One dear friend of mine and Jack’s was born in China. As a little girl she moved to the United States. In her predominantly white school, she looked and sounded different and was small. She’d left behind extended family, aunts and uncles, cousins and ancestors. Because she was always getting picked on,  Helen felt sad in her new country.

Traditionally boys are favored over girls because they will take care of aging parents. In this new country they could become anything. Helen was not constrained by Chinese customs.

“It isn’t where you came from; it’s where you’re going that counts.”
― Ella Fitzgerald

Helen could also choose be anything she wanted to be. As an artist, and somewhat nontraditional, she found her own opportunities. To avoid being bullied, she took up martial arts. It gave her confidence and a sense of self-empowerment. Through training and diligence, Helen competed nationally and internationally and was a 1988 Olympics alternate. While competing on the U.S. Tae Kwon Do team in 1990, she earned awards and recognition, including a silver medal in the World Cup in Madrid, Spain. But Helen’s dreams weren’t limited to sports.

In her desire to help others, Helen co-founded the American Institute of Alternative Medicine (AIAM). Since then, she’s has acted on stage and in film, been a musician with the Columbus based group Wednesday Wine. In addition to her other talents, she’s a gifted artist and has shown her work in several galleries and various spaces around Columbus and elsewhere. Adding to her talent pool, she’s written her first book, I Belong Here: Living the Live I was born for in America.

what does that mean for you?

Is it okay to change your life trajectory? Yes, it happens all the time. People may have plans for how they see you growing up, and what you will be. Are those your plans? You may have “nontraditional” ideas. You may have a vision for a big life. You don’t have to let people talk you into a life you don’t want. You don’t have to give away your power by agreeing with other someone else’s definition of you.

This is your life. In the United States, you have the right to pursue your happiness. You must find the strength to live out what you feel called to. No one can do that but you. You may be facing heavy opposition; you may be butting your head against tall expectations. What makes your soul sing? Are you doing it? What’s in your heart? Are you even close?

You may realize like I did, that parents don’t always get it right, even if they mean well. It wasn’t a terrible thing being an artist, but it wasn’t my passion. When I finally realized I was a writer, I’d just moved to a new city, started a new relationship, and ran with new circle of friends. When I said out loud, I am a writer, no one doubted it. A clean slate made transitioning easier for me. Sometimes we need a fresh start. Helen inspires me because she’s always learning and trying new things.

As was bound to happen, I did run into people who knew me from my artist days. After writing seriously for two decades I’m no longer creating art. They tell me I’ll go back to it. Why would I when I’m certain of who I am now? Life is meant to be fulfilling and enjoyed. Each step had its time and season. Each step took me toward the people who understood and encouraged the vision I have for my life. I’ve not regretted taking those chances to become the

What is the song in your heart? Whatever it is, let us hear from you so we can cheer you on!