What do I want to be...right now?

Winter break is here and I am looking for more inspiration. Spiritually and in my work,

professional life.

I always turn to Oprah Winfrey's (not that I need her last name but...) Super Soul Sunday interviews because she always has the most iconic and aware souls on. This time it's Michelle Obama's interview that I found. (Peep her new book Becoming) I just began reading it and it's already so good!

Anyway, just four minutes into the interview and bam! Blog inspiration hit.

Oprah asked Mrs. Obama why she tilted her book "Becoming" and Michelle had a flawless response.

After joking about a blooper list of titles her team had for the book, that Michelle wouldn't get into, she laughed and said, "Becoming just summed it all up...a question that adults ask kids that I hate, I think that it's the worst question in the world, is 'What do you want to be when you grow up?' As if growing up is finite. As if you become something and that is all there is."

If I were in a church, this is where I'd be saying "Amen! Amen! Amen!" at a rather loud level.

This spoke to me like never before and I don't know why at this moment. I've heard the question, I've asked the question to younger children and peers but never had this moment of "Hold up Erin, you have the answer and always have." It could be because I am graduating soon and I haven't "become" what I thought I'd be at the end of college.

I thought by the time I would graduate I'd be this badass female reporter following around the coolest, kindest humans in town. The ones who dared to dream, travelled to crazy places, sharing their story. Helping others who are going through hardships and just lifting up the community I'm a part of.

I'd say I've accomplished a sliver of this. The finding cool people, I'm good at that. I love to talk to literally anyone. I have shared some of those individuals' stories and it's been beyond rewarding. I have also tried to do my best to help those who are struggling by lending a listening ear and some advice, when needed. There is always going to be more to be done in the help department.

My entire goal, though, will be a constant work in progress. Because, hypothetically, if I am going forward, I am making progress. No matter how big or small, progress is progress and we all go at our own pace. OUR OWN PACE. Remember that in whatever aspect of your life that may apply. You will always be growing and evolving. We are all "becoming."

Anyway, back on track to what I want to be when I grow up, but more what do I want to be right now.

I sat and pondered the question and right now, I want to be kind. I want to be helpful to those around me. I want to inspire. I want to be a student. I want to be a lot of things and luckily I still can be. There's no "most of all I want to be this" because a lot of me still wants to be a P.E. teacher but I know that I am a good storyteller and connector to people.

There are ways in my life and passions that I can incorporate whatever I want into it, assuming it's appropriate for that profession. My point, you can be whatever you want, whenever you choose to be. Whenever you choose to be in control and own exactly what you want to do.

I can say a lot of things, but ultimately my actions and the ways in which I choose to live will define who I am, to myself and those around me. I want to be a strong, independent, carefree, zealous individual.

Most of all, I want to be unapologetically myself.

I challenge you to find a SuperSoul interview that sets your soul on fire, makes you think and feel differently about your life. Makes you tired of complacency and sparks some inspiration for you.

As always, thank you for taking time to read my thoughts, I appreciate it more than you know. Continue doing good for you and your community.