How the TV Show Friends Inspired Me to Write

"Inspiration never arrived when you were searching for it" (Lisa Alther/about.com) I've never really had a career I was truly passionate about. I've taken jobs based on hours and benefits, but never really felt I had any particular calling in life. In university, I took five different subjects my first year. My second year, I chose a major based on grades, not because I desired a career in that particular field. I knew education was important in order to get a good job and I hoped one day I would find something that would make me excited.

My husband and I love the TV show Friends and own the box set of all ten seasons. Every year, usually during the summer reruns, we watch each episode in order. I feel a strong connection with the characters on Friends. They are close to my age and throughout the series are struggling to find their paths in life. Despite numerous setbacks and a few career changes, each member of the gang eventually finds their way.

Joey becomes a successful actor, Monica a chef, Ross a paleontologist, Phoebe a musician/masseuse and Rachel a fashion guru. Despite these passionate endeavors, it was actually the character Chandler who inspired me to begin writing. Near the end of the series, Chandler is the only character who does not truly love his job. It is only when he is transferred out of New York City that he decides to quit his job and change careers. After seeing a guidance counselor, he decides to begin a career in advertising. He has to start at the very bottom, an unpaid internship, but he has finally found a vocation that will make him happy. Although a fictional story, it was the inspiration I needed to begin writing. It's amazing how childhood dreams are forgotten in the chaos of everyday life.

Writing comes naturally to me. It doesn't feel like work. I have a genuine love of words and making them string together poetically. Every article I write, I feel I improve upon my skills. It gives me a buzz and a sense of purpose. It's exciting. I don't yet know what kind of writer I aspire to be, or if a career change is in my future. I just know that I am going to keep on writing!

" Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become character.
Watch your character, for it becomes your destiny"
-Frank Outlaw/thinkexist.com-