As a newlywed in a BYU married student ward I struggled to figure out my identity as a homemaker. I was young (20 years old) and terribly inexperienced. Most of my high school years had been spent pursuing talents with no relevance to homemaking and I all of a sudden realized how much I needed (and WANTED) to learn. I remember going to the old Provo Craft, wandering around looking for something I could do, and then leaving in tears because I was completely clueless. In my ward we had the scrapbooker, the crafter, the seamstress, the excellent cook, the gardener, the quilter, the artist, the fitness guru, and I wanted to be SOMETHING. So, over the years I tried tole painting, cross-stitch, breadmaking, ceramics, gardening, crocheting, knitting, yoga, scrapbooking, floral design, interior decorating, embroidery, quilting, woodworking.... all with the hope that I would eventually find my niche and could be the EXPERT in something. Well, years later I'm still not an expert at anything. But I sure have learned a lot!!! I've finally realized that I don't have to be the best at something to enjoy doing it, and that I shouldn't expect acclaim from others as validation for my efforts. It's okay to be a "jack of all trades", even if I am a master of none!
About Me
- Jessi
- Mom of five lovely daughters, wife of one dashing man. Born in Utah, grew up in Oregon, live in Georgia.
Monday, April 16, 2007
Master of None
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7 comments:
I agree 100%. I feel I do not have any "special" talents. I have always wanted to sew... to quilt... to be a fitness gal... etc... the list goes on and on. However, I am NONE of those and I always get so depressed because I feel I do nothing! But oh well I guess. And just for your INFO: You are a quilter, you are a gardner, you are an amazing decorater... the list goes on and on and on and on! You are an amazing woman!
Jessi, you do A LOT of things. That's what is so great. You have learned how to do so many things. And you do them VERY WELL, I might add. You are too hard on yourself. You don't see yourself as others do.
I think you are an expert at all of these things. Do you know Stephanie and I had a fifteen minute conversation on your home-made jam and peasant bread???? Then, should we talk about your quilts, running, sewing, cooking and serving????????
I think I am being misunderstood. My purpose in writing this wasn't to say I'm not good at anything. My purpose was to celebrate the fact that I CAN do a lot of things. I am not the best at anything (except for being David's wife and McKenna, Lydia, Emily, and Summer's mom), but I am happy with the things I can do (and will in fact admit that I do a lot of them well!) My point is that we don't have to be "Number 1" to take pride in the things we do.
I came to this same realization about 6 years ago and realized I do a lot of things fairly well. Never great or the best mind you. I told Dale this and he disagreed because he thought he was supposed to, but it is true and it is a truth I have begun to embrace. I have begun trying to be better at several things and learning tons of new things. As of Wednesday, I now knit. My scarf is nearly done. I am on a committee to plan the local yearly celebration. I am getting better at teaching through my calling. I was certain that I couldn't do it, but have proven myself wrong. I know how to deal with flood water in the basement. I know how to turn off the gas and water to my home. I can deal with small plumbing problems and am the technical expert of the family. (i.e. I know where all the wires go to make the tv and other such items work) I am leading the Utah family in blog entries. (Abbi doesn't count). Look at what YOU do and are challenging yourself to do and make a list. I am pretty certain it is bigger than mine, because I CAN'T add "Ability to make little girls hair look beautiful" like you could to my list. It will surprise you. Embrace the concept and enjoy the new knowledge.
Jessi I don't have any talents either. I can't imagine what my obituary is going to say. hahha. I'm a pretty boring person. But I've seen your quilts and your beautiful flowers etc. I think you just need to look deeper and you'll find them.
I just love the painting you chose for this blog! I think it is an excellent portrayal of what it takes to be a mom. Aren't mom's amazing, talented people??? I am impressed!
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