I realize that this seems abrupt, although from where I stand it certainly doesn’t feel like it. Almost three whole years ago my friend E said, “You should start a blog” to which I replied, “I would NE-ver write a blog.” Not that I had anything against them; I’m just a fairly private person and it isn’t my style to discuss the inner workings of my self/life/family online, which is what I (naively) envisioned all blogs to be. Aside from a rough outline in my head of what an ideal outcome would look like, I ventured forth with very little expectation.
Not only did I end up revealing much more of myself (both intentionally and not so) than I had anticipated, I learned and accomplished more than I ever dared to imagine. The most surprising thing to me, was how much I discovered about myself, who I am and who I have become. I have met people and forged lifelong friendships that I am so unbelievably grateful for, it almost hurts to think that I might have missed them. I’ve received e mails that have made me cry – in both the happy and ugly ways – yet mostly served to prove that people in general are mind-blowingly compassionate, empathetic, gracious and kind.
Much more than the sum of it’s pages, LASM is a part of me that bloomed out of the darkest period in my life; I cared for and nurtured her and with your continued support, she grew to a proportion that was unrecognizable, even to me. She surpassed all of my expectations with the lessons and growth she afforded me, and for this I will always be true to her. She is still a part of me – but only a part – one that has moved beyond the computer screen and annals of the inter-webs, since inevitably with growth comes change.
I choose to leave now out of respect; for myself and for L.A. Stylist Mom, but mostly for you, my readers. I made a pledge to continually write with integrity and enthusiasm and although not a writer by trade, I did this for ever so long. For the majority of the time, I couldn’t wait to sit down in front of my computer to share and connect and research and edit. As my business grew and time became scarce, coming here began to feel more like a task. As dreary as that sounds, it was compounded by the fact that I could see that tedium reflected in my posts and in my heart, and in combination, these two things let me know it was time to walk away because we both deserve more.
And so I do – with a smile – into my ‘other’ life, one that’s not lived in the reflection of white computer light, but is instead filled with tangibles like grubby little hands and basketball practices and dinners with friends and tending to my real-life clients, which is and always was, my true passion. Although I may have outgrown her here, I take with me the exhilarating anticipation of bigger projects to come, courtesy of L.A. Stylist Mom…and you. And for this I sincerely thank you, from the bottom of my heart…
Yours,
Bethany
(Bethany Winters is available for both online and in-person styling, consultation and contributing editing. Click here for a list of services and pricing. She can be reached at lastylistmom (at) yahoo (dot) com, on Twitter at @LAStylistMom, or visit her at Tres Chic Now where she is a regular contributor.)
