Going into July, I expected to continue the fiery, productive rhythm I’d found in June, where I was eagerly taking on every project in front of me in every spare moment I could find in my day. July, instead, humbled me and expectations quite a lot. While I’m still content with the progress I made, it was a clear reminder that life, especially in this season, doesn’t always go as planned.
July Reflections
Creative Wins & Progress
By the end of the month, I’d started minimizing what I had accomplished, but listing it out helped me see just how many “firsts” I actually hit. Most of these projects took extra courage, time, and trial-and-error.. If you ever want to get good at something you have to start by being bad at it first, and maybe I assumed I would be at least average at them but… nah😂. Regardless, here are what I’m considering my wins for the month!
- ✅ Published my first blog post
- ✅ Launched my YouTube channel
- ✅ Filmed, edited, and uploaded two videos (my introduction, and my first studio vlog)
- ✅ Designed my first-ever sticker sheet
- ✅ Mapped out a 6 week plan for a mini launch
- ✅ Created my personal content calendar
- ✅ Got creative with sketching and procreate
- ✅ Completed and presented a digital audit for my church
Family & Motherhood Highlights
I leaned into home and family life more on the days when my creative energy dipped or frustration took over, but there was also a good reason to cater to my loved ones more intently this month. First, Anya had gotten sick, resulting in our first family urgent care visit, and shortly after the in-laws made the trip down to visit, which was a blessing all around. Some other memorable things include:
- 💤 Anya transitioned to one nap a day
- 🐶 She’s now practicing animal sounds!
- 💜 Quality time with Mimi and Papa
- 🩺 Our first urgent care visit
- 🐣 Nesting for the new baby began!
Obstacles & Lessons Learned
A lot of my to-dos took longer than planned, which threw off the timelines I had in mind. That led to some inner criticism and frustration about not “keeping up.” But in hindsight, I should have expected delays. These were all brand-new skills and processes. Of course they’d take longer! Writing blogs will get faster. Video editing will find a rhythm. Designing products will eventually feel second nature. But right now, I’m still learning—and that’s okay.
Looking Ahead: August To-Dos
Admittedly, my to-do list is already feeling ambitious for going into my eighth month of pregnancy, but my goals are simpler. I’ve given myself a handful of tasks to get done weekly both for my Willow & Well mini-launch, and baby prep for our new arrival. If I can focus on those things one day at a time, I think they’ll remain manageable, and actually get done in good time.
I also want to ease back into my content calendar. Less pressure, but more consistency. Done is better than perfect. Finally, before I find myself completely immobile, I’m hoping to sneak in a few more fun outings and memory-making moments while we’re a family of three.
Some Monthly Tasks:
- Finalize product illustrations for launch
- Print and cut sticker products
- Prep website and packaging
- Support church with YouTube thumbnails
- Family weekend/day trips
- Nesting and baby prep
August Goals:
- ⭐️ Complete tasks for weekly launch plan and baby prep
- ⭐️ Stick to the content calendar in full this month
- ⭐️ Plan some and enjoy family outings
Closing Thoughts
I’ll confess my attitude about this month and next has drastically shifted from when I started writing this blog to drafting these closing thoughts. I was discouraged by what I hadn’t done and hesitant to share any kind of progress update at all. But the process of reflecting has shifted something in me. Instead of shame, I feel hopeful.
I thank the Lord for opening my eyes to the bigger picture here, which is that none of this is going to be perfect, especially the first time around. It’s about showing up, doing what I can, and trusting that progress adds up. I’ve been reminded that his timing is better than mine, and that this season was meant to grow me not just creatively, but spiritually.
If I stay rooted in Him, the fruit will come. Not always quickly, but faithfully, in His time.
-Maddie