An Inspired Chat with Liliana Steeg

Liliana Steeg shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.

Liliana, a huge thanks to you for investing the time to share your wisdom with those who are seeking it. We think it’s so important for us to share stories with our neighbors, friends and community because knowledge multiples when we share with each other. Let’s jump in: Are you walking a path—or wandering?
For the first time in my life, I feel like I’m wandering a path – and frankly, it’s super uncomfortable! I keep reminding myself to cherish the beauty of it. After all, how often are we in a position to stray off the beaten path?

I used to be so sure of the things I wanted to do in life: become a Labor and Delivery nurse, pursue acting, and move to Atlanta. Now I’m here and it’s not as glamorous as I once envisioned. I’m questioning the things I used to be so sure of. “Do I even want to be a Labor and Delivery nurse or an actor anymore? Should I stay here in Atlanta or move back home where I’m closer to family?” I am actively navigating these questions and reassuring myself, after a normal dose of doubt and discouragement, that in due time, the answers will present themselves.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hi! My name is Liliana Steeg and I’m a Labor and Delivery nurse with interests in acting, improv, comedy, and writing. I balance a career in nursing with other creative pursuits – it challenges me to use my brain in different ways and brings me a great deal of joy. In fact, there have been times where the two intersected and I have been cast as a nurse. I like collaborating on sketches with friends and have recently taken a stab at my first pilot screenplay!

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
As a nurse, I have seen many forms of tragedy and suffering. I wonder why bad things happen to good people. I don’t have the answer, but seeing this has given me perspective and an appreciation for the now. Health and time is not promised and for that reason, I aim to make the most of the present while I can.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Now.

Okay that sounded really dramatic, but I’m in a transitional phase and having a little bit of a hard time right now and that’s okay.

I think it’s worth it to give something a good run before “giving up.” However, “giving up” is different from “letting go” of something that isn’t working for you anymore. It’s useful to note the difference.

When approached for this interview, after accepting, I considered withdrawing. I feel like I’m in a rut and I wondered, “Is there even anything of value I can say?” I hope there is.

In times of transition, there is an opportunity to try something new and unknown. I find a lot of excitement in the prospect of that novelty.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
My cat, Jax, quality time spent laughing (most favorably on the porch), and pursuing outlets of creative expression.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. Are you tap dancing to work? Have you been that level of excited at any point in your career? If so, please tell us about those days. 
The time you could’ve found me tap dancing to work would’ve been in my early days on a new unit. Once I gained a sense of confidence in my specialized nursing practice, I felt eager to experience whatever the day had in store for me. I believe those moments wax and wane with time and are reinvigorated by change – a promotion, a moment of unexpected recognition, or a new job entirely. It’s a pleasure to work in a dynamic and ever-evolving field that has various opportunities for tap dancing, albeit in sneakers, stained with bodily fluids of unknown origins.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @lilianasteeg

Image Credits
Tara Gulledge (portrait), Ryan Perich (brick background), Kelly McAdams (birthday scene)