I'm in the process of learning something: No goal is achievable without sacrifice.
I know, it sounds like one of those cheesy sayings you see on the bottom of the poster of a guy free-climbing Yosemite's El Capitan. But it's truly a new concept to me.
I'm not one to make New Year's Resolutions (which is good because I think that ship sailed about 3 weeks ago), but lately I have been spending some time in thought about what I'm doing with my life. It's not my life's dream to be rushing around trying to keep up with kids, home, husband, friends, family, church, business, blog, fitness...well, you get the idea. And though that's not my goal, that's what I've been doing for a while now.
So it's time to step back, take stock, and when it gets down to it, figure out what needs to go. I vote fitness. I'd be happy to chuck those sessions on the treadmill right out the scheduling window, but I have a sneaking suspicion that would come back to bite me in the noticeably larger butt someday.
When I look at the list above, I see some obvious non-negotiables, like family and friends. And my church is an absolute lifeline that I can't imagine cutting back on. So it's time for some prioritizing. I think it's helpful when you're prioritizing to ask yourself two questions:
- What do I want more of in my life (or closet, or schedule, or job, etc.)?
- What can I move to make room for the answer to #1?
My answer to #1 was easy. I want more time for my family and friends. And second to that, when I'm just looking at my alone time, I want more time to be creative. I want to design things, make things, and share them with people.
The answer to #2 was harder, but had to be done. I decided I need to cut back on anything that doesn't directly help me achieve #1. To make a long story short (what? too late, you say?), I've decided that I'm ready to sacrifice my design business for my greater goals of spending more time with my family, and growing this blog.
Why the blog? Well, it allows me to be creative, and to share that creativity with you. It energizes me to know that you'll be reading some of the stories and projects I bring you, and my great hope is they'll inspire you to be creative in your own life.
It's difficult to give up a paying job in favor of a (so far) non-paying job, but the real payoff is that I get control of my schedule back. I love working with clients, but I don't love having to scramble for childcare so I can go meet a client who has an emergency with a contractor or a couch that doesn't quite fit. I love sharing design ideas, but really don't love charging people money for those ideas. I'd rather share them here and not have to figure out my invoicing software! I love putting together color palettes and room designs, but I don't always love fitting those designs to my client's preferences.
So this year I'm taking a step of faith and closing the business that started this whole creative part of my life. I'm flying the nest, hoping that I'll be able to do this on my own without leaning on the design business to make me a legitimate designer. I'm hoping to have more energy to develop this blog, since I'm saving all that time in the morning getting dressed up like a designer. Y'all don't mind if I blog in my jammies do you?
This year my goal for The Palette Muse is simplification. What will that look like? Here's what I think:
- No more running around, trying to keep up with all sorts of social media. You can find me on Pinterest for my collection of all things beautiful, helpful, or design related. And you can find me on Instagram for lots of fun behind-the scenes glimpses of blogging creativity and real life. I won't be closing my facebook or twitter accounts, but just won't be spending much time on them.
- I'll be bringing my Etsy shop, Ever Evangeline, under the blog's branding, including changing the name to The Palette Muse. That will make it easier to find, as well as easier for me to manage. I hope to create lots of new designs this year.
- I'd like to post twice a week: one regular sized post, like a DIY or craft project or design article, and one shorter almost exclusively visual post, like a color palette or room design. And of course, I can't help myself from sharing the occasional story or thoughts on life as a mom.
On Martin Luther King Jr. day this year, I was reminded of one of his quotes:
"Life's most persistent and urgent question is this. What are you doing for others?"
Not to trivialize Dr. King's intended meaning, but I realized this is the question for my blog too. What can I be doing for you? This helped me realize that my goal in writing this blog is to either inform, inspire, or encourage you. I hope you'll come by to visit when you need a little inspiration for a project, or the actual steps on how to do one, or just a little encouragement in your day to know that there are other people like you in the world.
So tell me, what can I do for you? Is there a project you'd like to know how to make? Or a couch you're having trouble decorating around? How about an organizing challenge? Or something else completely? Bring it on! I'm here for you...
...until I have to pick the kids up from school.
Leora says
I love the part about blogging in your jammies. When my daughter was a baby, it would cost me money and a babysitter every time I needed to meet with a client. So it was a real pain to do certain jobs. Now my daughter is 12 (she's the baby of my 3), so I have an easier time just dropping in on a client for a bit. Sounds like you have a good plan - go for it! Personally, I still want to fix my sewing machine and buy some material to make valances for my dining room (project that I planned since daughter was a baby - or maybe when my son was a toddler?). I enjoy your creative energy. Look forward to your creations.
