Clear.

Declutter.

Organize.

Simplify.

Are we chasing an idea of balance and margin? Are we finally growing tired of the busyness and overcommitments that rule our so called free time?

What would it look like to start from a blank slate? How would we actually feel if we lost all our worldly possessions?

I'm learning how little they matter. I'm learning how valuable time is. I'm learning that spending money on food to cook for my friends is more precious than that new "it" item at Target.

Are we so consumed by social media and the lives of others that we have forgotten to be authentic?

I'm looking into the future. If I keep going at the rate I have been, I'll never have the time I crave to spend with my family, friends, and most importantly: the time to spend with my Creator.

What if we all pressed pause? What if we evaluated what really matters in life? What if we realigned our momentary lives to reflect our beliefs? What if we slowed down?

Rest.

Reflect.

Realign.

A Milestone Pep Talk

Let me be honest. When I decided I wanted to get a Bachelors degree in Graphic Design, I did not know what I was getting myself into. Actually, when I decided it was going to be my major, I only knew one or two people who actually had jobs doing it.

Side note. I always loved the invitations, brochures, promotional material, etc., that my church would have. I knew someone made that stuff, and my senior year of high school, I decided I wanted to be that person. Fast forward 6.5 years, and now I am that person.

Until my senior year of high school, I wanted to be an architect or interior designer. I took drafting classes, I made up pretend houses with awesome secret passages, and I would rearrange my room constantly. Yet, I'm so thankful I changed my mind.

Looking back, I always loved design. For example:
-I always kept beautiful promotional materials, invitations, etc.
-I always studied the way magazines laid out information.
-I instantly noticed when a magazine or publication would do a design overhaul, (even though I didn't really know what that meant.)
-I would critique the logos of businesses. Chick-fil-a still has the one of the best in my opinion.
-I LOVED making homemade cards.

The list goes on and on. Now I find myself loving it more and more: the combination of strategically solving problems while making it creatively compelling. After years of classes, projects, countless sleepless nights, working multiple jobs to make it through school, tears, internships, achievements, and my first real job–I can finally say I'm a professional in the field.

I never thought I would make it to this point.

This post is a reminder for myself. A reminder of how I feel at this specific milestone. A reminder of my love for learning more about this field. A reminder of the goals I have to further explore and create. A reminder to not give up. A reminder to keep going.

reflect.

The sun is setting over the snow covered midwest picturesque view.
Candles are lit, flowers in a deep blue vase, I'm sipping wine.

Deep reflection and processing and internal review are taking place.
Big moments in life, hard work, sanctification, blessings, struggle.

Last year I would have never expected to be where I am sitting now.
Desiring simplicity, wanting to be a maker, missing the mountains.

Culture says to aim for wealth and comfort and fame and pride.
I want less of myself, more of the Lord, time to create, time to hide.

What if we all stopped running this western race view of dreams.
Move back to community, back to family dinners, back to humility.

I know what I want in this life.
Not riches or things or collections.
I want Jesus Christ magnified.