"this isn't how I planned for my life to look like."

I had grand plans to write a new blog for about three weeks but more important life matters came up.

Two drafts have been sittin' in a folder.

The first was abut my business' 5th Birthday on August 9th. 🎉(yahoooooo!).

I was going to share a cute story with you about a Chinese bamboo tree that takes five years to show any signs of growth. Spoiler alert: growth is often unseen!

The second draft was about a recent trip back to my hometown.

But when I sat down tonight to write you, I asked my heart what felt most right to share with you.

The clear answer was this: a poem by John Roedel.

So here it is...

this isn't how I planned for
my life to look like," I whispered
under my breath as I walked to my car
​
"tell me about it,"
an eavesdropping cloud
replied to me from above
​
I looked up and watched
the cloud billow between looking
like a dove and an open hand
​
the cloud continued:
​
"I used to be a snowfield in Montana.
I used to be a dewdrop kiss on a lily.
I used to be a puddle in a parking lot.
I used to be a river in Mexico.
I used to be a glacier.
I used to be a waterfall mist in a jungle.
​
I used to be so many things."
​
"doesn't that make you sad?" I asked the cloud
​
"it used to - but not anymore," the cloud replied while wrapping herself around me like a scarf. "I don't think either of us were created to stay the same form our entire life."
​
"I’m not sure I can let go of my old life," I sighed.
​
"oh you simply must," the cloud whispered in my ear.
"because once you release what you used to be
and embrace who you are meant to be now -
something amazing will happen," the cloud said
​
"what's that?" I asked while looking at my hands that were beginning to billow and shapeshift.
​
"you'll start to float."
​
and with that my feet lifted off the ground​
​
~ john roedel

When I'm back in my hometown, I often think about what I thought my life would be like at 41 and what it actually is.

This poem is such a beautiful reminder that we can't grow if we stay the same.

I hope it's a helpful reminder to you too.

If you're longing to "embrace who you're meant to be now" in a small circle of like-hearted women, consider joining my next women's circle.

Fall dates are being finalized and I'd love for you to join us if you're interested.

Wishing you a beautiful start to your September (with the perfect-for-you amount of pumpkin spice),

xo,

Stacy

PS. Speaking of clouds, here's a picture from my sunset neighborhood walk tonight...