not Martha...

{ Better Things, by theloveshop }

So, recently I finished reading the book The Martha Rules, and while I'd love to do a review of it separately, I wanted to share some thoughts that have been surfacing for me lately, because, well I love you guys and you are the ones who listen... so here it goes.

You know that variety thing I've been struggling with all these years?  Well, as I'm reading through the ten sections of Martha's Rules I'm putting something else entirely together in my mind.  She talks of how she started out as a model, then a stock broker, then a caterer... and over the years her variety of skills have joined forces and brought her to where she is now.  She's Martha Stewart!  But there's more to it than that, I connected with her love for so many things, and how she developed that brand.

I've been telling you that I'm going through some sort of transformation around here lately, but the truth is that I've been transforming for years.  Mostly because I could never figure out how to find myself in variety.  How to be successful at something, when you love so many things, know how to do so many things, are excited by so many things... HOW.
How does one find focus in all this?  And then I read the words...

I can't find the page now, I wish I would have marked it.  But she talked about her magazine publications, and how they would teach you to make things, or bake things, or decorate things... but often her readers would respond by saying they couldn't find parts of the ingredients for the recipe, or the correct supply to make the craft.

She talks about how her ideas had evolved from sharing 'ideas', to building her brand and offering those very things you'd need, to do what she does so well.  Make it beautiful.  rule #10

You could say I've found a new source of inspiration, or perhaps a new strength to try something different.  I've always loved gifts, and giving, and packaging things up pretty, but I never really gave myself credit for how much I love those very supplies, that make the finishing touches special.  It's like I keep saying to myself, it's all about the little things... and so... I bring the little things to you. ♥

I am trying this.  I don't know if it will stick.  But I'm trying it.  Martha also talks in her book about knowing when to let go of efforts that are not paying off, being flexible with all things, and keeping your mind open for new possibilities.  I am there.  Now.