This spring we’re full of expectations. We have expectations of our items being sold in a store in downtown OKC, a possible feature in a national magazine (we’ll know in May), possibly doing some artsy fartsy craft shows and so much more. Something’s on the move; something is coming. Things are changing and we can feel it in our spirit just above the surface. It’s there, waiting to explode.

But secretly, between us, we have not had any online sales in a month. We’ve raised prices (slightly) to—honestly—make the items worth our time. Plus, we don’t want to be making Wall Pockets for the rest of our life. We’ve taken a step back from Etsy and we’ve adjusted our long term goals towards a more definite  design purpose. So where do we go from here? Do we coast with this momentum and just hang on? Do we leave Etsy alone and promote in new directions? It’s so hard to know how to be strategic and yet not allow that to control every move you make. You have to have some spontaneity, some opportunities where you just jump out there and go for it! After all, that is how we began this journey called Green Couch Design. When do you abandon all logic and dive in and when should you take it one step at a time?

First, you can’t let fear control ANY decision you make. We learned that the moment Cale came home. It will always feel safer to stand still. Fear will suck your life out and leave you dead. It will allow you to settle for less than your best; it will convince you to not take risks, to continually play it safe, and it will constantly put you in this place of comparing yourself to everyone else in this great race to be something special. You’ve been created for a purpose—so go out and get it!

Second, just dance. Throw off your shoes and let go! That thing someone said about your artwork, your process…listen with tentative ears but once it’s been processed take the good and leave the bad. Don’t let those stupid thoughts that everyone is watching interfere with your vision and passion to pursue. May it be motivation to focus in with eyes closed and dance harder!

Third, know who you are and be that person. Tap into your culture. Everyone finds themselves making excuses about when to move, when to go for that job, when to quit their job, when to have kids, why they should NEVER have kids, etc. Let your culture and identity define those answers for you. Not to sound cliché, but be true to yourself. This has been the anchor for Cale and me in those moments when we wanted to quit. We couldn’t; it wasn’t in us.

You can start small. It’s okay; we did. We’re still having client meetings in our laundry room. We expect to build our own house someday with its own office, we expect to dream bigger (and if these dreams seem crazy, you should hear more of our dreams) and we expect to further define and help others “bring design home”.

This spring we’re learning to expect more than ever before. We’re learning that there are times to dive in and times to walk slowly. You may be somewhere in the middle but, regardless, capture that freedom inside of you and plant the kinds of seeds that enable you to expect more. Who knows? Maybe we’ll share a booth at one of those “artsy fartsy” craft shows.

From the Farm,

Meg and Cale