A question that has plagued me for many years.

I sought from a young age to define myself, trying to figure out who I was and fit into the various categories that were placed on me and the ones that I thought I had to place on myself. Today I know that I am indefinite and infinite. I am a work in progress, and I do not want to limit myself to any one label. So, I will just say that I am. And I enjoy doing many things.

I graduated from the University of Toronto with a BA in Fine Art and History. My daughter decided she wanted to be a part of my life during my last year of university. So, when I graduated, I stayed at my then part-time job and became a full-time banker. It was the “safe” thing to do, finding a “reliable job,” and I enjoyed my time learning about finance and loved working with the people I met. I was good at it and so I kept at it. Art became something I did in my spare time as a hobby. Every so often I would create something for a friend or family member, but slowly it faded out of my life and “life” took over. I set out to become the best banker I could be.

In 2012 I was in a car accident and I started having panic attacks. I started doodling again to take my mind off things. The doodling helped me stay calm and cope with my anxiety. I began drawing more often and have slowly embraced myself in the process… that part of myself that I had let go of because “there was no time” or “I had other “more important” things to do.” During the past few years I was reminded of just how much a part of my soul art is, and how much peace it brings me. I started creating again more regularly, for my own pleasure, taking on an odd commission here and there for family and friends. Art has always inspired me, and it is a part of me that I can no longer deny.

I currently work full-time as a trauma therapist. I enjoy helping people and it allows me to use a different part of my brain creatively. And while training to become a psychotherapist and working with my own therapist to overcome the anxiety that resulted from the car accident, I learned to embrace myself and live authentically as the person I was meant to be. I love helping people. I love creating art. And I love to travel and take photographs. So now I find ways to do it all.

I embrace the divine spark within me, and I shall use it to co-create. I will be the change that I want to see in this world and will work to make it a better place, by being inspired and inspiring those around me to do the same. Together we can create a positive difference.