An Interview with Jenn: a beautiful soul and multifaceted woman who is a ninja at balancing family life, work, and finding creative ways to follow her passions and chase her dreams.

Karen: Let me explain my motivation for interviewing you today. I have become obsessed with passions. How people discover them and how they nurture them. This was something that wasn’t even on my radar 15 years ago. I was so caught up in mothering babies, that I didn’t even know I was supposed to have passions other than being a mom.

While being a SAHM, I didn’t really give myself permission to pursue my passions. I was focused on taking care of everyone else. I was very one-dimensional. I lost sight of any dreams because I was so focused on fulfilling my desire to be a “good” mom.

Then, before the kids hit the teenage years, I started surfing. This simple act unlocked so much for me. It actually continues to open me up to things. That was the first time I ever had something, a passion, that was all mine. It had nothing to do with being a wife or mom or daughter or even friend. That was an incredible discovery for me.

Then when I started blogging about surfing a few years ago, my world continued to evolve. It opened me up to new perceptions about myself and this was magic. Instead of asking myself “what could I do?” I started to ask, “what couldn’t I do?”

I am fascinated with other people’s stories and what their passions are and how they are nurturing them. I am convinced that following our passions along with stepping outside of our comfort zone to chase our dreams are huge pieces to the Happy Life puzzle.

Jenn: I don’t think I have one distinct passion that really stands out amongst the others. I feel passionate about a lot of things: sports, travel, photography, adventure, faith, family, and my job as an R.N. ( that sounds like a safe answer, I know). Honestly, I think the thing I am most passionate about are the moments that those interests bring to my life. The passion comes from the experiences and moments attached to the things I love. I do love when those experiences are with my whole family, my husband and kids – all of us together.

Karen: I think with any passion it’s about how far we take them. Sometimes you just have to put it out there and see what sticks. When you start to take steps in a direction, you never know where it will take you. The important thing is just to take a step. To give it life. Like I get such a kick out of your new photography endeavor. Who knows where it will lead but you are following your heart and taking steps to find out.

Jenn: I am having a new love affair with photography. I have always loved it. I look at the photos around my house or at photos I have tucked away and it brings me right back to that moment. That is what I love about it most. It is not so much about making a little business out of it as it is about really exploring where I can go with it personally. I love to capture the human spirit in candid moments. I love to document all of the moments in life that we sometimes take for granted. I am taking it on as a new passionate endeavor. It fulfills that creative part of my life that has been missing for quite some time.

Karen: I love that!

So, if I pushed you a bit here, what would you say your passion is, apart from your family?

Jenn: Short answer would probably be – meaningful connections with people.

Karen: So nursing kind of fulfills this for you?

Jenn: Definitely. I love what I do. I take my profession very seriously. Not to sound too cheesy, but I feel fortunate to be in a position to help people. I know my patients are in a vulnerable place, in the hospital relying on professionals to do their job. I love the connections that I have with patients and the connections I have with my coworkers. We are all working towards the same goal, looking out for the best interest of our patients. And while doing that I just hope that I am making a difference in people’s lives along the way.

Karen: Did you always know you wanted to be a nurse?

Jenn: Yes, I think deep down I did, but I was slightly scatter brained (no surprise) when I was right out of high school. I am a dreamer with an artsy fartsy brain, so things always took me a little longer. I thought I wanted to be in the travel industry or a PE teacher. I sometimes take the long road, but I usually get to where I am going. I do think nursing was a calling because I kept going back to it.

Karen: Have you always been able to focus on your passions throughout your life?

Jenn: When my kids were very young, no! My passion was being a mom and all that had to offer. We all know that can be very challenging emotionally at times. My husband and I alternated work days. I worked on the weekends so one of us was usually home with the kids. I am glad that I kept working because nursing is a hard profession to take time off from. Everything is always changing and I think it gave me a chance to have something just for myself. Plus we needed the money!

I have tried to incorporate my passions into my kid’s lives, which sometimes works and sometimes does not! We have tried to travel as much as we could with them. We have introduced them to sports we love like running and skiing. I tried to always have paints and art supplies out for them 24/7 when they were younger and I think it was a great stress reliever for me and them. I think exploring your creative side always fulfills something inside you.

I do have a passion for running. I have to say I did almost always fit in a run. It was something I did for mental clarity. I considered the physical benefits a perk!

Karen: How have your dreams and passions changed as you got older? As your kids got older?

Jenn: I think some of my dreams and passions have changed over the course of my life.  I will always hang on to certain ones, like running for instance. I will run until I physically can’t anymore. I have a big dream to run a marathon on every continent. That is new for me! The last 2 years ignited a spark in me to put that on my bucket list. Now I just need a plan of action! I hope it isn’t t too late for that! A girl’s gotta dream!

Now that the kids are older, I feel that my job has become more of a passion. It fills a huge part of my soul.  I think it is somewhat of a spiritual calling.

But, with that said, I think I also have a passion for pushing my limits. I did not realize this until you asked the question, but I have little contests with myself in my head, like in spin class, etc. I get great satisfaction out of challenging myself with specific goals.

Karen: What do you feel like your purpose is?

Jenn: I think my purpose is to make a difference somehow. I have felt that way since I was very young. I think it’s probably a universal feeling among the human race. I think it is what drives us to do good things in the world, no matter how small the difference is. Only now, at this age, I realize that my actions on a daily basis make a difference. [Tweet “I realize that my actions on a daily basis make a difference.”] When I was young – I thought it needed to be something on a much larger scale.

