,
Progress, no matter how much or how little, so long as it is going in the right direction, is generally a very good thing. But what I've been realizing lately, is that while sometimes it may seem like we've regressed or taken a step back, it is often a sign that we have learned the lesson, but now we have to apply it to an even more challenging set of circumstances as we are now
ready for something bigger and even better.
Now initially, the idea of facing something similar may not be a welcomed sight, but after much thought on this subject, I beg to differ. Why? Think of it this way. If you were inclined to run for public office in your hometown, say for city council, and you won, the
feeling of success and accomplishment would be significant. Now, fast-forward five years after a successful term or terms on the council, why not run for state representative? A similar process, but more challenging and more expectations. To take this analogy one step further. What if you were well-respected by your constituents for multiple terms in office, and then you receive the opportunity to run for a seat in the United States Congress? (Trust me, this has nothing to do with politics,
except to demonstrate my point of similar challenges.) The point being is that the process may have foundational similarities, but the challenges are new and more difficult. So in fact, no regression has occurred, but rather growth and a new opportunity to welcome into your life.
The skills you have learned along the way, beginning
with smaller challenges that at the time seemed insurmountable, but you indeed met the challenges, helped groom you to be better suited to know how to handle even bigger challenges down the road. In this case, and in the parallel I have chosen to take on in my own life, the key word is choice. The option to sit back and not look another challenge in the face is available, but why waste the knowledge we have gained? Why not continue to pursue a goal if it is something that is speaking to us
and won't relent? We learn along the way, and we can apply what we've learned so far. That is a wonderful gift if we choose to be a student rather than an absentee learner.
Life wants to prepare us for what we are capable of, but it is up to us, each one of us, to hang in there, keep learning the lessons and striving forward. So far, in my
experience, it has been more than worth it.
Speaking of something that is absolutely worth it, change is coming to TSLL. A change that I and my design team, along with Inslee, my illustrator, have been immersed in for the last four months. In this week's post "Behind the Scene's Magic" discover what exactly is going on. I am
practicing my patience at the moment because I wish I could tell you even more.
And to wrap up, fall is officially here (or spring!), and oh, what a beautiful season it has been these first few days. I hope you have time to step outside and enjoy it as well as snuggle in and savor this special time of year. I am looking forward to a
crisp walk along the river with the boys, stepping into the kitchen to try a few new fall recipes (I promise to share on IG if they turn out!), and cozy up with some wonderful new television shows (one is in this week's This & That) and magazines. Have a wonderful weekend and thank you for subscribing to TSLL's weekly newsletter. Until next week, I'll see you on the blog!
Shannon
