Progress is Movement, Too
I am learning to move slower with greater intentionality. I’ve moved at such a fast pace for the past decade, that it feels weird to go slow. I am the queen of multitasking (which is a learned skill I am not proud of). My mind is often running at supersonic speed. It takes a conscious effort for me to be fully present and focused on one task at a time.
This year, I am focusing on finishing the things I’ve started. I love a finished project; however, I am sitting on more projects than I’d like to admit. I even deleted my Pinterest app on my phone to help curb my appetite for a fresh project.
I’ve been working on my first published children’s book for almost two years. I am so thankful to have finally finished all of the illustrations. If you have been following along on Instagram, then you know it has been a long series of stop-and-go. To be honest, I bit off more than I felt “confident” to chew. Doing one-off illustrations is fairly easy and low-pressure. Coming from a high pace and high-stress life, I am intentionally transitioning into a low-pressure, slower-movement type of lifestyle. Creating 27 illustrations = high stress!
I was flat-out scared! I was intimidated to do so many illustrations and I was afraid of my skillset not being, “good enough.” In addition, I really want this children’s book to bless everyone who reads it. I imposed pressure on myself and I was responsible for consistently moving the milestone dates because I felt intimidated.
Am I the only one who hops on an easier project or randomly cleans the house to avoid a “hard task?”
I usually don’t mind doing hard things, but this children’s book struck a chord that I did not know existed.
Thankfully, my oldest daughter and my nieces kept reminding me of my “commitment.” The little people in my life know how to motivate me in special ways. If it wasn’t for them, I think this children’s book would have sat on a rack in my brain, partially done for the rest of my life.
I still have more work to do. The next step is creating the layout, finding the right text, designing the cover, refining the details, and seeing samples. However, the hardest part is done and I can stroll down the other side of the mountain now.
This is just the beginning of finishing what I started, but I keep reminding myself:
