2013 has been a great year. My goals going into the year included staying organized; using what I have; and following the joy. Not to get overly emotional here but I’ve been so pleasantly surprised at how each one of these pushed me in new and unexpected directions.
When I started to organize, I ended up moving my sewing stuff into a beautiful new space and my sewing classes to a new location. In the attempt to “use what I have”, I started the up-cyling project. All of those lovely developments will carry on into 2014.
It was following my joy, though, that one was really a whopper. My search for greater joy in my work (read: less listening to my head and more listening to my gut) led me to take some wonderful risks. I went for it when I 1) re-jiggered and re-designed the website, 2) created a promo video that makes me beam with pride, 3) taught myself (and others through my classes) how to screen-print, and 4) started teaching sewing at my favorite fabric boutique of all time, Rock Paper Scissors. Between the classes at Rock Paper Scissors and the ones I taught locally I taught for a total of 73 hours in fourteen classes.
Those things happened as a direct result of listening to the voice asking, “what makes you joyful?” and ignoring the other peskier ones. I contributed six guest posts this year with six lovely new friends and eight new tutorials on the blog. I’m honored to have been a part of the covert robin team and now a contributor at Sew Mama Sew. I was proud to co-host the lovely Backyard Art Camp that brought together a dozen talented mamas to create original art projects for kids. Of things I’ve made there are three new quilts in the world, my wardrobe is fourteen items larger and the boys acquired an amazing 21 mama-made items, most of them made with used clothing.
More than all of that, however, are the connections I made. It was a year of wing-spreading for me and through that process I met more new friends and crafty mamas than ever before. Nothing beats having those additional voices of encouragement and inspiration in my corner. There were certainly disappointments and stresses in 2013. Many, in fact. Things I had to let go of including rejections from craft fairs and conference teaching gigs I didn’t get. Things I worked on unbelievably hard that just didn’t go anywhere. That is where the joy was so important. A rejection is a lot less bitter tasting when I know the long-term goal is to keep sweet joy in my mind’s eye.
Did you have goals for the past year? How is that rear-view mirror looking right now? Ready for 2014?
Abby Glassenberg says
I love your 2013 goals and how following them served as your guide, through good and hard times. Cheers to a wonderful 2014!
Melissa Q. says
Cheers, indeed! The same to you, Abby. You’ve been a great part of making this year wonderful. You’re one of my girls, for sure!
Daniela D says
What a truly wonderful post, Melissa. You are always an inspiration my friend!
Melissa Q. says
Oh goodness, Daniela. You are the same to me, hard to believe we didn’t even know each other last year!? What one fateful conversation at the Newark airport can do for you!
melintheattic says
What a year! Following your happy is the best way to go. I’m so glad that we’ve become friends.
Melissa Q. says
I could not agree more! Finding you has been one of the great joys of this year. Thanks for being a part of a great year, friend!
Anna @authenticparenting.com says
Hi Melissa,
What a journey you had! I loved reading about your year and I have to say, you have a way with words. Actually, meeting you online and offline was one of my good blogging moments:)
I hope our friendship will grow. And I can’t wait to take a sewing class with you.
I wish you all the best in the new year.
Cheers
Melissa Q. says
I’m so thrilled to be a part of your good blogging moments! It was a joy to meet you, as well. I hope your 2014 brings much joy, friend!