When It’s Time to Pause the Dream (But Not Let It Die)

Today was hard.

Not in the chaotic, tantrum-filled, laundry-still-in-the-washer kind of way, but in the soul-level, “I have to let go of something I love for something I love even more” kind of way.

I walked into our homeschool room, preparing to make more space. We already learn year-round, but now we’re shifting into deeper waters. Little more structure, focus, and more of me needed….fully present.

And in the middle of that shift sat my Glowforge.

My creative beast. My business partner. My therapy session on four wheels. That laser cutter changed my life when I first launched my business. It allowed me to dream in wood and acrylic, to design gifts and pieces that held meaning for others, relaxation for me, and the additional money didn’t pose a threat!

But today, I had to roll it out. Make space. Make room.

And as I did, I had a come to Jesus moment right there in the middle of all the craft dust and memories.

I cried.

Because it hurt.

Not because I’m giving it away (I’m not, don’t get it twisted).

But because right now, this chapter is different.

My son needs me more than my business does.

He’s growing.

He’s learning differently.

And I’ve got to be all in.

The kind of “all in” that doesn’t have room for laser beams and online orders.

Let’s be real; it’s hard to choose. It’s hard to sacrifice.

But I reminded myself:

I’m not burying this dream. I’m shelving it.

And just like that Glowforge, covered and waiting in the corner….it can come back out.

Maybe when I learn to balance this new season.

Maybe sooner.

I don’t know.

I just know that right now… my baby comes first.

He needs a teacher, a safe space, a mom who’s not split in half.

And even though it’s hard, I can be that for him.

Will I miss the hum of the machine and the smell of burning wood?

Maybe not the smell.

But the me that felt alive when creating? Absolutely.

That version of me isn’t gone.

She’s just standing in the background, holding space while another version steps forward….One with a whiteboard in hand and love laced through every lesson.

To every mama choosing one passion so another can grow, I see you!

And I promise:

Your dreams don’t die here.

They just wait for you to come back!

Follow for more realness @raisingmywiredking