Usually – this is the time of year – that I would be thinking of starting my winter pastime – of jigsaw puzzles – something that has kept me occupied during the winter months – for the past few years.

However – this year – I was introduced to a new pastime – that of – ‘painting by numbers’ – and I have so far loved this new challenge – having just completed – my second attempt.

I had not previously thought about starting something new – but I guess – all my life – there have been those times when – I just want a change – a challenge – to explore new things.

As this quote puts it – “And suddenly – you just know – it’s time to start something new – and trust the magic – of beginning”.

I do find a certain magic – in beginning something new – continuing to learn as I go along – making discoveries – not just about the things I enjoy doing – but in the person I become in the process. For each new challenge that I take on – helps me to grow and change too.

I love the advise here – “You have to keep evolving – and recreating yourself. Read – explore – discover. Learning new things – and expanding your mind will add versatility into your life. You shouldn’t be who you were last week. Create new habits – and consistently upgrade yourself – in all ways – and on all levels.”

I love that thought – of consistently upgrading – and being willing to change – not staying as I have been in the past – but expanding – and learning as I go. Recreating myself – asking myself in which areas can I grow – and improve.

Of course – not all the challenges I set myself – work out.

Not too long ago – I began to explore ‘sketching’ – a skill that I have never mastered – and this time it was no different – yet – at least I had a go – and was proud of myself for trying – as advised here – “Don’t be afraid to try new things – they aren’t all going to work – but when you find one that does – you’re going to be so proud of yourself for trying”.

Fear of failure is definitely something that can hold me back – and certainly has done in the past – but – I miss out – by not trying.

I am grateful for those in my life – who have encouraged me to – ‘have a go’ – and love the way that is put here in this quote – “What if I fall? – Oh – but my darling – what if you fly”.

Who can get better encouragement than that – and for me – it’s always worth the risk of – ‘falling’ – for all the times I have managed to – ‘fly’.

I never want to lose that spirit of exploration – to embrace change and growth – even as I get older.

Recognising that – even over the past years – as I have explored different ways – not just of doing – but of thinking – it has changed me – into what I hope – is a better version of myself.

And so – I want to continue to –“Embrace the beauty of change and growth – and keep evolving into the best version of myself”.

Blessings – Lois