I spoke with Shayla Groves during the summer and so enjoyed our chat and hearing her part-time working mom story. And I recently received Shayla’s newsletter, which included the post below and the beautiful image. It really resonated with me. And it’s the perfect introduction to the topic of the month of October for Mompowerment – change and making change happen. Shayla graciously let me share her thoughts on change as the season is changing with you. Enjoy!
Crisp air. Changing leaves. Scarves. Pumpkin everything. Flannel shirts. Coffee! What’s not to love about autumn? As cliché as it may sound, fall truly is the most spectacular season here in the Rocky Mountains, where I live. The Aspen trees turn a golden hue and the weather is just perfection.
A few weekends ago my little family made our annual fall pilgrimage up Independence Pass to admire foliage in all shades of gold, orange and red gently quaking in the breeze against the blue Colorado sky. You know, the stuff that sells postcards!
Every autumn when I witness this colorful transformation and see the leaves on the trees letting go, it turns my thoughts inward. I too feel compelled to let go in fall. After summer’s great abundance and activity, I am ready for stillness. What cluttering possessions can I prune away and pass along to someone who needs them? What distractions can I let go of so I enjoy life more? How can I focus my energy on what is most vital?
Instead of fearing change, remember that letting go makes new growth possible. What are you holding onto that is no longer serving you? What can you shed in this season so that you can move forward?
“If you want to fly you must give up what weighs you down.”
As a busy working mama, I know that I must clearly define what my priorities are and have the courage to say no to other things that don’t serve me in this season. I’ve learned that focus isn’t as much about saying yes to the thing I need to focus on as it is about saying no to all of the other distractions.
How about you? Are there any possessions or distractions that you’re working to clear away? Where are you focusing your energy in this season? I’d love to continue this conversation in the comments.
About Shayla
Hi there, I’m Shayla Groves, wife, mama, coffee lover, and founder of design finch, a graphic design and branding studio located in Basalt, Colorado. I specialize in visual identity creation and the development of smart, integrated communications –online, in print, and beyond –that inspire audiences to take a1ction. After more than a decade in the corporate world, running my own business now affords me the flexibility to be home a couple of days during the week with my almost two-year-old son. My ideal day includes avocado toast for breakfast, yoga at lunch, a marketing strategy session in between, with plenty of time to snuggle up and read books with my toddler. I’m obsessed with typography, love hiking in the mountains, and I’m known for my ability to organize anything.
