The Path Less Taken

As I sit by the window this morning curled up in the comfy chair I find solace in the cool breeze that is drifting in; billows of air do not raise the curtains from their resting place but rather whisper against them softly. One lone solar lantern (hanging on the tree outside) is slowly dimming as the night sky passes and daylight whispers. It is in this moment I find it time to write, time to share again to break the quiet I chose to put into place this summer. 

For the last 3 months I did something I felt was rather brave and much needed....I shuttered my blog and stepped back from social media. Saying it was freeing beyond words is not only an understatement but also fails to relay the feelings it produced within me. While I know there are many who have done this in the past - unplugged if you will, I have always been full of trepidation when it came to the idea of shuttering things for a while. The fear of being forgotten or becoming lost in the sea of remember her overwhelmed me at times; I became very good at convincing myself that if I took a real break I would become lost and only a memory. Opportunities would cease and I would stall, slowly I would come to a halt in the creative world.

After returning from teaching at the start of June I felt filled and renewed. My confidence was in place it was time to leap. The biggest challenge I battled internally was whether I should publically announce my break or just DO IT. I chose the latter - no one needed to hear me lament this choice (or read about it for that matter). I did not publically need to bow out for a bit, as my reasons for doing so were far deeper than I felt comfortable sharing. I can promise you I will share more of this but for now I am allowing myself to find my comfy place again, to re-establish my goals and honor the nature of creating and writing.

Making this decision was small compared to the things that go on in our world with those we know and those we do not. However, I can say without a doubt it was one of the BEST and BIGGEST things I have done in a while. There were no moments this summer of saying goodbye to the Not so Little Man and then succumbing to immense guilt has my plane took its place amongst the clouds. The alarm clock did not rattle me awake hours before the rest of the house had to rise, and perhaps the best thing of all we did what we wanted to do, we played, we hiked, and we talked, watched movies in the yard, ate when hungry and just had a good old-fashioned summer!

I found the fun me again, the one who has the ability to balance life and work, the one who loves to be outside exploring the world. The girl who found every moment to be an adventure is back and I have to say I could not be happier or more thrilled. Falling out for a bit was one of the best things I have done in a long time as I have landed back on my feet with joy in my heart and a renewed purpose.

 

Comments

[Debbie Myers]

Good for you girlfriend!!! I'm glad you took time out for yourself and your fam ;-) glad you are back!!!

[Lorri Scott]

Yay you! I think this is something I need to do in the very near future. I too feel the trepidation of "stepping out" and am so happy to hear this was successful for you and the outcome of finding yourself again. xo

[jeanie]

Beautifully written and stated, Kristen. That first paragraph alone is my idea of the perfect opening paragraph of a novel that I know I am simply going to fall in love with and regret turning the last page.

We all need to do things that disconnect us in one way or another from the world. I find when I go to the lake and internet is not convenient -- it means leaving the house and dragging along the computer, settling in somewhere not so comfy as my own "spot" and then wanting to move along to get back TO my spot is not conducive to regular blogging, Facebook, or email. The comments stack up, waiting for a reply when I get back to my world. A post stays up longer than perhaps it should.

And instead, I am reading books, making art, swimming, taking walks, living the other part of my life. I am so very glad that you have discovered this over your summer, that you have returned to the essence of you -- the Kristen that your family knows and loves and not just the Kristen we know and love who shares pretty things and teaches us how to make them (which, I might add, I have been doing rather a lot of this summer!)

Reading your words is like a sweet tonic and that breath of air that gently rustles the curtains. It is a gentle reminder that in taking care of ourselves -- and taking leaps of faith and courage -- brings great rewards.

And all that said, I'm glad to see you return, for I so love to visit here!

[Sandy]

Bravo Kristen! I have pulled back considerably myself averaging about 1 blog post per month instead of forcing two or three a week. I write and share on my blog when I feel I have something to say or share on social media as time or inspiration allows. I think we get caught up in feeling that we have to keep up a steady feed on our platform or we jeopardize our success. This is not healthy nor is it true. I love the example you are setting of balancing being and doing.

[Vickie]

Everyone needs time off, even from crafting, as it renews your inspiration. If it makes you feel any better, when any artist takes time off, we may not really know! We still see your art in Stampington magazines and different places and if you're not on the blog, for example, I just assume you're off doing in person classes or preparing articles for publication etc. So it may feel to yourself like you're away a long time, but we assume you're still working doing stuff behind the scenes or classes. When you blog you think oh, that's lovely, not knowing you've been taking time off, except you told us! I love your style and enjoy what you put out, so I'm glad you're back.

[Sandra Evertson]

We all need to stop and refresh our souls. I'm happy to hear you've given this gift to "you!"
xo

[jeanie g]

Kristen I've just purchased your Mixed Media pack from CPS and love your style. Having come to your blog to discover you, I had the added joy of reading about your time out, which is exactly what I'm about to do. One difference is I'm not famous and my blog is covered with dusty cobwebs already. You have filled me with inspiration so after Christmas Day the world can take a back seat in my life while I feed my soul. Thank you Kristen.x