Years ago my dreams revolved around my career, which is how I defined myself as a young twenty-something married lady. But I can’t help myself and think of this quote by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, “If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough.”
I’ve challenged myself with the world of handmade for years. New goals, new processes, new ways of refinement. I had huge goals and most often felt like I was sitting on the edge of my seat, just the tiniest bit scared of these dreams of mine.
A handful of years have passed since Zack and I got married, and I’ll be 30 next summer ((yeow!)) — so naturally things have changed in terms of my dreams.
We now have a family and almost two years ago we relocated from the Midwest to Los Angeles, so it’s totally normal for things to have shifted a bit. Right? Even though it’s (once again) a tiny bit scary, I’m giving myself grace in this area.
My focus has shifted and I’m more aware of the people in my family; how can I nurture them and continue to grow into the woman I am? Being brave can be scary, but also exciting!
Something else I’ve learned these last few years is I don’t enjoy anymore making super defined, advanced plans. I used to enjoy this, way too much. But now — and I think this is the evolution of moving so frequently in a short amount of time (5 times in 6 years) and totally being swept off my feet as each new adventure starts — I find more beauty in sitting back and soaking up the now, instead of always anticipating the future.
We’re not even guaranteed tomorrow, so why spend all of today’s thoughts on tomorrow?
In January I picked a word that I wanted to reflect on throughout the entire year: Brave. It takes courage to be brave, doesn’t it? It takes a brave soul to try something new, a soul that knows where her treasures are (in heaven).
When we are brave enough to say, “let’s do this”, we allow the unexpected to bless us because we don’t have our noses pressed downward in fear.
And then lastly, another thing I’ve learned this year is that being brave has given me more moments of mamahood. I’m catching them more often, and my goodness it’s filling my heart right up.
Brave has been a huge word. A friend is doing a series on Brave + putting on your brave boots, it’s been very good. Various people are writing blog posts about being Brave which is now going to be published into a book.
My word for the year is simplify!
As Moms our focus is ever changing on the smaller details in the lives of our family but the big focus stays the same (on them).
@Katy, I love that word, simplicity. It’s a good one. And one we can all use to better our lives :) thanks for the comment Katy! XO
Greetings from MN…spring has finally arrived:)
Being brave has been big for me as well. When I started my little shop, Blessing and Light, my favorite quote at the time was “Do one thing everyday that scares you.” -Eleanor Roosevelt. It helped me get through a lot of hesitation in learning new things.
I noticed you don’t post very often about your business anymore. Are you going in a new direction with your blog? It’s been exciting to read about your journey and I love all you write about. Blessings.
@Jacinta, I am, small changes here and there, and it’s been really wonderful to have the courage to test out something new. XO
I love this post! Being brave is so hard sometimes but it sounds like you’re doing all the right things. I, too, will be 30 next year (March) and have changed so many goals from my early 20s. We’re also relocating from the Midwest (Chicago – hubby’s from GR, MI!) to somewhere I don’t even know about yet (finding out in July!) My hubby’s job requires us to go wherever we’re assigned and gosh dang, that takes some bravery! LOL.
Thanks for this post! You’re always full of such wonderful perspective.
@Jessica Leigh, what changed my perspective the quickest is realizing even if we have safety nets in place, not much (really) in life is controllable. So instead of spending my time trying to control it I’m asking myself everyday, What is my focus? What’s my purpose?
How exciting you’ll be moving soon and you don’t even know WHERE — yeow! You are brave :)
One day we’ll look back on all of these adventures and think, “Gosh, remember when…” :)
XO
@Maggie Whitley, yes, it’s so true that even with all the safety nets, things still go their own way!
I find my biggest burden to being “okay” with letting go is having too much stuff (in my home, in my mind, etc.) so my 2014 word is “simplify.” It’s going so well and I feel so much lighter already :)
Happy Saturday!
brave. that’s such a good word. you’ve been through a lot of things in the last couple years and moving across the country and leaving is family is very brave. happy weekend to you maggie!
Thanks for this timely post about being brave! A great reminder to me in not being afraid to dream big dreams:) I love the “Be still and Know” print that you show in the one picture above…would you mind sharing where you got it? Thanks!
@sarah, that’s from my dear friend Lindsay, her shop is Pen & Paint on etsy.
Thanks, Maggie! I’ll head over now and check it out!:)
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I love how you are making a point to live intentionally.
At this point in my life, I am identifying myself very much with being a career woman; an entrepreneur.
But this was a wonderful reminder to be very intentional about how I spend my time, in the midst of it all.
I’ve made a very intentional decision this year to enjoy my free time as fully as I put into my work. I work hard, so I should play hard.
It’s a difficult task for me to shut off my brain when I’m done working, but I’m getting better.
Blessings for you Maggie, as you enjoy the present and step in your new direction.
@Laura Radniecki, You are so kind — thank you for your comment and encouragement :) I love the phrase, “work hard, play hard”, too often we forget to play. XOXO
I needed to read this so bad and when I stumbled upon it, it brought tears to my eyes. It’s all to easy to stay in our everyday life and not step outside our comfort zone. For far too long I have been doing that because it was safe. Its time for me to step out and embrace the things that seem scary. I never use to shy away from a challenge, its time to find that passion again. Thank you for sharing this!
This is just what I needed to hear today Maggie! I’ve been reading your blog for years. I found it just as I was beginning to dream of more; of living a creative life and you have been such an inspiration. I just recently opened my Etsy shop and it has required so much courage and bravery. It’s hard sometimes to just live in the moment and not worry about the future. Planning gives me comfort and a feeling of control, but life is happening now and I want to be present for it.