realization :: growth {tuesdays unwrapped}

Some of you may not know that one year ago today, I handed over my 8 1/2 year old baby to a new owner.  One of the hardest things I’ve had to do.

But I always knew that when the time came, I’d be ready.  And quite honestly, once I was ready … I’ve never looked back.

Right now, at this very moment the National Stationery Show is in full swing in NYC.  It’s the crème de la crème in the paper world … one that I’ve been a part of for the past 8 years and had fully intended to be there again this year.

But as the time drew near … it’s dawned on me that’s not my life anymore.  I’ve grown into something else … I’m on to a new chapter in my life.

Why is it so hard for us sometimes to move on to that next chapter?  Why do we cling to the past?  Comfort maybe?  The past is all we know?

This past year for me has been amazing.  I’ve seen myself {and my family} grow in ways I never thought possible.  I’d never fully imagined what was in store for me.

And although my health has declined a bit … my spirit has soared.

None of this would’ve been possible though, if I hadn’t let go of the past.  As hard as it was, I needed to realize that I was growing into a new person.  A new mother.  A new wife.  A new person in Him.

Sometimes … actually, often times … I think it’s important for us to step out of our comfort zone.  To take a leap, take a chance or risk … I don’t think you can grow if you don’t.

So … if I’m not at the Stationery Show … then where did I end up?  Instead of the hustle and bustle of the city, I grabbed my two favorite paper-peeps and headed south of the border!

We’re on our way home this morning … but it’s been a great time in the sun, sleeping in, watching movies, and having more than our fair share of chips & salsa!

Here’s to growth and moving on …

This post is linked up with Emily at Chatting at the Sky


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10 Comments

  1. Dayle May 18, 2010 at 10:28 am

    I’ve always believed the first step out of the rut is the hardest. Moving on is often the same for me. Ironically, I needed to read this today.

    Reply
  2. Tiffany May 18, 2010 at 12:07 pm

    Love it! Thanks for another great reminder!

    Reply
  3. Dawn May 18, 2010 at 1:09 pm

    sometimes i wonder if we ever need anything more than for our spirit to soar… and chips & salsa…

    Reply
  4. keLi May 18, 2010 at 2:11 pm

    yes to “out of the comfort zone.” such a tough first step (and one we’re facing right now), but looking back, it has always been rewarding.

    Reply
  5. cyndi May 18, 2010 at 4:53 pm

    You always know what I need to hear and today is no different. I’m currently faced with the serious possibility of huge change and I’m not handling it very well. I thought about emailing you for advice this morning but then the day got away from me and now I read this. Wow.

    Reply
  6. stacey May 19, 2010 at 6:49 am

    I hope you are wonderfully refreshed from your getaway! It is funny to see that sometimes we have to let go of things for God to fill our hands with the things that He wants to give us! May He bless you and your family.

    Reply
  7. LobotoME May 19, 2010 at 9:28 am

    i was wondering if you were at NSS this year. A getaway south of the border sounds MUCH more enjoyable if you ask me!!!! ;)

    Reply
  8. katherinemarie May 19, 2010 at 2:01 pm

    Moving ON… there isn’t a person in the world that could inspire us to embrace the NOW like you do T!

    Reply
  9. karen May 20, 2010 at 9:45 pm

    I love this; instead of loving it the way I love packaging, I love it in a much deeper way. I think this would be the perfect thing to print off & put on my wall to see right when I wake up. You are such an inspiration to me & my soul Tracie, which I suppose is the same thing. I’m so very glad that we met.

    Reply
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