In my profession, I have a chance to make a difference in someone’s life for as long as they are in my care and that is an honor that I don’t take lightly.

I feel like my purpose is to raise healthy, happy, caring, thoughtful and mindful children who see the “big picture” of life. I want them to be multidimensional and think outside of themselves. I hope I have accomplished that so far.

Karen: You definitely are doing that my friend! 

What do you want to be when you grow up?

Jenn: Ahhhh!! Great Question! The great thing about our generation is that we feel the freedom to keep reinventing ourselves. “Age is just a number,” but I do feel that clock ticking in the back ground! I try to use it as motivation to really focus on what I want the next 5, 10, 20 years to look like. When I grow up I would love to be an adventure guide/traveler/photographer/writer. Or have one of those shows on TV like the Pratt brothers where you get to play with and learn about animals in their natural habitat all day long. That would be cool!  I really, really  want to do some travel/volunteering with my nursing career. I have just been waiting for the right time.

Karen: Yes, timing is key! When you get your tv show, can I be your assistant? 😉

So, would you say you are you happy?

Jenn: I find it interesting that people say they wake up and decide to be happy. That it is a choice you have to make. To be honest, I used to think that was strange. As a young adult and throughout my 30s raising my kids, there were years were I was blissfully happy. To see my own dreams – such as getting married and starting a family come to fruition is an amazing experience. Sometimes it seems that society assumes if you are not happy, you must be sad. I think I have even put pressure on my own kids to “look at the bright side.”  I actually looked up the definition of happy. The definition of happy is, “pleasure, contentment, joy.” So phew! What a relief, I feel all 3 of these emotions in my life. Yes, I am happy. But let’s face it, sometimes things just stink!  I do think there is great pressure in our culture to be happy. Over the years, I have felt incredible life halting grief over losing people I love. I have had times in my marriage where I was hurt and angry, and I have felt those same emotions in my role as a mom, a daughter, and a friend. I have had times where I was frustrated with myself but, as I have gotten older, I am trying to not focus so much on being happy – but feeling happy.

Sometimes, that only comes from letting yourself feel all those other emotions to their true extent. I think it can be hard because the world keeps turnin’ baby and it does not stop to wait for you to get your s+++ together.  I understand that concept of “Choose Happy” because it definitely helps you move forward with whatever you are struggling with.

Karen: Yes, I agree happy is a choice. A tough choice sometimes, and a choice that isn’t warranted all the time. I think what you said about allowing yourself to feel all those painful emotions is in direct relation to our happiness. “You can’t have the rainbow without the rain.” Right? The more we allow ourselves to feel the painful things, the happier we can be when we have moved through those emotions.

Karen: How have you found “me” time while raising kids and working?

Jenn: It is not easy!  My “me” time is my exercise time. That is what helps me regain focus and clarity and a sense of well-being. In a family of 5 humans and 5 animals, it is a struggle to keep up with everyone and everything. Then you add to the mix your extended loved ones, work and friendships . . . it is challenging to stay connected and in tune with everyone and everything. That is why we, as women, usually put ourselves on the back burner. We tend to everyone else’s needs before our own. I am completely guilty of this. Even though I know that things are just better when I take care of myself, I do not always take the needed time to do so.

I am still learning…..

Karen: True dat! 🙂  If you could go back and do anything differently, would you? If so, what would you change?

Jenn: Hmmm, I always prefer to look forward, but I probably would have traveled more in my 20s. It really was not a financial possibility back then, but I would highly recommend it to that generation now. It does not even have to be traveling far, just go see the good ole USA and all it has to offer. The other thing I would do is to keep a journal. Even if it is not daily. Just the highlights of a month or year . . . that would be great to look back on. And I would have taken more pictures back then!

Karen: What are your dreams? How difficult is it for you to chase your dreams?

Jenn: I do think it is difficult to chase my dreams, because for one, I have to really prioritize and think which dream is most important and realistic. Second, I am not at a place where I put myself first. Sometimes, I think that ship has sailed. My family will always be my priority. It does not mean I will not pursue my dreams, I just have to be creative about achieving them.  My dreams still revolve around how well it works for the family and if it is financially doable and does it fit in with everyone’s schedules, etc. At least the bigger dreams, such as traveling to far off places.

But, I do like to stay focused on smaller dreams. It keeps me motivated and I love having things to look forward to. Even if it is a physically oriented goal, going to a concert, a new restaurant, a new hike, or a girls night out.

Karen: Great point! The smaller dreams keep us going until the time is right to charge the big ones!  

What would you say to young mothers about following their passions and dreams?

Jenn: Go for it! I think the generation having kids right now is amazing. They seem to know how to juggle the jobs, kids, travel, etc. I have nieces in the age group of 26-30 and they are amazing, smart, talented, and mature. I think you can have it all as long as you have a partner willing to support your dreams. [Tweet “And never give up on your passions. You will be a better person all around for pursuing them!”]

Karen: Anything else you’d like to add?

Jenn: Yes, I love that you are leading by example and pursuing your passions and dreams.

I love that you have the courage to share your life with us and encourage women to think about these questions. I will tell you, this was not easy because like many of us, I just go about my day, my week, my month, showing up where I am supposed to be. I am so blessed to have a friend like you in my life to say, “hold on a second – I have some questions for you!” You made me think about some things and it feels good to dig deep sometimes. I love you and I wish you all the best on all of your adventures.

Karen: Awww thank you darlin’. You have always been an encouragement to me on how to focus on what’s important in life, how to attack life with a smile, and how to not always take things so seriously. You are a gem and it is such a great pleasure to have you in my life. 

 

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