrilled! Imagine if I could travel to different cities and spend my time picking out fashion pieces while using someone's money how exciting that would be! I had found my never boring and always exciting career. The third desire of making a difference in the world will come later in this series and in my life. The journey now begins. Stay tuned!