When plans don’t work out | A story about perspective & Progress
“This journey has taught me that life is lived through small moments and
never-ending progress. You keep showing up despite how messy things are.”
Dear Lovely,
As the celebrations faded and 2023 was upon us, I had set my mind to a new challenge - achieving 17 goals by the end of the year. I had been ambitious before, having built a complex website and launched a successful online shop in just one year. Why not accomplish even more?
But as days turned into weeks and weeks turned into months, I found it increasingly challenging to stay on track. I was trying to juggle so many things at once, and it was overwhelming. Building my studio space while illustrating an entire book was a mental game. My goals weren't just big; they were filled with many time-consuming details and dependencies. I had forgotten to consider the smaller projects that make up the bigger picture.
Frustration filled my mind, and I began to rush towards the finish line, despising the process. But I never made it, not even close.
Of course, my inner critic was brutal, calling me an incapable failure. At times, I believed it, but deep down, I knew that maybe my plans were unrealistic for me alone.
I have theories on why I embarked on this outrageous path, creating unnecessary stress and disappointment. But what I know for sure is that being forced to slow down to embrace the process was a much-needed lesson in self-patience and genuine appreciation.
I may have fallen short of those big accomplishments, but I've practiced patience so often that it's beginning to feel like it was the real accomplishment. And my efforts were not wasted. Because each piece of wood stained, handle installed, daily task list recorded, illustration drawn, and with so many more small and seemingly meaningless things done, I've paved a smoother road for myself ahead.
In hindsight, these goals aren't impossible; they were unrealistic within the restrictions I'd set for myself. But with more time and help, these goals can be achieved if they are meant to be completed.
Maybe it's not the result I want, but rather the process of chasing after it that I need.
Color and design board for studio space
For my fellow friends
who feel like the year is wasted or their dreams didn’t work out,
I invite you to embrace the moments
that filled you with joy and guided your growth.
It’s okay that sometimes plans fail, fall short, and change.
It’s okay if things don’t work out exactly how you pictured it.
Embrace where you are for now, and take the time to appreciate
the progress you’ve made.
Take a deep breath and relive them in your memories
as you make space for patience and gratitude.
You are exactly where you need to be.
keep showing up.
Sincerely,
Christine
In the middle of progress and unfinished but proud
Building my dream art studio has been a lot of work with good life lessons.
In this short intro video, I give you more insight into my design inspiration and some moments of the building process.
Most importantly, we take a moment to appreciate all the work that went into building this space and
the collection of art and products I've made in the past few years. What a journey it has been.
Click below to watch!
