Jane of all Trades

What I’ve Been Thinking: On Being a Jane of All Trades

Lately, I’ve been collecting hobbies like confetti. Soccer, hip-hop dance, writing, YouTube, book TikToks, stand-up—you name it, I’ve probably tried it (and forgotten a few, too).

Starting soccer in your late 20s is humbling. Showing up to a field where teenagers glide past you with fancy footwork and people twice your age outrun you without breaking a sweat, all while you’re just trying to keep the ball for more than a second, is a special kind of ego check.

So is taking a hip-hop class where everyone else nails the choreography with grace, while I’m still figuring out the counts three sessions later.

For years, I’ve been the least talented person in the room more times than I can count. And it sucks. It really does. Being the slowest, the most confused, the one who doesn’t know all the rules even after three seasons of playing—it’s not exactly a confidence boost.

But recently, life got busy. I stopped going to dance. I paused soccer. And I realized something: being the worst in the room is still better than not being in the room at all.

I once read that the best way to live is to minimize regret. I’d rather dance badly and play terribly than wonder at 50 what might’ve happened if I’d just shown up.

Sidebar: Trying all these things has introduced me to incredible people doing amazing things at every age.

Side-sidebar: Karma’s real, y’all. I used to joke about how “old” people in their 30s were. Now I’m in my 30s, hanging out with 20-year-olds who tease me right back. Be nice to people.

Meeting folks who are still learning, creating, and moving, regardless of age, has given me so much hope. I used to think I had to do everything before 30. Now, I just want to take care of myself so I can keep being a Jack Jane of All Trades at 40, 50, and beyond.

Caveat: Yes, some days it still stings to be the slowest. We’re wired to want to be good at everything, even our hobbies. But I’m learning to be okay with it.

I once read about a parent who asked their child every day, “What did you fail at today?”

What a beautiful question. It assumes you’re always trying something new. And if you’re failing, you’re growing. If you’re failing, you’re unlocking something new in yourself.

What I’ve Been Reading: Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall

I just finished Looking for Jane, a powerful work of historical fiction set in Toronto that follows generations of women connected by their struggles and strength around reproductive health. It was moving, eye-opening, and deeply human. Highly recommend!

Poetry / Freestyle

I want to climb the mountains, I do.
Right after this 53-minute call with Fido.

I want to run by the ocean, I do.
Right after I take out the recycling.

I want to dance like her, I do.
Right after I respond to this Slack message.

I want to write the funniest joke, I do.
Right after I fold my hill-sized laundry.

I want to…brb.

Recent Joy

• Watching The Lion King and singing “Hakuna Matata” at the top of my lungs
• Getting access to multiple library cards (hello, unlimited books!)

What I Want From You

This time, I don’t want to tell you something—I want you to tell me.

What have you been failing at lately?

A new recipe? A language? Trying to keep a plant alive?

Like what you read? Keep the caffeine (and confetti) flowing by buying me a coffee! ☕️✨

Your thoughts, rants, or tiny joys are always welcome here. If you'd like more of these scattered sparks in your life, I'd be honoured to land in your inbox.