Just like the steps I must take when creating a new design, life is also a rhythm of processes.
We plan, we pray (well, I do), assess suitability, we gather what we need (advice, finance, supplies, or workers for example) and then we begin bringing the idea to life.
Over time a larger picture begins to form and we can see with increased clarity the wisdom of our original hope or desire, and whether we should keep pushing forward or let it all go.
Starting over is sometimes an option if the idea has merit but needs to be taken down a slightly different path.
I've tossed aside a partially completed design because it's not what my heart or head imagined it should be. In fact, I did that this week. Sure, I could have pushed forward because I'd spent a few hours embroidering the design already, but my heart got heavier the longer I stitched.
I put it aside overnight, in case I was too tired and may find myself re-inspired with the arrival of dawn the next day. I wanted to throw the entire design in the bin before my eyes shut for the night, but life experience has taught me to walk away and rest first.
Again, that's like life.
We can get too close to a situation and our 'vision' becomes blurred with all the problems we could face, or the time and energy our plan requires to follow through to completion. If we have a lot of stress it's easy to focus on negatives and allow them to become larger than life. If what we're trying to achieve has hit a road block we usually go one of two ways - push forward regardless because we've given too much of ourselves getting this far; or dump everything and walk away dis-heartened or perhaps relieved.
Next morning I did toss my original piece in the bin because I disliked it even more than the night before.
I cut it up. because for me this is the best thing to do if I truly can't stand what I'm working on as it frees me to start over with something new.
I cut it up. because for me this is the best thing to do if I truly can't stand what I'm working on as it frees me to start over with something new.
Only this time I didn't draw something new.
I simply took it in a new direction from a mess of variegated purple and green threads which I grew to abhor, to a gentler picture that grew from tiny applique shapes and solid pastel threads which I immediately loved.
I simply took it in a new direction from a mess of variegated purple and green threads which I grew to abhor, to a gentler picture that grew from tiny applique shapes and solid pastel threads which I immediately loved.
I just had to look with fresh eyes.
The idea was right, the original execution was not.
The first version in purple and green thread was not me.
This pastel applique version is.
Maybe you've had a plan that simply hasn't come together the way you'd hoped.
Maybe you wanted to throw it out and not look back (and maybe it needed to be thrown out).
But, just in case, let me ask you something.
What if your plan has good bones? What if it just needs a fresh appraisal and taken in a slightly different direction?
Is there a glimmer of hope left which you can garner and proceed forth with?
Is there a glimmer of delight within you at the thought of taking your plan upon new waters?
Is there a glimmer of delight within you at the thought of taking your plan upon new waters?
Changing a design is a lot easier than changing a life course, but I have had to change my life course at times too.
I think you get the picture?
Be brave.
Whether this means tossing that plan to the wind or giving it a loving makeover, hold your head high and follow the right path with confidence.
You're much wiser than you thought, sweet gal.
hugs
