Discovering Yourself !!!

Happy Monday, guys !! Yes, I'm 3 days late posting. As I went to NY this past week-end, my wheels really started turning. I got to thinking, how is it that I went from having a normal life in KY, to a crazy busy life going back and forth to NY. This brings me to my topic for this post, "Discovering Yourself."

First and foremost, my parents have always been extremely encouraging, as they are with all of my siblings. But, still yet, I had to decide what I wanted in my life. Which brings me to how I began discovering myself.

It all started when my mom overheard me singing. She thought I had a pretty voice. She asked me if I would be interested in taking voice lessons. I told her okay, sure. So, she hooked me up with a very nice lady from Ohio. She then began encouraging me to try new things. For instance, competing in local, state, and national beauty pageants.

I won some and lost some. I remember being devastated when I lost. I don't like to lose. But, it helped me grow so much as a person. This was a critical test point in discovering myself. I gained so much self confidence and got some stage experience under my belt. By the way, the reason my mom entered me in pageants was because she did pageants at my age. While I found pageants pretty fun, I didn't feel it was something I wanted to pursue long term.

I also dabbled in modeling, which is something I still enjoy doing. This was another critical point in discovering myself. I discovered my passion for fashion.

Me with my modeling coach, Laura Kirkpatrick.

(Runner-up, cycle 13, America's Next Top Model)

Shortly after I began modeling, I started professional voice lessons in NYC. This is where I started to really begin finding myself. But still yet, I wasn't sure which direction I wanted to go.

My first voice lesson at Ripley Grier Studios, NYC.

My first experience with musical theater.

I did some musical theater. It was really fun, but still not what I was wanting to do long term.

And, then, I discovered the ukulele. This discovery completely changed my life forever. After I began playing the uke, I immediately began songwriting !! My life is no longer the same. I finally found my true passion. And, I can't stop writing and I can't stop playing the ukulele and guitar. I feel this is what I'm meant to do for the rest of my life. I literally take my uke with me everywhere I go. I play and sing on our way to family vacations, I play and sing at holiday get togethers, I play and sing at school, at open mics, I sing everywhere. Lol.

Me with my first ukulele.

So, the point to my story is, discovering yourself is a process. I played basketball and was also a cheerleader a few years ago. I liked it, but it wasn't my passion. I took violin, but again, it wasn't my passion. It's okay if you try something and decide it's not what you want to do. But, the important thing is, don't be afraid to try new things. You will eventually discover yourself and your passion. Stay true to yourself, your goals, and your visions. And, most importantly, believe in yourself.

I hope all of you have an amazing week and a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday!

Lots of love to you all. #musicislife

-Imogene