DISQUS

It's important to realize the difference between "what I am" and "what I do". You may work as a lawyer, a planner, a designer, but are much more than that, and so are other people. Most people in our culture dabble at some times and into some interests and delve into others - and maybe that delving doesn't last for years. Many delve while learning a new skill or exploring a new interest, then move on.
The challenge respecting gaining employment with another is really outcome and attitude, whether in "permanent" jobs or one-of projects. If you have a record of timely completion of projects and an attitude that respects the needs of the team or client and your responsibility in meeting your mandate, there will be little chance of being a flight risk unless the job is actually unsuitable for you anyway. If you want to be engaged in creative production, perhaps you will "fly" from sitting at a reception desk (as an example only) because your own needs are not being met. On the other hand, if the rest of your time is fulfilling and productive, and you love meeting new people, you may actually enjoy doing a job that does not fit into your published description of "you are" or "you do" as a means to an end, either financial or because your studio time is solitary.
Being an Artist differs from "I'm artistic" and garners much respect and interest. Keep doing; keep being.

Two that taught me much about love: How to Survive the Loss of of a Love by Melba Colgrove, Harold Bloomfield, and Peter McWilliams and The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman. There are others too, all the best of which, as has been said, help one learn to walk in life with integrity, passion, and compassion, and to keep one's eyes and ears open to those who walk in the same times. Another book I would recommend taking time to read is Take Time for Your Life by Cheryl Richardson; she offers a technique for dealing with difficult conversation or presenting information that may be difficult to the receiver that is very effective in work or private relationship, and she also gets one to think about who drains you and who fuels you... good to know when choosing with whom to spend your time.
On a personal note, I was one to poo-poo or roll my eyes over self-help books, having matured in a time when they were expanding the shelves of bookstores and very "in your face" about everything; I guess I didn't feel the need for anyone to sayu "I'm o.k.; You're o.k."! The "How to Survive..." book grabbed me in a time when I was only learning about having need of any kind, and it didn't leave my side/briefcase/handbag for about 18 months. It brought me laughter and comfort with it's irony and honesty, and taught me the stages of grief, and that grief comes with losses other than death.

Sorry Carrie.... It's not like I don't know Carrie from Danielle!

Danielle, I encourage and honour your new thoughts on this. Your story echoes my own, including the fertility drugs and all they bring emotionally and physically, and what they don't bring, the child desired. Referring to the "drugs" and sometimes forgetting they are hormones can dull one's awareness of the impact on parts of the body, and mind, not directly associated with reproduction.
I am also looking for the athleticism identified in my past. It does take physical work, but as you and Marissa write, awareness comes first, must be iterated, and is key to success. I am focussing on flexibility, energy renewal, and weight management. It all seems very slow sometimes, at others I feel I can take on the world. The Olympics are always inspiring, but I don't really need to eat after "they" race. I am becoming aware of other reasons I am eating, particularly fatigue (energy in, no energy out).
I am looking forward to hearing about your journey. Disappointment may strike for moments here and there, but you love to run, and it's in your blood along with desire and awareness for a high quality of living. That mood will be a partner running with you, stretching, and celebrating movement in every step. Try not to judge yourself too harshly; we seldom see a complete picture of ourselves at any one time.
Many words (says my self-critical voice). Much support for your current and future achievements.

Let me correct my mis-type: Try to not put persons, ON a pedestal... you leave them nowhere to go but down.

Emily neither of us went to "the prom", but that's a few hours of a life that has many upholding and inspiring rewards. Sex can be good or not, and is also short-lived. I try to see what I have that is good, differently than the "gratitude attitude", I try to see what value my partner has for me; if I didn't I'd be writing Cat's story above. It's unrewarding to compare or contrast oneself to another, especially as close as a sister. You can only live your own life, and I'll bet you're pretty good at that if you have eccentricity. It's likely if you let your aural memory speak that you will recall many persons saying literally awe-some and admiring things about you. try to not put persons, maybe like your sister (?), off a pedestal... you leave them nowhere to go but down.