January 25, 2011

Moving On

When is it time to move on, away from the familiar and the safe. When do you take that leap of faith and not look back – even if that means you will lose something along the way. I think this happens when your heart grows so full of something that it inevitably pushes something else out. After all, if your heart is not in it, you may be wasting precious time.

Any time I try something new, I throw it out there to see if it sticks. Instead of looking before I leap, I sometimes leap first without a pause or so much as a how-do-you-do. This approach challenges me to rise to the occasion, forces me to reach out and grab at something I may not have tried before. But it’s still scary – and failure is not something I do well. However, I realize that if I push myself and fail anyway, I am one step closer to success because the fear of failure is far greater than the reality.

So this is the year I made the leap. This is the year I cut the apron strings and will learn how to fly as many times as I fall down. And when I fall, I will lick my wounds and get back up again. I will push towards my goal even if that means walking up, over, and around the obstacles that will get in my way.

Here's my story: I have hung up my hat as “designer”. After 20 years of working with clients, schlepping paint samples and pillow cushions, I will no longer take on design work. I said “no” to the million-dollar property just up the street, I threw away the commercial bid from a local college, and I feel light as a feather. The good news (for all of you who think I’ve finally lost it) is that I still get to work in this field. I still get to make pretty and create, only as a teacher and a writer. In fact, I’ve lightened up my class load, too. I have a new project in the works and my mornings are now spent writing articles and posts like this. I have re-done one website and my webmaster is working on the changes to the other one. My blog has shifted its focus to include more thoughtful posts (like this) to broaden my readers idea of home and living well. I feel like it’s finally all coming together.

I'm looking forward to the next chapter, a new chapter. Moving on doesn’t necessarily mean moving away from the person you were, it means moving toward the person you’re becoming, towards something and someone closer to your heart.

Photo: La Tartine Gourmande

6 comments:

Juniper said...

good for you! follow your bliss and it will always lead you to unexpected places.
I did a full career change two years ago and haven't looked back since. I work at an animal shelter now and have found my passion. It may not be easy at first, but follow your heart anyway.
If you do something that fulfills you, you grow.
Best of luck and I look forward to hearing about your journey!

Kimberly Merritt said...

Thank you Juniper. Your gracious comments always make my day. We had a lively discussion over on Facebook where I received more well-wishes.

And it doesn't surprise me one bit to learn that you work at an animal shelter - sweet soul that you are.

Laura@Developing Designs said...

This is so beautifully written and speaks from the heart. Best of luck on the new venture....follow your heart and passion and the rest will fall into place. xo

Kimberly Merritt said...

Thank you Laura. I look forward to your posts on Facebook and I plan to add your blog to my blog list page.

Sue West said...

Beautifully & soulfully written. I'm writing a post about moving on to new chapters. I wanted a quote about how decor/design can shift us ... but found this instead and I love what you say here. Good for you for making such a brave decision.

Kimberly Merritt said...

Thank you Sue. The change has been slow, but I'm happy I made it.