grow: by michelle smith

boy, do i ever love this collage piece by michelle smith. i find that it's very easy to become set in my ways and routines and not go out of my comfort zone very often, but the most amazing things come out of stepping out and learning something new or trying something different.

the amazing thing is that we are in charge of our growth. we get to decide where and how we extend ourselves into the world, and what we put out, we get back.

here is what michelle has to say about this:

to me life is about the journey not the destination, however, sometimes I get caught up in the day-to-day of life and forget to branch out so to speak (pun intended). this piece is a reminder to allow myself to grow by trying new things and putting myself out there.

though i blog, and my businesses are highly visible, i am an extremely introverted person and struggle with sharing my creative pursuits. however, through experience i have learned that it is so worth it and that life should have an equal balance of give and take. since i am inspired by so much, i should give a bit of inspiration as well.

you can find more of michelle's work on her blog, feminine modern, and at indieNC.com, and you can find a print of this piece in her etsy shop.
***
so here is my challenge to you: this weekend, do something that is out of your comfort zone. smile at a stranger (heck, smile at ALL the strangers!), go on a walk somewhere unfamiliar and document your experience, call a friend you haven't talked to in years, take a bubble bath when you "should be" working... you get the idea!

i'm expecting reports back on monday about what you all did-- and i'll tell you all about my adventures!

*thank you michelle, for sharing your gorgeous collage with us!*