Living Many Lives Within One

Thoughts on focus, pivoting and trusting the process

If you’re at all familiar with Human Design, you will know what I mean when I say I’m a manifesting generator. And if you’re not into it, in simplest terms, it means I am a very multi-passionate person and this is the way I’m supposed to move through the world.

I would be lying if I said my multifaceted nature hasn’t caused me any frustration or self-doubt. After many pivots, various projects pursued, feeling “unable” to commit to anything, I’ve found myself in a low place more than once, thinking there must be something wrong with me. Telling myself that I can’t trust myself. Telling myself that until I can stay dedicated and focused on something, I won’t be successful or see the progress I desire.

Accepting and embracing my multi-passionate nature has been a journey. A journey I am still navigating today. While I’ve let go of the shame and guilt I’ve previously brought upon myself when I pivoted from one thing to the next, I continue to feel the need to focus. And I worry that until I can truly focus on something, I won’t find the results I want.

This Substack newsletter is a great example of how dedication has paid off. It’s the proof that consistency does inevitably bring you closer to your visions. It’s been a slow burn, but I’ve posted (almost) weekly to this space for about eight months now, and am starting to see some exciting momentum and engagement.

When I think of other instances in my life where dedication has proven fruitful, I’m reminded of how up until middle school I played many different sports, until I was told I needed to focus on one, which resulted in accomplishments I would’ve never reached otherwise.

So, here I find myself knowing that focus and dedication do indeed lead us to our goals, yet balancing the internal dialogue I’m sure so many of us feel. Wanting to focus, but not wanting to be boxed in. Wanting to commit to something, but wanting to leave room to pivot.

More than anything, having the desire to live many lives within the precious one we’ve been given. To see each season of our life as a chapter. To give ourselves permission to rewrite our stories over and over again. To realize that our life (and our career) isn’t a decision we make once, but a series of decisions we make everyday.

The idea of living many lives within one excites me. Tells me that I can do all the projects I dream of. That I can carry all the “titles” I imagine. And in a way, it takes the (unrealistic) pressure off of myself that I have to do it all at once. Right now. Today.

The other day I came across someone I admire on Instagram. I love the presence she’s created for herself, her content, and her work. I saw that she had made a small batch of raspberry jams that were beautifully designed, styled and (seemingly) delicious.

Now, I’m not quite sure why jams inspired me so much. I don’t believe it was the jam itself (although who knows, maybe this will be another future project. Never say never…especially in the spirit of this post) but I believe it was the freedom to release one off passion projects like this.

Feel like creating a limited edition jam? Go for it. Want to publish a zine? Do it. Want to host a dinner even though you’ve never hosted anything? Why not!

However, in order to live many lives within one, we have to give ourselves permission to start anew. To do things completely different. To not have to clearly connect the dots from one thing to the next. To know that it’s not the work itself that has to define you, but it’s you that gets to define the work.

The only through line needed to connect the dots of your work, projects, hobbies, and lifestyle is you. Not some overarching theme. Not a niche. Not one thing.

Now, like I mentioned earlier, I do believe there is value in focus. The concept of living many lives doesn’t mean living them all at once. It means embracing each season of life, fully committing to what resonates now while knowing other passions and projects await their turn.

When feeling scattered or behind, remember: You are the through line. Your interests will naturally shift, and that's perfectly fine. Focus when needed, pivot when called, and trust that every version of the life you desire is already in the making.

As always, thank you for reading, and until next week,

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