Getting Unstuck
By Rachel Schwarz
When I was growing up, I was skilled in math, but I never got the hang of art. The older I got, I realized that just because I was good at math didn’t mean it was my calling. I began to tap into the more creative side of my brain, and allowed it to manifest as a strong interest in creative writing and philosophy. These interests also lead me to taking the LSAT and applying to law school.
During this year between college and law school, in addition to working for Karen, I tried my hand at a number of part time jobs in order to keep busy and tap into my interests. After moving into my apartment, I purchased two wooden barstools and decided I would paint them myself. It began as a side project which blossomed into something much larger. As it turns out, I am a fairly talented artist, and a number of friends have asked me to make themed furniture for them.
Drawing and painting has quickly become an outlet for me. It’s calming and therapeutic. I’m thrilled that I gave something I didn’t use to enjoy another chance. It’s evolved into a way to communicate nonverbally and reconnect with friends that see pictures of my work on Facebook.
I challenge you to challenge yourselves. Try something you think you are not good at. Train for a triathlon. Take a cooking class. Go dancing. You might surprise yourself, and you never know when you’ll find an un-tapped source of talent and a new way to communicate with your friends and family.
