What I wanted to be when I grew up

I actually completely love that I was asked to write about this. It's not something I would have ever thought of writing about on my own! What I wanted to be when I grew up is actually the one thing that remained relatively the same for the majority of my life, then changed twice before I am where I am today.

Since I was old enough to comprehend that I would be growing up into a somewhat mature adult, and that I had to actually choose what I wanted to be, I wanted to be an actress. I can't even remember what it was that I saw that made me decide that, but for as long as I could remember, I was going to become an actress when I grew up. My father did acting. He did quite a few voice overs and was an extra in quite a few productions. One of my cousins is an actor and has many jobs under his belt. I guarantee you, you've likely seen him or heard him in something.

I was well on my way to becoming an actress too. When I was twelve I was a part of an agency. I would join my dad when he'd go do extra work if my school allowed me to, or when he'd film commercials, and I did quite a few auditions of my own. I was taking classes in school and after school, and it was really something I was very passionate about.

I know you're probably wondering now what changed. Why did I have such a strong passion for acting and now I don't. Well, I still do have a passion for it, but it's just no longer the burning desire it once was. Of course there may be a day when I decide to audition for another agency and do some extra work, but for now, my passion remains in fitness. What actually made me give up my dreams to pursue it so hard, was meeting a man that is definitely my soulmate in every single way. I was all set to pack up everything and move across the country to Vancouver (which was where you wanted to be as a Canadian actor a few years ago), but when I met my current hubby all that changed. He couldn't join me. He wouldn't be able to come with me. He had a daughter here who was only four at the time, and he couldn't leave her. And in all honesty, would you want to be with a man who could just abandon his child? I think not.

So I put that dream on hold. And as the years went on, the passion for it faded some. I actually fell into a passion for animals, of all things! I ended up pursuing that one for a bit. I'm actually a certified Animal Health Worker. I ended up working in a pet store, then worked in an animal hospital and found myself not really enjoying it. I mean don't get me wrong, I loved the jobs, but the pet store went against everything I believe in morally. Puppies were most definitely supplied by puppy mills and we were encouraged to sell dogs to anyone who wanted one. It was so wrong on so many levels.

The animal hospital wasn't for me just for the sole reason that I didn't really enjoy the atmosphere. It just wasn't for me. It's hard to explain, but it's just what it is. I actually really enjoyed the brief volunteering I did at a shelter and realized that's probably where I belong. However most of them are volunteer based, and I just couldn't afford to volunteer at the time.

That passion faded some when I had kids. My kids became my main focus in life and being a mom, and motherhood was something I embraced. I had to overcome a lot of hurdles as a new mother and I realized I could maybe help other moms too!

Then I realized I needed to get healthy. I was tired of being overweight and having no energy, and not being able to properly play with my kids. I needed to get healthy for my family, and there I found the passion for fitness.

And let's not forget the passion for writing! Oh how I love writing. It's such a way to unwind for me and relax! Personally I write smutty supernatural type stories and hope to one day be published!

So what I wanted to be when I grew up, was actually very different from what I am. And I'm okay with that. I still occasionally have an itch for acting. One day, who knows, maybe you'll spot me in the background of a movie. Or see my name on the cover of a bestselling book!

I'm very, very happy to be where I am in life. I'm an extremely blessed woman. I have everything I need in life. A roof over my head, food on my plate, and amazing supportive husband and family, and three wonderful kids. I really couldn't want anything else.

Well except to maybe skip over this growing up part. It's hard. ;)

xox Rach P