I have used the moniker “DivineMsMel” for quite some time. Although it may bring to mind a Diva personality, or potentially someone with a deep belief in God, the truth is, I stole it from Bette Midler.
At the age of 15 I saw the movie “Beaches” and became instantly obsessed. I grew obsessed with the movie itself, which I went on to watch hundreds of times, and to its star, Bette Midler. As many people know, Bette Midler is also known as The Divine Ms. M. I loved her multi-faceted talent, ballsy sense of humor, and the vulnerability she never seemed to shy away from. As a flag football player in high school, I displayed the moniker on the back of my jersey. In later years as I played things from Laser Tag to Racquetball, it was the name I went by. And when e-mail and message boards became a staple in my life, DivineMsMel found a whole new world.
When I was in Elementary school, I was asked to write a paper on what I wanted to be when I grew up. Many people wrote professions like Lawyer, Doctor, Teacher, and Astronaut. I, too, had an interest in teaching and coaching, so that was always in the back of my mind. But, I wrote the paper on what I really wanted to be, and what I would tell people when asked as a child; A Renaissance Woman.
I didn’t have any deep understanding of Renaissance times, by any means, but a Renaissance woman stood for someone who did it all, someone with interest and knowledge in anything. It makes sense now, as well, as my interests and dreams never seem to fall within the small circumference of any normal sized net.
I wanted to write screenplays as a teenager. I still have that desire. I wanted to write a novel. Again, still hold that dream close. I wanted to be a song writer, and even sent lyrics to a professional musician in New York City. I’m proud to say, he wrote me back. The song writer dream died years ago, but the memory tastes sweet. I love sports, so being a coach has always warmed my heart. I’ve teased that interest with volunteer activities, but still have hopes of coaching in new and exciting ways. I love to bake and I love to cook, so my mind always lingers towards a day dream of owning a bakery, or maybe my own crepe shop. I’m intrigued with new places and love to travel, and at times find it inspiring to think of planning new communities or helping to renew older ones. I use to dream of taking photographs for National Geographic as a child, which rings more true today with my love affair for both nature and taking pictures. There is a special place in my heart for elderly people, and for those who struggle with their health, so I’ve toyed with a career in health care management.
The reality is that I have worked in the business and corporate world for 16 years. My roles in various companies have differed and my skill set has expanded. At times during those years, although appreciative for a good job and the ability to support myself, I’ve felt sad. Many dreams were not realized. Then, like a lightning bolt, about a year ago, I was struck with my own truth; I’ve become who I always wanted to be, a Renaissance woman.
Now mind you, it’s a “being” that is continuously evolving. It requires constant dreaming, frequent change, self-examination, interest in others, and an interest in the world we all share together. I’ve spent many years as an adult feeling disappointed in myself for being too interested in many things to ever focus on one thing and make it all my own. In the process I overlooked that I made an interest in everything, an interest in life, my real focus. I also made the people I love a focus; whether that’s a romantic partner, my family, or special friends.
I typically display the ability to meet new people and quickly get along. People often comment on this ability, saying I’m very open and easy to talk with. Those traits have never been something I’ve worked at, but they certainly come naturally. Partners and friends have often marveled at my ability to easy connect with many kinds of people. In examining this, and general human interactions, one word seems of paramount importance: interest. And while many people aim to be interesting, they often only focus on that; being interesting. They focus on being interesting to others for their own personal gain. In the process, people forget the other quality that goes hand and hand with being interesting, which is being interested.
It’s important to be interested in other people. It’s important to display interest when meeting people, talking with people, and even sharing with people. I’m a very talkative person; most people know that about me. But when I talk, I rarely do so with the intention of ensuring I’m interesting, but often with the intention of being interested in others; sharing with them, engaging with them, opening myself to vulnerability with them. As talkative as I can be at times, I equally enjoy listening to other peoples’ stories. Hearing stories from other people is one of the best ways to feel connected in life. And feeling connected in life has been one of the best ways for me to maintain happiness. Ultimately, that is the goal I strive to when I wake up each day. Whether I’m a gardener, a teacher, a writer, a retiree, or a homemaker; I strive for connection and I strive for happiness.
To summarize an “About Me” section is both simple and ultimately complex. But, isn’t that the case for most of us? People who know me and people who will read anything on this site, will learn that I have many interests, I care deeply about many things, I’m vocal with my passions, and I’m rarely an expert on much.
DivineMsMel, that’s me; a modern day Renaissance woman!
