room to grow

room to grow

Change is in the air, I can feel it. We’re in the throes of spring now and that thing that usually comes over me has in fact come over me and I am feeling like a hermit crab again. You know the one who wakes up every once in a while feeling a little cramped and uncomfortable in it’s shell? What comes to mind is the main character from the Eric Carle book A House for Hermit Crab who worked so diligently to get his shell just right only to realize that all the work might have to be left behind in order to find a new and different shell that will serve him better.  There was nothing was wrong with the old shell, it just didn’t fit anymore.

Perhaps I’ve outgrown things as they are now or perhaps I’m just ready for some new artwork on my online canvas or maybe its more a matter of spring cleaning my little online home here, I’m not really sure. But, I know that I am itching to make some changes here.

If I had my way (and could get time to stand still for a while) I would work behind the scenes to get things just as I’d like them and do a grand reveal (like an Extreme Home Makeover Edition, blog style). Alas, I am all too aware that I just can’t afford myself that kind of energy or time to make that ideal a reality. So, I have decided to take small steps. If you know me, you know I’m a firm believer in the power of baby steps. And so, I’m taking my own advice and taking it one step at a time.

All this to say that there will be some changes going on around here. For starters, after 4 and a half years, I am letting go of my blog name, Mother May I. See up there in the banner? No more Mother May I.

Yes, I’ve been blogging for 4 and a half years! Time flies, huh?

But other than that, most of the changes I see coming are of of the visual and navigational kind. Hopefully a little organization. Some sorting through, some filing and some dusting too. A coat of new paint maybe and fresh images to decorate the space. You know, just a little sprucing up.

My guess is it will feel like I’m scurrying about on the ocean floor picking and choosing the things I’d like to use for my new shell, one thing at a time. And if I let myself enjoy that kind of process then no matter what changes come at whatever pace, all will be well. They do say it’s the journey after all.

Angie’s post at the I am Enough Collaborative this week is keeping me in the right mindset to take on these yearnings of my creative soul without judgement of my progress. Instead, anything and everything I do amidst my growth spurt will be enough. If that doesn’t put me at ease, nothing will.

I don’t think it’s synchronicity that the Mondo Beyondo class begins on Monday, right at the start of what feels like might be a metamorphoses. Do you? On that note, is there anything you’re yearning to do? Something you’re looking forward to? I hope you’re giving yourself a some wiggle room to grow; no pressure, no rush, just baby steps.

And there’s still a few days left to sign up for the Mondo Beyondo class with me if you think you might need a little encouraging nudge (like I do). Either way, growth and change is neccessary sometimes and I’m looking forward to taking it a step at a time.

9 Comments
  • amypdionne
    Posted at 21:52h, 13 May Reply

    Tracey, I clicked through via twitter and was reading this when I got your note on the slide show. It just made me happy we were "in" each other’s lives at the same time this afternoon. I can’t wait for monday either. Instead of is it friday yet, I am saying is it monday yet! Change is SO in the air. Makes me a little nervous and a lot excited.

  • Jennifer
    Posted at 22:49h, 13 May Reply

    Boy do I ever know this feeling. It’s one that kind of leaves me unsettled, and I’m struggling through it right now. I know I’m due for a big change, I can feel it, but I’m just having a hard time getting the momentum going. I’ve been stuck here for a few months, and I’m trying to look back and see my "baby steps". I know change has happened, but sometimes it feels like it doesn’t happen fast enough and I have to tell myself to slow down.

  • gashuttergirl
    Posted at 22:58h, 13 May Reply

    I know what you mean. I just 2-1/2 years to finish my education for a new career and just started working full time at my previously part-time job in that new career. I have started "spring cleaning" the house after ignoring it for most of that 2-1/2 years (the living room is torn apart, the kitchen is almost unusable, the spare room is crammed full of everything that doesn’t have a home yet, etc.). I am contemplating "going public" with a new direction of my photography (infant portraits) and trying to figure out what to do with my old photographic love (flowers). So many changes. I am hoping Mondo Beyondo will help me keep dreaming and give me direction for those dreams. Thank you for all you share here and at shutter sisters.

  • georgia
    Posted at 01:09h, 14 May Reply

    i have not been blogging as long, but my blogging life and appearance has evolved in baby steps, too. that is more my style. i look forward to the changes you’ve got planned. i don’t get to visit here every day, but whenever i do, i always enjoy your space.

    this picture is amazing, by the way!

  • meredith winn
    Posted at 03:42h, 14 May Reply

    oh i hear ya. change is scary and exciting all at the same time. i can’t wait to see your baby steps! they are bound to be glorious.
    xo

  • melody
    Posted at 06:20h, 14 May Reply

    Life is growth. I feel the growing pains, too.

    The image…I just want to run up and tickle her. Don’t know why. 🙂

  • Bren
    Posted at 12:16h, 14 May Reply

    Tracey – when I am having a hard to being inspired in the Garden world I just click over to your blog and I am ready to go! Thank you for inspiring by sharing your world on your blog. It has been wonderful watching you grow in the photography world. Your work is amazing. This month one of my photos is featured on the cover of Lawn & Garden Magazine and I owe this accomplishment partially to you for inspiring me from the beginning. Thank you!
    Shutter Sister – Bren

  • marina
    Posted at 15:29h, 14 May Reply

    Tracey, what a beautiful post! Thank you sharing this yearning for growth and change and your great way to approach and deal with it! Your words are very inspiring for me! I wish you to keep these very wise words in mind should you experience moments of tiredness or even frustration along the way. And I am looking forward to see all the novelties and changes that you will share with us!

  • Kathy
    Posted at 11:14h, 24 May Reply

    I am so excited for you! I love your blog but believe me I know what it’s like to feel like you just need a fresh start even with the things you love. I am finding I’m in a bit of a rut as I don’t seem to have the money or the time to do the things I love(blogging, photography). I used to feel inspired by what I now feel I have to do. So I’ve been trying to figure out how I can breathe new life into what I have to do (my job as a social worker). I know that my work at its core is meaningful but I’ve become very disconnected from the heart of the work. One idea I have to spruce things up is a collaborative project with a local art school’s photography dept. focusing on the lives of teen moms (a group I work with). Now that gets me excited!

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