It seems that the inspirations of Dr. Seuss have always been present in my life. Whether it was reading the “Cat in the Hat” books as a young girl or to my children, these illustrated stories were a source of entertainment and education. As funny as it may sound, I didn’t absorb these stories’ full meaning until I was older. I began to notice that behind the fantastical characters and silly rhymes, there were lessons about human nature. So while sharing a little about myself, today’s post is called:
The first chapter of my story would be entitled, “Do You Like My Hat?” In P.D. Eastman’s “Go Dog Go,” one of the characters periodically shows up to ask this question. Throughout the book, she is always answered with a “No. I do not like that hat.” Finally, when she wears a hat with a menagerie of objects on the hat, does she receive a positive response.
Throughout my life, I have worn many hats. Although I was sure that hat would be the only hat I will ever wear at the time, it turns out that these early “hats” have always led to bigger and better opportunities. For example, after “wearing a graduation cap” from Southeast Technical in the 1980s, I worked as a computer programmer for many years. When I became a stay-at-home mom, I worked part-time for a Sioux Falls stained glass company; working with stained glass led me to open my Etsy shop, where I sell stained glass kaleidoscopes. When I graduated from the University of Sioux Falls with a BA in Art, I learned how to handle art properly. I currently work at a local picture framing business where I work with an incredible artist and businesswoman and am privileged to see some of the most extraordinary art.
It’s not about
what it is,
It’s about
what it can become.
-Dr. Seuss
The second chapter of my story is entitled, “Are You, My Mother?” I would have to say that the single most significant part of my life hasn’t been about me, but what I was to my two sons. I think this is true in life as well: Maybe it’s not that important as to what things and titles we obtain for ourselves, but rather what we give to others and who we are to them. I assumed that because my sons had the same home, same parents, and the same schools, they would have similar personalities. But now adults, they are truly opposites. I think being a parent has taught me to appreciate the uniqueness of others. As I start my second career in Media Design, I will be focusing my designs on a target audience. Many of these audiences will be very different from me and my way of thinking, and that’s okay. Like my sons, their views and reactions will be unique.
Today you are you,
That is truer than true.
There is no one alive
Who is “youer” than you.
– Dr. Seuss
The third chapter of my story is called, “Go, Michele, go!” Life for all of us is a series of ups and downs, and throughout my successes, I have also made my fair share of mistakes and poor choices. But I can only go forward. I can’t go back and “do it over.” The best I can do is correct the situation, learn from my mistakes, and keep going. I grew up believing that any change was an unwelcome challenge. But what I discovered was that those challenges have turned out to be an opportunity for personal growth.
So be sure when you STEP,
Step with CARE and great TACT.
And remember that life’s
A great Balancing Act!
– Dr. Seuss
