One Year Anniversary

My website auto renews tomorrow. 

That means exactly one year ago Paper & Mallet launched. 

Time to celebrate. Pour bubbly. Make merry.

But what is it about looking back over the past year that makes me feel a bit inadequate? Lacking? And self critical?

Slow growth. Steep learning curve. Moderate dedication. Unclear goals. Minimal site visits.

I know I should be cheering myself on. Whispering encouragement. Applauding my perseverance.

But it's so much easier to just dismiss the small achievements. Make light of all the learning. Disregard the vulnerability it takes to try.

Why is that?

When in fact I have learned much about myself over the past year. I have experienced fear, uncertainty and deep insecurity in ways I could not have imagined. And yet on the flip side I have found a meaningful purpose within the struggle to find my voice in art and words. Pressing on. Risking criticism. Far from any comfort zone.

So maybe this journey is not about an end result. Maybe it is about an inner result.

How has this year changed me? Challenged me? Renewed me?

When I look at it that way. It may not matter if my art sells. My blog posts are read. My social media grows.

Because the real growth isn't about a number.

It is about me.

And it is also about you.

My efforts are not self absorbed. But rather my hope is to encourage. Inspire. Connect. These are the things I value. 

So let's celebrate our small. Cheer for trying our darnedest. High-five our dreams.

Let's remember what matters most.

Now that is something I can pop a cork to.

Here's to YEAR TWO....

Cheers!