Meredith says
Thanks for the encouragement Leora! I know what it's like to have a million projects on the backburner. It's all about making time for the things that are important to you, right?
Erica says
I love this! It is sometimes so difficult to make a decision that you know is for the best, because this voice in your head is telling you that the right thing to do is something completely different. I'm glad you honored where you really want to be in your own life and I wish you much luck on your new journey!
Meredith says
Thank you Erica! Sometimes the difficult decisions turn out to be the best ones!
normaleverydaylifeblog says
Good for you for recognizing you need a change and going for it. I look forward to what you write!
Meredith says
Thanks! Should be a fun adventure!
Eve Koivula says
If we don't make room for our own preferences, who does...
I just want to wish you all the awesome Meredith!
Meredith says
Thank you Eve, that's a great way of putting it!
andleeb says
Hello Meredith.
I hope this change and decision will be in best interest of you and your family. I also have 4 years old daughter and I am thinking to quit my job and help her and give her more time.
I am much encouraged with your decision and I too feel that there are many people in the world who have same situation.
I wish you best of luck with your blogging.
Meredith says
It's so true that they are only little for a short time. I know not everyone has the freedom to make this decision, but I'm sure it's one I won't regret. Thanks for the encouragement!
Sandey says
Congratulations, Meredith! All the best to you!
Meredith says
Thank you Sandey!
heraldmarty says
I can certainly relate to the process you've been going through Meredith. I just finished a piece on reimagining your life and the process was a good opportunity for me to conduct a reality check for my own life - enlightening to say the least. Mostly I do fine when it comes to commitments that relate to work or other people, not so much when it comes to me. Working on changing that. Thanks for the inspiration!
Meredith says
I think we women have a harder time making time for ourselves because we're so geared to taking care of others' needs. Good for you, and I can't wait to read that article!
Lorraine Marie Reguly says
Sometimes its the little things in our life that can have the biggest impact on our happiness. Congratulations for soul-searching the solution that makes the most sense for YOU!
I recently made a decision to drop a long-time client because I wasn't happy. Less money, but more happiness! So, Meredith, I totally get how you feel!
Onward and upward!
Meredith says
I love how you put that - less money, but more happiness. It's so worth it!
Pat Amsden says
I think you're being very smart in realizing your priorities and deciding what you need to do to make the changes necessary to have the life you really want. And on a personal note I'm glad that means keeping your blog because you have a real gift for decorating and making me see things in a different way. I remember one you did on color palettes and how to put together colors for a room that had me itching to run to the nearest Home Depot.
Meredith says
Thank you Pat, your comment just made my day!
Susan Cooper says
Yeah! That means we get more of you. 🙂 Big step for you, but happiness and time with family is important. I can relate to making this choice. All the best of luck with your blogging!
Meredith says
Thank you Susan! That's very sweet! 🙂
Jason @ TheButlerJournal.com says
Congrats on your design. I wish you nothing but the best.
Meredith says
Thanks Jason!
Emily Mulder says
I'm happy for you! This is a hard decision to make! I hope the best in this focused endeavor!
Meredith says
Thank you Emily!
satrntgr says
It's great to make the changes that are necessary - us Mom's never get to think about things other than our kids, the house, etc. Being able to have the career you choose and make the most of it, is a blessing! 🙂
Meredith says
You're so right! Being a mom is a full time juggling act, but so worth it!
Roxanne says
Great post, understand all to well that change is necessay. This year I went through a similar process of trying to prioritize my life. I know I want to blog but this journey has been long but fun. Each day I get another aha moment and that gives me the encouragement to keep going. I pinned your post as a reminder that I am not alone on this journey. Keep blogging. Roxanne - drshelution.com
Meredith says
Thanks Roxanne! It really is good to know that I'm not alone in this journey. Priorities can be tricky, and need to be examined almost everyday, but it's really just one step in front of the other, right?
swood97 says
Social media can be exhausting for a blogger, that is for sure. I admire you for setting limits and sticking to them Change is good, they say. We are so glad you shared with us at Merry Monday! We can’t wait to see your creativity next week!
Meredith says
Thanks! I love Merry Monday!