The answer to whether you are walking or wandering often changes from season to season – life is fickle in that way. We asked some of the folks we most admire to reflect on whether they feel like they are walking or wandering and have shared some of their responses below.
Panicha McGuire
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was a curious, observant child who felt everything deeply. I noticed patterns, emotions, and energy shifts around me long before I had the words to describe them. But as a 1.5 generation Southeast Asian immigrant growing up in the 90s, the world I entered rewarded conformity and quiet compliance. Read More>>
Alyson MacLeod
I was that little girl who just wanted to climb a tree. I was not allowed. At a very early age I was taught to stand up straight, shoulders back and smile – do not scuff your shoes or ruffle that dress. Read More>>
Jason Weller
I was a wanderer. After college, I set out on a four-month cycling trip across the United States with nothing but a bike, a tent, and a sense of curiosity about what was out there. That trip opened me up to the rhythm of movement and the way experiences change you when you give them space to unfold. Read More>>
VITA X
Great question! As I’ve stated earlier I’m known for being ‘Paris’ from HOUSEOFLADON. A celebrity fashion brand I’ve spent most of my adult life building. But then there came a time where i just wanted to do something completely different, something new and refreshing and a bit daring because even after all I’ve accomplished and the success, I was still unsatisfied. Read More>>
Tyler Knott Gregson
This, and I stayed it. To a weird fault, I’ve always been this, and I think I always will be. For some reason I don’t quite understand, my autism planted this seed of absolute and rock solid resolve in just always being the exact same way outside as I feel inside. No different. Read More>>
Alyssa Wilkinson
Ooh, this is an excellent question. And a poignant one. I’ve got a photograph that reminds me of who I naturally was before I started cutting off edges to fit the mold that the world made for me. In the photo I’m about eight years old, dressed in a periwinkle leotard, white tights, chunky sandals, and a confident smirk. Read More>>
Bailee Wren
Although I’ve always been an artist, I wasn’t diagnosed with autism until I was well into my 20’s. A big portion of my life has been trying to fit in and appear ‘normal’ around people. I’ve been told I didn’t do the smoothest job at this. Read More>>
Amanda ‘Mandii’ Brown
Before the world told me who I had to be, I was little Amanda — a happy but angry Afro-Latina child, full of life, curiosity, and a spirit that didn’t always fit neatly into the boxes people tried to put me in. Read More>>
Ron Placone
I’ve always been a curious guy who just wanted to pursue the creative passions that interested me. I’m still that guy. The only difference now is that it’s gotta be sustainable somehow, heh. And that part of it sucks. If you want to produce a stage play ya gotta fund it, same with a film, podcast, or anything. Read More>>
Liz Chappie-Zoller
I’ve always been an artist, but definitely got sidetracked and detoured by family and societal expectations that looked like having kids, working the corporate life, and juggling way too many responsibilities that had nothing to do with art. Sometimes it felt like a woman thing – being a people pleaser and not making waves, keeping everyone else happy at one’s own expense. Read More>>
