What's in a legacy?

Hamilton, every good blog that even has the word theater in it has a Hamilton post right? 

Alexander Hamilton came to America knowing what he wanted; he was going to write his way out of poverty and create a legacy. Guess who knew what his number one talent was and how to use it to be successful?  "Alexander Hamilton, my name is Alexander Hamilton."

But what about us? The founding people of the United States of America, circa 2017? How do we reach success? Most of us have gone to liberal arts schools and have a number of talents we could use in our life, which do we pick? Which skill is going to help me get my face on a piece of money or Lin Manuel Miranda to write a play about me?

As I finished the application, aforementioned in my last blog, I found myself wondering...what if I'm wrong?

What if I shouldn't be a communication major who loves theater? What if my skills aren't natural enough, not good enough? What if with this click of the submit I'm ruining my life? Did I throw away my shot?

Currently I'm a daycare teacher and a pretty good one if you ask the right people. What if this is where my legacy lies? But here's the thing about legacies; they out live you. You never know if your legacy is going to be successful because you'll be dead by the time it's created.

"A garden you never get to see." I don't know a lot about gardening, but the few I have had I've planted a thousand seeds and hoped for one to grow. I have it wrong now...a legacy isn't just about one skill, 

Alexander Hamilton knew he was a good writer, but he didn't limit himself to only writing. He led troops, he worked in office, he raised children. He did not have only one shot. He had many that he never threw away. He looked at them all without fear, wearing his glasses, and he faced them. 

If you want to create a legacy then the only thing you can't do is limit yourself. You aren't given one specific skill, one perfect seed that will bloom into the perfect flower. A garden isn't one flower, it's a thousand working together to create something beautiful. 

I've planted my legacy as a teacher, it's time to add onto this garden. It's time to make it flourish and more beautiful. Maybe these new seeds won't grow into anything, but what kind of gardener would I be if I didn't take a risk?

(I would be Aaron Burr, that's the answer).

Photo Credit:

Hamilton: https://www.teepublic.com/t-shirt/473311-im-not-throwing-away-my-shot

 Legacy by Grrrenadine.deviantart.com on @DeviantArt

Embrace the Joy

Today I started something that terrifies me to no end. Today, I started a job application.

Now, I have no idea if I am qualified for this job. I don't know if I stand a chance at getting this job, I don't even know if I want this job. But for some reason I need this job.

The moment I saw there was an opening I knew. I knew I at least had to apply, I had to throw myself off that cliff, even if I don't have wings.

Not a lot makes people feel this way anymore, but when you find an experience, an idea, a thought that makes you want to sing and throw up at the same time - go for it. Grab that feeling and use it as a parachute if you fall. Grab that feeling and let it help you grow wings, you might fly.

So much of the world will tell you to be practical, stay with your feet on the ground. A plethora of voices will scream at you to embrace your fear and let it weigh you down...but those voices are always there. They aren't rare or hard to find, don't hold onto them.

No! Hold tight to your hope, hold onto your nerves, and your excitement. Let your happiness fill you, because at least, if even for a moment you will have been happy. There's nothing worse than knowing you could have had joy and letting it pass you by, don't watch it leave. Embrace it. Consume it.

Today I started something that scares the hell out of me and I have never been more excited to witness the end.