“The tallest oak in the forest was once just a little nut that held its ground.”

-unknown

Serendipitous inspiration can be incredibly life-changing. Similar to an acorn that lands where it is meant to fall, and that, if nurtured properly, can grow into a magnificent oak tree, inspiration can be an unexpected miracle of a seed.

If you have ever felt the results of trusting a gut-feeling or following through with any inspiration, you know how rewarding and magical it can be. There is something about that seed that makes us realize what truly calls to our hearts. When anything has a gravitational pull toward our heart, it can become part of the definition of who we are as a person.

Inspiration creates a spark in us to birth something possibly different, possibly new- but possibly scary, or possibly taboo. If you didn’t already know, I am definitely a creature of habit. “Familiar” is the go-to preference. However, I would never have done most of the things that have brought me joy in life if it weren’t for inspiration and going against my tendency toward “habit”.

This past September, I went on the journey of a lifetime on what was one of the greatest adventures of my life so far. It all started with a inspirational acorn. Earlier this year, a great friend and soul-sister named Niki went on a trip to Portugal with a group of amazing women led by Kym Pham. Each immersive journey that Kym plans, in her beautiful words, “honors and transforms a life.” Niki came back with so many stories, so much happiness, and inspiration to sow just as she had been inspired by the women she met and got to know. Her experiences called to my heart, so I decided to take even the tiniest steps toward embarking on a similar journey with Kym of my own. Since I have never in my life done anything like this, or nearly anything this big, pursuing this may have seemed a bit “nutty” to some. There were certainly obstacles and anxiety for me during the process of deciding to attend. Because this type of trip would definitely be out of my comfort zone, the winds of doubt were howling within me trying to blow away my little seed of inspiration. But with the support of friends and loved ones, I held my ground, and later found myself finding my footing on the downright beautiful volcanic island of Milos, Greece- the great, magnificent, immaculate oak tree that grew from that acorn of inspiration.

Some of the greatest parts of my life and facets of who I am have grown from taking a chance on serendipity and inspiration. I never would have begun writing or lettering. I would never have met the love of my life. That voyage to Greece ultimately led me to creating Tenderhearted Toughness, so you would not be reading my words or hearing my story right now.

Even against the stormy doubt and anxiety caused by something new, I’ve challenged myself to acknowledge the inspirational seeds that have fallen into place in my tender heart and to nurture them to grow one hell of a forest.

I invite you to join me and do the same. Do not be afraid to be a little nutty. Stand tall against the wind. Hold your ground. I cannot wait to stand in the presence of the magnificent Oak you’re about to raise.

JMP