This past weekend, I went to Atlanta to the Original Sewing and Quilting Expo. Our company bought this event company last fall, and this was the first event of the year. I was thrilled to attend! I sat down in the lobby to take a break, and a wonderful lady named Linda Hudson came over and asked if she could sit on the bench with me. We exchanged pleasantries, and she asked if I was there alone. I told her I was with the people from our company. Then Linda said the most profound thing—she explained that she was attending the expo alone because she needed to do something for herself. “There are times you just need to be by yourself and do the things you love.” Wow, that made me stop and think about what she said, and you know, she is right!
How many times in a week or month do we do something for ourselves? I had to really be honest with myself about that one, and I couldn’t recall a time of late. I have a routine of working, house responsibilities, and other necessary to-dos, but to choose something just because I want to do it is rare. I used to think it was a trip to get my natural hair color put back in, but let’s be honest, that now has moved to the necessity list!
We should all plan something frequently for ourselves. It doesn’t even have to be a vacation necessarily, but just something simple that makes us happy. Linda was bubbly that she was there alone and could shop, become inspired to sew, and just be on her own schedule. I admired her for doing that, and she inspired me to do the same! So today, I am going to stop midafternoon and have a cup of tea. Simple sounding, I know, but when relaxing is intentional and personal to what you love, it is a treat!
The Original Sewing and Quilting Expo will be in Lakeland, Florida, this week. If you live in that area and enjoy beautiful sewing and quilting, please come. We would love to have you! To purchase tickets and explore classes and exhibitions offered at the event, visit this website here!
