After I retired, I felt a bit adrift not being able to answer the usual question you get when meeting new people “What do you do?” Saying “I’m retired” felt like a defeat in a way, as if I no identity other than that. So I wrote a long blog post about the realization that *now* as someone out of corporate America, I can do what I want, be who I want, and so I am going to be an artist, a photographer, a scribbler of words. One of my friends (a true artist) wrote back and said “Of COURSE you’re an artist, just look at your website!” And she was right. I just hadn’t thought of “artist” as being anything other than someone who draws or paints, and I can’t do either of those well at all.
That’s why I’ve stopped asking the “What do you do?” question and instead ask “How do you spend your days?” That seems to allow more room for people to take it in whatever direction they want. And, of course, you’re an artist! I, for one, have enjoyed your artistry!
I felt the same way, for many years. I could never translate the pictures in my brain to come out through my fingers! One day, talking with my kids about my regret at not being terribly creative (both of my children are very artistic, in very different ways; lucky me!), my younger son said "But Mom, you're creative in your problem-solving skills!" I was flabbergasted, and pleased as punch!
After I retired, I felt a bit adrift not being able to answer the usual question you get when meeting new people “What do you do?” Saying “I’m retired” felt like a defeat in a way, as if I no identity other than that. So I wrote a long blog post about the realization that *now* as someone out of corporate America, I can do what I want, be who I want, and so I am going to be an artist, a photographer, a scribbler of words. One of my friends (a true artist) wrote back and said “Of COURSE you’re an artist, just look at your website!” And she was right. I just hadn’t thought of “artist” as being anything other than someone who draws or paints, and I can’t do either of those well at all.
That’s why I’ve stopped asking the “What do you do?” question and instead ask “How do you spend your days?” That seems to allow more room for people to take it in whatever direction they want. And, of course, you’re an artist! I, for one, have enjoyed your artistry!
Oh, I like that “how do you spend your days” question as an ice-breaker! Thanks!
I felt the same way, for many years. I could never translate the pictures in my brain to come out through my fingers! One day, talking with my kids about my regret at not being terribly creative (both of my children are very artistic, in very different ways; lucky me!), my younger son said "But Mom, you're creative in your problem-solving skills!" I was flabbergasted, and pleased as punch!
All kinds of ways of being creative! Glad your son saw it!