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May 21, 2015
Lifestyle

Hand lettering & Trying new things

There is something about the summer that makes me want to try all the new things – actually, maybe there is just something about life that makes me crave new knowledge. I’ve already started multiple projects this summer and they are all over the place – homemade ice cream making, Oak + Oats rebrand and new packaging offerings, and hand lettering….and those are just the ones I have already started! 
The other day Bruce and I were on a walk around the block and I was telling him how my head is so full of ideas that I don’t know what to do or where to start. It is like a little firecrackers going off in my head and I am just trying to funnel them all into a beautiful and organized campfire. 
I have a hard time starting one thing and letting other things wait their turn. I think it is this crazy pressure I feel to do all the things and do them all well. I mean, I have all these dreams and ideas – they have to mean something right?!
No, well yes but no. No I don’t need to do everything at once. No, running around like a chicken with my head cut off will not turn out pretty no matter how much movement I accomplish. Bruce showed me this commercial spoof during work this week and one line really stuck out – “Why be laser focused on just one thing, when you can be regular focused on 216?” They are obviously being sarcastic but that is totally my mind set. 
Oh, man. How convicting. But seriously, how do you focus your attention when there is so much else going on? I don’t have answers today, no “5 ways to focus and get things done” tips – just me in the middle of life. In the middle of literally working two full time jobs and exploding with ideas. 
I will say that some days I am better than others. The days that I am better usually start with a good dose of morning quiet times and grace. I’ve also been trying to give myself computer breaks and learn things just for fun (like this hand lettering class.) It is hard for me to not jump directly to perfection or figuring out how to hand-letter best so my Instagram followers increase (which can totally overwhelm me sometimes #confession.)
Let’s learn new things to just try them. To play around with life and discover new things. Let’s do things that may not have monetary gain. Let’s do things to just enjoy, celebrate, and discover. Like we did when we were kids. And then let’s hang up our art and not be afraid of losing followers or disappointing others. Let’s be free, brave, and bold.
Let’s give ourselves a break and take a good look at our priorities. Let’s sleep at night, spend time with Jesus so He can fill our Spirits, and let go of perfectionism. 
And let’s try new things. 

Anyone else on the stress/ idea overload/ struggle bus with me? What is heavy on your heart these days? How do you slow down and take things off your list? (I need all the advice I can get 😉 )

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Comments

  1. LeighannM says

    May 22, 2015 at 5:14 pm

    I totally relate. I have tons of ideas and never know which to focus on… there always seems like there's more to get done. I've found that working myself ragged doesn't help my creativity or productivity though so slowing down and giving myself a few quiet minutes here and there to have a cup of tea, prayer/time with God, or just closing my eyes for 5 minutes and breathing deeply really help. Also, asking God to help form my to do list leaves me less stressed (it doesn't magically get everything done though!) Just know you aren't alone!

    Reply
  2. Suzana S. says

    May 24, 2015 at 12:54 am

    I was also thinking of taking the online handlettering course, I hope I will catch some time for that. Goodluck with your learning! I am sure you'll rock it!

    Reply
  3. Betsy Gettis says

    May 24, 2015 at 4:03 pm

    Girl. I totally feel ya. I constantly have a million different things and ideas flying through my mind. Like those ten blog posts I've been meaning to write and how I've been wanting to repot my succulents for about three months and then there's also the summer line of prints I've been wanting to design for my etsy shop and oh right, I'm getting married in three months and have a whole lot of DIY-ing to do….so basically, can I just quit my job for the summer? 😉

    Reply
  4. Elizabeth Mayberry says

    May 25, 2015 at 12:34 am

    For real! I am glad I am not the only one – but even more so I pray that we find rest in a world that says go, go,go!

    Reply
  5. Elizabeth Mayberry says

    May 25, 2015 at 5:20 am

    You totally should! I am loving it!

    Reply
  6. Stacia says

    May 26, 2015 at 2:42 pm

    I totally feel this feeling all the time. It's been a journey to learn to focus on one thing at a time (or maybe a manageable handful of things at a time.)

    Reply
  7. Elizabeth Mayberry says

    May 28, 2015 at 6:31 pm

    Yes! I am finding that I need to pursue Jesus first and let other things fall into place!

    Reply
  8. Elizabeth Mayberry says

    May 28, 2015 at 6:32 pm

    Yes! Jesus. When I make Him a priority I tend to see my to-do list with healthier eyes! Thanks for reaching out and leaving such an encouraging post! It helps to know I am not alone!

    Reply
  9. Elizabeth Mayberry says

    May 28, 2015 at 6:33 pm

    Yes! Grace. It feels so Sunday School but Jesus really is the answer! It is so good to know I am not alone and to know we can encourage and uplift each other!

    Reply
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