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.