I’m a … Generalist!

The world often champions the idea of mastering one skill, of finding your niche and excelling in it. Specialists are revered for their depth of knowledge in a specific area, but I’ve never felt the need to confine myself to one lane. Instead, I fly in the face of this notion by embracing generalism – a way of life that allows me to explore multiple interests, each enriching the other in unexpected and fascinating ways.

Learning and Experiencing

For me, being a generalist isn’t about being a jack-of-all-trades and a master of none. It’s about finding joy and fulfilment in the process of learning and experiencing. My interests are varied but deeply meaningful to me. Photography, for instance, is more than capturing images. It’s about seeing the world with fresh eyes, noticing the interplay of light and shadow, and immortalising fleeting moments. Through the lens, I have discovered beauty in the ordinary and developed (pun intended!) a true appreciation for perspective – qualities that resonate beyond photography.

Writing is another passion of mine. Whether I’m weaving a story, exploring an idea, or simply putting thoughts into words, writing helps me articulate the things I observe and feel. It sharpens my creativity and challenges me to dig deeper into topics that intrigue me. It’s also incredibly versatile – I can write about music, photography, or any subject that sparks my curiosity. It’s a skill that intertwines with all my other interests, complementing them in unique ways.

When I sit at the piano, it’s as though I’m unlocking a different dimension of expression. Playing music is both calming and invigorating, and frustrating too, at times! It’s a way to channel emotion and energy into something tangible. Composing music extends this further, allowing me to create something original that reflects my inner world. Listening to music, on the other hand, is like absorbing a universal language that transcends barriers. It’s where inspiration often strikes, and I find melodies and rhythms that I try to incorporate into my own compositions.

A Web of Creative Connections

Being a generalist has taught me that these interests don’t exist in isolation. They intersect and enhance each other. My photography is influenced by the mood of a musical piece, my writing sometimes borrows metaphors from the visual art of photography, and my piano playing benefits from the emotional depth I cultivate through storytelling. Each discipline feeds into the others, creating a web of creative connections that wouldn’t be possible if I focused solely on one thing.

Of course, being a generalist comes with its own challenges. It’s easy to feel like you’re stretching yourself thin or like you don’t measure up to those who dedicate their lives to mastering a single field. But I’ve found that the breadth of my experiences gives me a unique perspective – one that allows me to appreciate the bigger picture and draw innovative ideas from seemingly unrelated areas.

Life is Multifaceted

Generalism is not about avoiding commitment or skipping depth – it’s about embracing variety and finding harmony in diversity. It’s about recognising that life is multifaceted and that our passions can coexist, influencing and enriching each other in the process. Being a generalist means celebrating curiosity, creativity, and the interconnectedness of knowledge and skills.

So, while the world may urge us to specialise, I instead choose to explore. I learn widely, create freely, and immerse myself in the kaleidoscope of interests that make life vibrant and exhilarating. Specialisation might be the norm, but being a generalist feels like the perfect fit for me. It’s not a rebellion against focus – rather, it’s a recognition that there’s beauty and value in breadth. After all, some of the most fascinating discoveries happen when we’re willing to look beyond the limits.

Choose to explore.