A Winter Journal Is Born

Its no secret that I love writing. If you’re new to me, then yes its a secret from you. But if you’ve followed me for long enough, or subscribe to my newsletter -  you know that I enjoy the written word. 

I’m a creature of reflection and have been since I was a child. I would write myself notes, and nestle them into a memory box only to be opened on a specific future date. These notes were handwritten, often long winded and mostly stream of consciousness. I was so earnest - often willing myself to remember who I was and what I hoped for. Curious about the person I would become, and if that person would perceive my younger self differently. I have crates of journals from my childhood into my 20s. I’d often wonder if my future children would read them one day.

So here we are in the middle of winter, and I just need to scratch that reflective itch. Its a time of looking back at what was. And wondering what could be. My mind has already begun plotting a new beginning for my garden beds despite snow on the horizon. My mind just can’t help improve on what was, and envision what could be in the future.

This is our blessing and our curse as creatives. We are always tinkering. We are always assessing the model, and finding ways to make it more perfect. Not only do I do this with my home, I do it with myself in general. I am never content to “be”. I want to evolve. I want to point to a former self and say, “Look, I got better than that!” I want to say that I’ve come a long way.

But that’s a problem sometimes too, isn't it? If you asked my children if I’m broken, I know they would look at me in confusion. Of course not! The core of who we are is whole, even we feel like a hot mess.

I make myself pause now when I feel jealous of a peer. Now I let myself feel the pull and say thank you for a milestones I have yet to reach. If I had achieved all of them at 41, where would the fun be? Where would the thrill in my work come from? Instead of frustration, I now feel excited. There is something to learn. There is something to tinker. I have not reached the top, but it does not make me “less than”.

This winter I am embracing all the legos and puzzle projects on my dining room table. I’m trying to hold tighter when my 6 year old leaps into my arms and smells my hair after school. I’m attempting to stay longer with my 10 year old when she can’t fall asleep. To make my 9 year old laugh when she’s being difficult for no reason. 

And each and every day of this cold season of reflection, I am working to remind myself that I am whole, I am well, I am loved. I am enough right now. 

~Raquel

Blog Post Title Two

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Blog Post Title Three

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.

Blog Post Title Four

It all begins with an idea. Maybe you want to launch a business. Maybe you want to turn a hobby into something more. Or maybe you have a creative project to share with the world. Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Don’t worry about sounding professional. Sound like you. There are over 1.5 billion websites out there, but your story is what’s going to separate this one from the rest. If you read the words back and don’t hear your own voice in your head, that’s a good sign you still have more work to do.

Be clear, be confident and don’t overthink it. The beauty of your story is that it’s going to continue to evolve and your site can evolve with it. Your goal should be to make it feel right for right now. Later will take care of itself. It always does.