We've heard that phrase, "We miss 100% of the shot's we don't take."
I often find myself making mental notes to try new hobbies and sports. I flag the unexplored adventures and places I still need to see. But, there are certain things that have gnawed at my subconscious for years.
1. Sax Appeal
Since Lisa Simpson picked up that saxophone back in the 90's, I always wanted to learn how to play. I remember thinking that it was so unconventional and risky that she picked up a musical instrument (and was good at playing it too) that was always intended for men in my mind. However, the 12 year old me didn't have that opportunity so I lived vicariously through Lisa and her silly siblings. I still wonder if I'd have had a stellar career in the spotlight had I just swapped my Recorder for a sexy Sax! I feel the same way about the piano, except I'm wondering if I'm just too old (she says at 33)
2. Life in the Army
When I was 3 I got my first Police bicycle. It actually had a "Police" label on the front of it. I was a typical little Tomboy with interests in anything other than pink. I would bake mud pies, climb tree's and often pretend I was a spy.
I recall someone asking me when what I wanted to be when I grew up. "A Policewoman," I retorted confidently all chuffed with myself. The same blow that I would receive a few years later originated from the reply I received that day. "A Policewoman! Why on earth would you want to do such a horrible job?" - needless to say my dreams of doing that and full time Paramedics later on in life were dashed. I always imagined the fun I would have had.
3. A Professional Ice Skater
Admit it, you've had the same dream haven't you. If you're as competitive as I was as a child, you would have felt the same pang deep in your heart as your parents Oohed and Aaahed over Kristi Yamaguchi as she made ice skating look like child's play all over our (newly) full coloured t.v's back in the 80's.
4. A Pilot
Dammit TopGun / MacGyver / AirWolf! Dammit!
5. Life on Stage
Acting and dancing runs in my family. My entire life I've had people say, "You should have been an actress!" Two of my cousins are in professional theater and dance, in fact, one of them is a well known South African (on both screen and stage). Yes, I took part in the odd school play, heck, I even participated in music programs after hours, but I was never a drama student. I focussed on Art and Biology when I should have gotten my hands dirty with Drama. Years later I still fantasize about performing on stage, winning awards and accolades for my
'natural talent'.
6. A High Powered Lawyer
Before the time of Ally McBeal, we grew up in an era whereby being a lawyer meant you had not only achieved status, money and power, but you had made it in life. Like really made it. You know the whole movie cliche, yep, I wanted to be a lawyer. I remember going through junior primary trying to win my way through arguments with boys that would tease anyone with a face.
The rules were simple, if you couldn't come back with a red hot insult, you were howled off the school playground with a loud cry from your vanquisher "Crunch!" he would cry and everyone would laugh. I got real good at that and I became the Crunch Queen by Standard 5 (now Grade 7). I could have been a lawyer, you know, if I wanted to.
Rest in peace Grant McKay, you were an admirable contender.
7. Professional Dancer / Circus Performer / Acrobat
It's as if points 3 and 5 had a baby in my brain.
8. Animal Whisperer
I know this is an actual profession in the 21st century but back in ol' 1985 when I was knee high to a water spout, this wasn't a real thing. I remember holding vigils for the deceased moth that was being carried to her grave by ants on our windowsill. A moment's silence was honored and several mini 'grave sites' were visible by the tombs I had decorated.
I was convinced, no really, convinced that I could communicate with animals just by looking at them till about 3 years ago. 3 years ago, you see, I was trying too hard to communicate with animals and fear set in. I thought if I tried consciously to say 'hi!', I'd be able to pick up where I left off. Unfortunately my doubts turned to fear and fear emanates from your pores like a garlic infused pasta dish you ate the night before.
9. Magic
I wanna be telepathic like Professor X, a super hero like Shera and a defiant archer like Merida. I used to imagine life as a ThunderCat and take risks like Darkwing Duck. I used to dream of adventures with Chip n Dale and kicking villainous ass with the PowerPuff Girls.
I could have been anything. I should have been something more.
Perhaps it's not too late to start. Perhaps a golden thread through all the fantasies and intuition I used to display as a child. Maybe through play, I can find my real vocation, the one that wishes to create, dream & explore.
I suppose it's never to late to make my own vocation, one that doesn't exist yet. Maybe the world needs a magical, law enforcing hero.
Maybe I'll just become a mother.
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