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Finding your way requires of each of us to take the helm of the ship's navigation system, life in this case, and steer. In other words, the only way to find our way is to courageously set our lives free from following along and responding to the world around us, letting it dictate which way we should go, and instead lead the
way.
It may seem tempting at times to just "go with the flow", but if you don't steer through the waves, you'll never know if you can make it through them (each of our “waves” will be unique to the individual forging through them). If instead we stay safely in the boat and just stay afloat, we won't drown, but we won't reach the shore of where we are capable of arriving upon either.
No doubt you read through the lines in the above paragraph and understand that risk-taking, and more importantly, betting on yourself, is necessary if you are to discover what you honestly can do. No one has what you can give or share with the world. In this current time and place in our world history, you are unique. You may not know
why, and it may not make sense, but you do have something the world needs. Be courageous and take the helm, confidently navigate through the waves instead of letting the waves take you where they will, and be pleasantly delightly by what you discover you can do and why the world needs you once you decide to take the wheel.
We may never know in the moment what we are giving to the world, but in that moment you do not need to know, you just need to give and be yourself. The fuel will magically seem infinite, and you will find it easier to remain present and enthralled in your efforts. How do you discover what you can uniquely give? Simply - follow your
curiosities, the ones that you never can seem to shake; and secondly and more specifically, read TSLL's 2nd book wherein you will find chapter upon chapter of specific direction and ideas of how to unearth what your awesonness is and how to elevate it beyond what you may have thought possible.
I share these words today primarily because just when you think “it” may not come together, life will surprise you in wonderful ways. I have experienced this in my own life and continue to experience it. It does not mean you won't face obstacles or frustration or sadness, but the surprises I speak about will buoy your spirits well beyond any days of doubt or despair and
reassure you that you are on the right path. Perhaps this weekend, ponder how you can take the helm and forge through your wave.
Now, to this week’s newsletter.
The first big reveal of my new home was shared in great detail with before and during and after pics, and all of the "why"s regarding the decisions I made along the way. My mudroom (I know, it doesn't sound exciting, but I think you will find it more exciting than most in small, but signficant ways regardless of whether you have a mudroom or want to redo your
own mudroom as I share steps for wallpapering and where to find inspiration that will guide you in your own decorating journey). I want to thank all of the readers who have already stopped by and shared their celebration comments. I am tickled to hear from each of you and thankful for your enthusiasm.
As well, discover the trends from the recently concluded NYC Fashion Week that caught my eye and were also quite stunningly beautiful. This week's podcast episode was a reader requested topic and one I was excited to share - The Art of Mise en Place, complete with images from both Patricia Wells' and Susan Hermann Loomis' kitchens captured during my time in each over the
past two years. There is much more in this week's newsletter, including a This & That full of articles and videos to enjoy on this Valentine's Day.
Wishing you a wonderful weekend, whether it be short or long, and thank you for subscribing. May you enjoy a day full of love in all of its many shapes and expressions.
Until next week, I will see you on the blog.
