You-ness: Have you figured out who you are? Are you living that thing? Are you helping other people and supporting in that journey?

It could take you years to find and act on your You-ness! Here’s how Jesse found hers: She was called Creative and Loud growing up. It wasn’t particularly appreciated. She was one of the only performers who didn’t need to be miked in plays as a child. She felt embarrassed because of it. She spent first couple years of her career in fitting herself in the professional mould. She went back to school for Liberal Arts. Writing was nearly impossible for her. She went for counseling sessions, and she was recommended to seek medication for ADHD! She went through the physicals, but she never showed up get the medication. She wanted to deal with the symptoms, not just take medicine. She dropped out of school and started getting ready for marriage. Inspired by Temple Grandin, who suffered from Autism, Jesse reanalyzed how her brain works. She decided to turn her ADHD into an asset.

Enthusiasm comes from énthous — a Greek word, meaning “it is God in you”. You are inspired by God. She decided to follow the path of her enthusiasm. She found her You-ness and spent the next two years working for someone who helped her embrace her enthusiasm.

As part of Workshop, the group throws parties not necessarily related to her studio work. They also put together an annual conference, Brooklyn Beta. This led to Etsy Holiday Shop. Activity and life for 10 full days! All tracing back to a party of 12 people in their apartment years ago. So follow what gets you on, brings enthusiasm in your life, and go after what you want. You will eventually get there. Find your You-ness. Honesty. To be happy and fulfilled, be honest with yourself. Positivity. Flip it every morning you get up. Learn from muppets! Bravery. Turn off your inner critic. Learn how to deal with external critics. That’s how you use your bravery. Turn it all the way to Eleven!

 

Text — Deepika Padam