There is no such thing as behind.

I’m coming to the conclusion that there is nothing wrong with me just as there’s nothing wrong with you when your actions don’t fit what may seem expected or obvious or when you leave opportunity on the table in favor of something more meaningful to you at the time. You aren’t missing out, and neither am I.

When it comes to creativity, personal development, spiritual formation and life with God, your pace is your pace and there’s no such thing as behind.
— Emily P. Freeman

I am a goal setter and a dreamer. I want to live a life rich with meaning. These good things sometimes plague me with their demands, especially when it comes to my work. As a person who loves to measure change and chart progress, I unwittingly ratchet up expectations: When I’ll finish a draft. What I’ll tackle this month. The new projects I’ll begin this year. The old ones I’ll complete. What I’m saying is I can be relentless. I’m not always my own encourager and friend.

When there’s progress in my work, that growth often comes with conditions. It’s sometimes hard for me to appreciate if it happens outside the timeframe I intended or unfolds differently than I first hoped. I’m quick to despair and fret and worry, and whew, it wears me out.

I love the gracious words Emily Freeman speaks. Her thoughts aren’t new or revolutionary. I’ve posted similar sentiments here before. But if you, like me, need a reminder that life and creativity are not a race, I invite you to take a deep breath.

May you face whatever is before you in your time. On your terms. Without condemnation but with the freedom to enjoy — even celebrate.