Bonnie has written a most beautiful, encouraging letter to all of us, sharing the things she has learned through looking back on her journey thus far. Because we can't see into the future, sometimes we don't know just how hard the journey to reach our goals can become, but Bonnie does a great job of inspiring and cheering us on to fulfill our dreams, and asked if I would share what I have learned along the way.
If I answer this challenge honestly, I have to look at several journeys. I'm old enough to have had more than one 'start' in my life, from the first seam I stitched at the age of 12 to a fairly recent start into the world of blogging. So let me go back and hit just one thing about several of my journeys and goals.
1. Never worry. The things I worried about never happened. If I could go back and re-live my youth, or my newlywed years, or my early days of motherhood, I would live them blissfully without worry. Trust God.
2. Dream. Pray. Little known fact: I dreamed of being a dental assistant when I was a teen. After I married, I applied for an open position in a local dental office, prayed much about it and was hired! I worked and learned a lot about life for the 5 years in that office. It was the best thing that could have happened for me, and I left to start my family.
3. Believe. I wanted children so badly, and after 10 years of marriage Becky was born! 3 years later, Bonnie arrived.
4. Give. Give your time; give your talents; give your financial gifts. Make yourself available for others, but don't overlook giving time to yourself.
5. Forgive. This one can be tough, and the longer I live the more forgiveness I have to experience. Sometimes I'm forgiving others and sometimes I'm asking for forgiveness. We are human and no one is exempt. I forgive so that I can be forgiven. When you're working hard toward a goal, remember that you'll need to let go of some things at times and keep moving.
6. Have fun. After my girls left home, I opened my quilt shop, A Stitch in Time. It was, and continues to be, a source of community, strength and outreach for me. I'm happiest when I'm teaching and sharing, and my blog and shop give me plenty of opportunities.
I still have goals, and things I want to do, both in my sewing career and my personal life. So, in looking back at what I have learned, can I apply these things to my own future? If so, I will never worry, I'll keep dreaming and praying and believing and giving and forgiving, all while having the time of my life.
I'm tagging Sarah Overton and Andrea Walker, two beautifully creative young women that I am blessed to work with! Visit Bonnie's blog to read all the responses from other creatives...and be inspired and encouraged!
Thanks for visiting! Happy sewing and God bless. Maxie
