From The Archives is a series where I look back, dust off curated posts or photos from long ago and present them to you, with new purpose. I believe in remembering who we are, who we wanted to be. For me, looking back is a thoughtful way to lean into how far we’ve traveled, how the lessons still ring true, how old insights and wisdom become new again.
This is me in 2006,
age 31, before I was “an artist.” I am at my social work job, in my old
office that sure looks different from my current studio! What I
especially notice about this photo is that I am wearing the
only black shirt I ever owned and how hard I was trying to work the
“professional wear” that never felt right on me. I’m also wearing panty
hose because the hospital dress code was strict. I look older, unfamiliar to myself now. In fact, I barely recognize myself in this photo.
age 31, before I was “an artist.” I am at my social work job, in my old
office that sure looks different from my current studio! What I
especially notice about this photo is that I am wearing the
only black shirt I ever owned and how hard I was trying to work the
“professional wear” that never felt right on me. I’m also wearing panty
hose because the hospital dress code was strict. I look older, unfamiliar to myself now. In fact, I barely recognize myself in this photo.
I can’t believe how much
has changed and how far I’ve come since. I’m WILD and free compared to
this old version of me.
has changed and how far I’ve come since. I’m WILD and free compared to
this old version of me.
Thank goodness for small steps and
transformation.
transformation.
Thank goodness for doing things we never thought we could do.
Thank goodness for letting possibliity guide us through the naysayers, the inner critic, the impossibility of making a move.
I was stuck in an office job, doing meaningful work, but my heart was dreaming of something else. And who knew those dreams would lead me to today.
Forever thankful. Like, forever and ever.
Looking back, how far have you come? Your story may not look like mine, but I’m certain you’ve traveled a long, meaningful distance too. Celebrate that journey!
It is so inspiring to see your journey from where you were to your life now. Right now I am working a "day job" but dreaming of doing art full-time. Thank you for being a light and inspiring me along my own journey.
Wow, has it only been six years? You should be so proud of everything you have achieved, really it is amazing. You are so inspirational Kelly Rae, thank you for sharing your story.
I absolutely LOVE this as it totally took me back to 13 years ago on my final day of working at a law firm I had worked at for 10 years. I was round with my first child and as I walked away I knew I would never go back. I don't know why I felt that, I just did, something inside me whispered and…my life totally transformed. I found art, creativity and a brand new life that was more me. I never felt good in those suits, so stifling. Now I feel me.
What a transformation you've been through. Thankyou so much for sharing it with us Kelly. You've not only changed your own destination but countless others too. I wonder what the you in the picture would have thought if someone had told you your future! xx