I promised you my fears, so I shall share with you a series of them.
I am currently studying. Those of you who follow me or connect with me on various social media platforms know this because I’ve never stopped harping on about it. There have been a decrease in theatre discussions and links in my timelines and an increase in posts on existential psychotherapy, counselling and various therapeutic approaches. This is because there is a shift happening in me.
I was watching the Lifeclass on OWN with the Reverend TD Jakes and he said something to the effect of this – ‘Do not confuse talent with your purpose’. He went on to say that just because one has a talent for something, just because one has been doing something always, do not confuse it with what one is meant to do.
This has been on my mind for some time before seeing that broadcast.
Because I have been thinking of becoming a psychotherapist.
And that scares me.
It means that, unless I can find a way to combine my love of the stage and my desire to help people recognise their own purpose, that I may be looking at a future that does not include the thing that I thought I loved. My desire to help is certainly becoming stronger than my desire run behind the next big musical. I am so fortunate at this point in time to be in a show that resonates with me, that is congruent with my love of learning, reading and hope. But I have done many shows in my lifetime for the sake of doing a show. And I have done many shows in my lifetime where I didn’t make a difference. And I am beginning to wonder if that is a productive way to spend one’s time.
I have a great desire to entertain, a great desire to touch people’s lives, but I have come to the point of questioning whether I am doing that in the best way possible.
I recently got a university degree in 2 areas unrelated to my previous work. For me, it was a surprise at how gifted I turned out to be in these fields. At an age of quite a few years of experoence behind me, I have come to the conclusion that the most satisfying and rewarding times of women’s lives are when we feel “effective.”. It all comes down to that: being effective in learning, nurturing, working, living, etc.
Your inclinations to go into psychotherapy would benefit so many, especially those of us in the creative arts who count on our training and our sensitivities to produce creative works and experiences that dynamically connect to others. I look forward to cheering you on, and here in the States the wise words of Rev T.D. Jakes are treasured indeed.
It is heartening to know that others are walking the same path and really feeling in their hearts that they want to contribute and be of service. I thank you for the encouragement of your life, effort and words and will continue to share where the fear is leading me.
Thank you so much.