Chachachachanges....

I'm riding on the cusp of change (self-induced and/or precipitated). We wonder what is next and where we'll land in September (ain't it lovely how flat leases can motivate action or spur decisions?). I have dreams of Paris and a career that will inspire, stimulate and reward.

I find the hardest thing to do is to figure out what you want to do (and why you want to do it). The good news is that I have been thinking about this for quite a while now, and I believe that I have finally gotten to the crux of it:

To conceive creative concepts for brands/clients that are rooted in sound business strategies, with a particular focus on the digital space, and to write these ideas to life.

Although short and perhaps a bit vague, it has taken me a while to get to the germ of it. I think that getting to the heart or core of something - an issue, a feeling, an idea, and being able to articulate it, can be the toughest part of figuring it out (and figuring something out doesn't spell the end of it - it can still morph, change shape and there's no telling when you'll find it).

Reminding me of that much quoted line: "I am sorry for the length of my letter, but I had not the time to write a short one." Je n'ai fait celle-ci plus longue que parce que je n'ai pas eu le loisir de la faire plus courte. (Blaise Pascal).

Not knowing feels both scary and exhilarating at the same time - kind of like jumping our of a plane - which is definitely worth doing (really changes your perspective, both literally and figuratively;).

Saying no to boxes (& other category defying stunts!)

Sometimes it's frustrating having a diverse and eclectic background. I have been thinking this thought since I was a kid (dreaming about my cousins' life in Long Island; marveling at their special cereal drawer that actually contained a range of breakfast delights from Cocoa Puffs to Frosted Flakes. I thought it was just amazing (along with their Fruit Roll-ups and pre-made Caesar salad dressing). I woefully compared that to the Quaker Oats that sat on the top of a metal shelf in my Pop's loft on the Bowery). Can you believe I actually wanted to be named Jennifer at one point (this coming from the girl named Pia who went to 4 different elementary schools and 4 high schools)? Desperately seeking whatever I assumed to be 'normal' at the time.

Fast forward to today. I currently work as a Creative Strategist/Copywriter at a brand-centric comms agency. I am hunting for 'fits' and sniffing around attempting to put my finger on the pulse of my career's evolution (where I want to go and how I intend to get there). History has repeated itself. In the past 7 years I have worked in 4 countries, from Sri Lanka to Bahrain, producing documentaries, writing headlines, developing brand personalities, copywriting and providing creative direction across diverse mediums. Sometimes I wonder if this diversity works against me or in my favor? I am definitely not easily categorized or compartmentalized. I've traveled on a winding and tortuous road.

Looking back I've loved the strange backdrop. I continue to challenge myself, morph, adapt, learn and grow into the person (and professional) I want to become. That idea keeps changing too. And ultimately, the right fit or part will be one that appreciates and values these attributes, this rich history.

But I have to admit, every now and then I look over my shoulder, unto the clear and manicured lawn (you know exactly where you are, what the inside of the house might look like, exactly what to expect and most probably can accurately guess what's coming) and wonder what life is like on the paved side.