Live An Inspiring Life

Be The Best You

     

     I often ask myself, how can I help others? Sometimes the answer is just as simple as asking a friend who might need a hand and other times the answer is a bit more ambitious, complex, and unclear in nature.

     It’s not uncommon for me to try all things that can bring fulfillment into my life and that of others. Those who know me well would describe me as creative and adventurous, hence my delving into all kinds of projects and creative endeavors. One question I never ask after meeting others is what they do for a living. I find that question often times is irrelevant. I’m more interested in people themselves. I think life is too short to think in a narrow-minded way and define ourselves and others based on what we see or what we do for a living. People are multi-dimensional. We have different thoughts, strengths, and gifts which are specific to us and stem from the way we have learned to see the world. Our different experiences give some of us an upper hand, but that’s not to say that we can’t all contribute to a new way of doing or seeing things. Some people have passion for what they do, but many more are passionate about hobbies they partake in on their spare time.

     In my case, I love all things that involve a creative aspect. For instance, I have been writing music for pleasure since I was nine years old and have probably written over two hundred songs since then. My natural talents stem from a father who is incredibly adventurous and musically talented as well. One could say, I take after him. For some reason, music came easily and naturally to me despite the lack of any formal training. My parents noticed that I could play the piano and write songs without taking lessons which led to many musical creations from my end. In addition, I somehow could innately read sheet music from the moment I was introduced to it. That’s when it became clear to my parents that I was meant to take piano lessons to improve my craft. That only lasted a year as I became bored with the process.

     Once in college, I decided to teach myself how to play the guitar since I couldn’t take the piano with me as it was a bit too cumbersome. The guitar was a bit more mobile and sexier in my opinion. Once I figured out the guitar and composed a few songs, I auditioned for a band in college and became the lead singer which prompted my fifteen minutes of fame around campus. I should mention that this audition was choreographed by my best friend who has always been one of my biggest fans and I love her for it! She has always been so encouraging of my life explorations and adventures which makes her one lucky friend to have in my life.

     A few years later, upon entering medical school, I wrote many more songs as a stress relief. I posted YouTube videos of my original songs for my friends to listen to, gave informal concerts in the school lounge, took requests to amuse the other frustrated students, and provided a much needed musical escape. Eventually, due to popular demand, I created an album on iTunes. If you’re interested in checking it out, it’s titled, “Beyond Words,” (and yes, that’s my shameless plug). All songs, melodies, and the guitar parts are original.

Beyond Words by Shirley Marcano

     

     Since I’m no stranger to re-inventing myself, I decided to become an interior decorator and start my own business after working part-time for a large company doing just that. Although creative within itself, I felt I wasn’t reaching a large enough audience where I could share my talents. I’m most excited when I’m creating and educating others about things they might want to learn about. Instagram and this blog have given me a much needed outlet where I can share new things including my ideas with those who are interested in learning.

     Some other creative projects I’ve partaken in have involved other forms of writing which I truly enjoy. Last year, I wrote a children’s book and created the illustrations, but have not submitted it to be published yet. I wrote another children’s book a few days ago and I’m just waiting on the illustrations which I’m hoping my brother, who is a 3-D animator, will collaborate on with me on his spare time. I plan on sending that book to a publisher to test my luck and skills so if you have it in you, please wish me luck. In addition, there’s a third book in the making which I have so far managed to write seventy pages of, but it will take me a little longer to finish since it’s not a children’s book.

     The latest project I’m working on is related to health considering my medical background. I’m happy to share that I have been asked to collaborate with another company to create and provide educational content that will benefit children in hospitals. I’m excited about this project because it will allow me to combine my creativity with my medical knowledge to serve a greater purpose that could potentially impact many. I’m currently exploring ideas to better suit the needs of this endeavor and needless to say, I’m humbled at the opportunity and to be considered for such a great cause.

     I hope my story so far has inspired some of you to take a look at your talents and see where you may be able to make an impact. At the very least, explore what drives you and brings you happiness. We are meant to connect in ways that will serve one another and sometimes in the process, you might find that you have discovered a new fulfilling side of life. It’s always about the journey and what’s yet to be discovered ahead or, in some cases, simply lies around the corner.

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