Eclectic – A Gift or a Curse?
Recently, I’ve found myself filled to the brim with creative energy - so much that I often struggle to decide where to direct it. There are days when inspiration hits from every direction, and I’m left trying to navigate how to give each idea its place without losing myself to overwhelm.
At my core, I’m a homeschooling mum. My children’s growth, learning, and well-being come first. But life isn’t simple; I’m also building a business I care deeply about - a business I want to ground and grow, not just for myself, but for my family and my community here in Port Stephens and Medowie. Sometimes, just as I’m finding a rhythm, a burst of inspiration or a completely new idea pulls me in another direction. Suddenly, I’m knee-deep in a tech project, drafting out inventions that may never see the light of day. Part of me loves the challenge and possibility, but I know each new project is a risk—one misstep or disappointment, and it ripples through everything I’m juggling. There are times I wonder if it’s better to walk away from some ideas before they become too real, but letting go never comes easily.
The truth is, I care about a lot of things. I love photography. I love my family and my friends. I love living close to the beach and taking my kids out for adventures. I enjoy gaming, technology, maths, and science just as much as I enjoy slowing down with breathwork and time in nature. I appreciate music, but I also value quiet moments. I’m attached to the warm, earthy tones I use for my brand, but occasionally I find myself missing the brighter colours I started out with at Whimsy & Wonder Photography. Some days, it feels impossible to choose a single path or stick to just one way of being. But I’m learning to see this not as a flaw, but as a strength.
What I’ve come to realise is that this wide range of interests and passions isn’t a flaw. It’s what shapes my days and brings richness to my life. There’s a beauty in letting life ebb and flow—one day might be full of homeschooling lessons and laughter with my kids; the next, I’m meeting a new client, listening to their story, and capturing their memories. Sometimes, I get to spend a morning swimming in the ocean, come home for a quick gaming session, dive into editing photos or planning new projects, and end the day in quiet meditation. No two days ever look quite the same.
Being open to possibility has meant that my life is filled with meaningful, unexpected moments. Meeting new people through my business, hearing about their journeys - the highs and the lows - has changed me. I never take these connections for granted. Every story I witness and every person I meet offers me a chance to learn, grow, and see the world from a new perspective.
There are times when it feels like I’m doing too much or spreading myself too thin, but more often, I’m grateful for this eclectic mix and having a lot of fun while I’m doing it. Success matters to me, but I know that the most important thing is the journey—the process, and the quiet, sometimes messy, joy of simply showing up for my life.
So, is being eclectic a gift or a curse? Maybe it’s a bit of both. I know now that the mix of passions, dreams, challenges, and responsibilities is what makes my life feel full. If you ever find yourself torn between different loves or paths, know that you’re not alone. Sometimes, the richest lives are built in the spaces between certainty and curiosity - in all the ways we allow ourselves to keep growing, changing, and saying yes.
Photography by Em Whalan - Whimsy & Wonder Photography Port Stephens