Renaissance woman
Renaissance woman
About how one day I discovered that I was actually good at doing something.
There was a period in my mid to late twenties when I truly believed I had no skills or talents. I had interests, but I thought I wasn't really good at anything.
I knew I wanted to do something and be someone, but I didn't know what or how.
I was a late bloomer. My twenties were confusing times. I felt lost and insecure. I knew I wanted to do something and be someone, but I didn't know what or how. Then something life-altering happened, and that's where the story begins.
I always thought of my life in two. Life before my father passed away and after. Two very different lives. Today, I see my life in three, before and after my father's death and after our son’s birth and passing. Both losses changed my life forever.
When my father passed away, I needed to find a job. I used to think that no one in their right mind would hire me to do anything, or at best, I would find a tedious desk job that paid poorly. I thought to myself. What is the one skill that I have that I can put to good use? I have a diploma in fashion, and I'm very good at putting outfits together. I could help women find their own personal style. I loved fashion, so I made my passion my job. I created my career. That's how Maria Cristina Acquaroni Style & Wardrobe Consulting was born.
I spent a month reading books about body types, personal coloring, fashion styles, and wardrobe essentials. Then I spent another month putting together all the materials I would use with my clients. I had a website and business cards designed, and I set up a charming little office space. I was ready for business in less than three months. When I had everything ready, I put myself out there!
When you do your part, God always does His. When you are aligned with your purpose, God always shows up.
Something extraordinary happened to me once I decided to put the one skill I had in the service of others. More talents began to bloom! And that is a great feeling. People began to come to me for things I had no idea I could do. I always said yes. Of course, I had my ups and downs, but when you do your part, God always does His! When you are aligned with your purpose, God always shows up. Things flow naturally. After 10+ years of putting different skills and talents to work, I know for certain that I am an excellent producer and that I have a unique talent for making things look beautiful.
After our son’s loss, there was a time when I felt separated from my purpose because I wasn't actively engaged in anything. I wasn't putting my skills and talents to work in any way that I thought was productive. I felt defeated, and I would get mad at myself for not being able to get back on my feet. How come this loss is not making me flourish like my father’s loss did?
Looking back, that time was also part of my purpose. It was a time of healing, connection, and reflection. It was a wake-up call, and in the end, I put my skills and talents in the service of others, but differently and unexpectedly. I opened my heart to the unknown, and I embraced it.
You don't have to be the best at doing something; you don't need to do it perfectly; you just need to do it your way because no one else can do it like you. It will be unique.
We are all born with gifts, talents, ideas, and creativity. There is always something that we are good at naturally. It's our responsibility to tap into that thing. Once we do, other good things begin to flourish. It doesn't do any good to hide what's inside of you. It doesn't do you any service, and you're depriving someone that needs what you have. Perhaps this is a very mid-life crisis thing to say, but don't take your gifts, talents, ideas, and creativity to the grave. Leave it all here on earth. You don't have to be the best at doing something; you don't need to do it perfectly; you just need to do it your way because no one else can do it like you. It will be unique.
We are living in times where there is no time to waste. We must live our lives to the fullest and pursue our dreams; God put them inside us for a reason. We all have to do our part. We all have to take steps to fulfill our purpose by developing our skills and talents and putting them to work. If you need some time off to reflect, do so. When you start to feel that fire burning inside you again, wake up, get back on your feet, and do what you know you must do. You have been empowered and equipped to do it.
It’s not too late to go back to school. It’s not too late to change careers. It’s not too late to start your own business. Whatever it is, if there’s a burning inside of you, you must do it, it’s not too late. Don’t take it with you.
It doesn’t matter whether you’re in your 20s, 30s, 40s, or 80s; as long as you’re breathing, it’s never too late; you still have an assignment to fulfill. It’s not too late to go back to school. It’s not too late to change careers. It’s not too late to start your own business. Whatever it is, if there’s a burning inside of you, you must do it; it’s not too late. Don’t take it with you.
If you need to figure out your purpose, just find that one thing you are naturally good at and put it to work. That one thing will guide you to where you're supposed to go and make you flourish. Trust that if you do your part, God will do His. And that is a promise. Know your purpose and take steps to fulfill it. Even if those steps are tiny, don't let the enemy discourage you. And don't get distracted. Save your time on things that are meant for you. When you know, you know.
If you already know what your purpose is, then go out and help someone find theirs. Encourage one another.
If you’re already aligned with your purpose, then go out and help someone find theirs. Encourage one another. I will be forever grateful to Miss Gia Salardi, who was my teacher at the Miami University of Art and Design. On portfolio review day, before I left the room, right about the time I was opening the door, she stopped me and said to me: Maria, I wish I could clone you. Miss Gia, if you’re reading this, what you said meant everything to me, and I will never forget it. You never know when your words can change someone’s life.
I love you, and never forget that you were created for greatness!
If you wish to share a personal story, please do so in the comments below. I’m always happy to learn more about you.
xoxo
MC
MCA!! Thank you for the mention today!! I admire you so much and you inspire me more that you could ever know !!! Let’s keep making beautiful things together !!! Xxooxxooo
Thank you, thank you, thank you! Today is my 45th birthday and you make me feel that I can do anything 💫