By Carly Clegg
Like Mary Poppins, I seek out the possibilities of tomorrow, chasing after life, like one big jolly holiday. When it comes to new beginnings, both professionally and personally, I believe the real adventure is discovering the what if’s of the unknown. A major theme in my life is change: the constant hustle of rewriting my narrative, keeping up with curveballs, rebuilding community and maintaining positivity through it all.
Me as Mary Poppins, Halloween 2018.
I’m hardly an expert in my field, but I do know a thing or two about what it takes to start over and what you’ll find in the place where vulnerability meets bravery and boldness. I’m currently in that sweet spot, miles from “normalcy” yet closer to my soul’s familiarity, living out my thirteen year-old dream of finally being a California resident.
As Texas Natives, my husband and I can attest to the fact that moving cross-country is anything but easy–especially with little money, growing debt and venturing out on our own–but I have learned that with the support of family and friends…those old and new, one can be truly unstoppable. To look at doubt in the face and be empowered by those who believe in you gives you superhero strength, if you believe in it.
Since college, I have jumped from industry to industry, learning from big thinkers and innovators, creators and trailblazers who have given me the gift of developmental freedom. Instilling in me the Mary Poppins mantra: In every job that must be done, there is an element of fun. It’s been six months since our big move to SoCal and although at times I’m rolling with the punches of the growing pains of uprooting to a new location, I’ve been able to strengthen the muscles of fearlessness and humility and enjoy the beauty in each day.
Reveling in the magic of Disney Land.
My souvenir for being a seat-filler at the 2019 GRAMMY Awards(!).
I’m thrilled to be able to share my journey, and hope that if you take away anything from this column, it’s that you’re reminded to not be too focused on where you’ve been, but to pay attention to where you’re going.
Carly Clegg
Columnist
Carly is a Texas Native living in San Diego, California with her husband and English Bulldog. She studied Telecommunication Media Studies at Texas A&M University and has been chasing dreams ever since. Currently, she is the proud Digital Content Director for a woman-owned online boutique, Town & Key headquartered in Dallas, Texas that embraces individuality and empowers women to express their unique style. A performing arts enthusiast, her passion for production led her to positions at entertainment and media giants like the Walt Disney World Company and iHeartMedia. Always open for thought-provoking conversation and connecting with others over an iced coffee, you can find her on Instagram at @carlyclegg.