New Alchemy

For a long time I considered it to be a problem that I have too many ideas, and too many fingers in different pots.

Is this really a problem, or is there a social “should” hiding below the surface?

We are taught to pick a course and stick to it. Don’t change your mind or it will look like you don’t know what you’re talking about, you’re a waffle, or a flake.

“I disagree with everything I used to say” – Vivenne Westwood

Change is the only constant, and perhaps it is out of fear that we desire to just do and be one thing. There is a false sense of security when we can cling to something “known”. We can never really know who we are, and we limit ourselves each time we try to define ourselves as one thing or another.

People say that a “jack of all trades is a master of none” like it’s a negative thing. There is a lesser known second half to the phrase which goes “jack of all trades is a master of none, oftentimes better than a master of one”. This is actually a compliment! Funny that our culture seems to have dropped the positivity of this adage…

Many a times I have envied those who have a clear cut passion, a clear cut dedication to one thing, and one thing only. Folks like this, they can do amazing things with their intently-focused drive.

Yet when I can snap out of comparing myself to others, I wonder, why was I given this gift of many interests and the enthusiasm to start new things?

I think it’s actually a strength, and something the universe needs. By flitting about from one thing to another, we are having fun! And, we happen to be cross-training. This gives us the perfect fodder for unheard of combinations and connections, the very recipe for creative insights.

The world is complex and we’ve got some pretty difficult challenges to face… so keep on dipping those toes in different waters, we’re going to need new alchemy to thrive.