Looking for that next step up in your arts & entertainment career? In this column, Dr. Eileen Wirth shares everything she has learned about being a creative professional.
Sara, a friend who has paused her high-powered tech career to spend time with her toddler, lamented to me that she can’t stop making to-do lists.
“I still have to check all the boxes,” she said.
“What’s in those boxes?” I asked. “That’s what counts.”
Sara will never change her need to set goals and track her achievements, but there’s no need to fight the “boxes.” Just be sure that yours contribute to the rewarding life you seek.
You can’t go wrong with these along with taking steps towards filling them:
Dream big and expand your list of boxes to create your unique life mosaic. Identify your passions and check off small steps toward realizing them. You may never write a great novel or become a star, but you’ll find friendships in writing groups and community theater.
Finally, if you want to be happy, do something for someone else just about every day. Email your grandma or tell your helpful grocery clerk how much you appreciate them. Small is fine. As the Prayer of St. Francis reminds us, it is in giving that we receive.
Happy holidays!
Got a question or topic on creativity you would like Dr. Wirth to address for The Greenhouse Journal? Shoot her an email at EILEENWIRTH@creighton.edu.
Dr. Eileen Wirth is a professor emeritus of journalism at Creighton University and is an author specializing in Omaha history. She was a reporter at the World-Herald and a PR Writer for Union Pacific before joining Creighton in 1991. Eileen’s books include The Henry Doorly Zoo & Aquarium, Historic Omaha Houses of Worship and From Society Page to Front Page. She is on the board of History Nebraska and a member of the Nebraska Journalism Hall of Fame, the Nebraska Women’s Journalism Hall of Fame, and the Omaha Press Club Hall of Fame. She also has been active in numerous groups particularly the Omaha Public Library.