So long as we have included the necessary ingredients into the dough for croissants, the batter for a soufflé, the mixing bowl for the cookies, then give the proper amount of heat and time in the oven, the baking process will produce a delicious outcome. 

Our lives can work much the same way.

If the life we have been dreaming about has not materialized as of yet, one of two things hasn't occurred: (1) we haven't found, learned or applied the right tools, lessons, ahas yet; or (2) if we have found all that is shared in #1, we haven't let enough time pass yet in order for the outcomes we seek to cross our path. In other words, in reference to the latter, we need to be patient. 

The tricky part is knowing which of the two is missing. And while we might assume we cannot know one way or the other, I have found that we can know. Simply ask yourself, what can I learn that is within my control? In other words, are you putting the odds in your favor, are you investing either with your time, attention or funds in the right avenues?

So much of the magic of life occurs when we let go and stop forcing or expecting or demanding that is must go one way or another in order to experience happiness. Paradoxically, and far more simply, all we actually have to do is tend to what is in our control, our tasks, and then let go and choose to dance with life. 

As TSLL's 3rd book - The Road to Le Papillon: Daily Meditations on True Contentment is set to be released this month (preordering for the hardback and paperback begins tomorrow - March 1st), many of the daily entries share inspiration, ideas and my own life lessons that remind me to practice the above two approaches to realizing the dreams I hoped would one day become my reality. 

While life does not give us a recipe with detailed steps; what we receive from life, should we choose to be a student of our life journey, resembles more of an instructional page Paul Hollywood may give bakers in 'the tent' during the Technical Baking segment of The Great British Bake-Off. This is all to the good because then there is more opportunity to be surprised, yet we have to step forward and show the world that we want to dance. If we don't dance, if we don't attempt to make the recipe, no surprises for us. Nope. So why not give yourself the opportunity to be delighted. I am confident, if my life is any indication, that the surprises will be delicious. 

In this month's newsletter, discover a detailed post on skincare products I use and recommend, as well as an in-depth look at the paradoxes of love as was shared on Valentine's Day, the new TSLL notepad was revealed and the title that was created by two TSLL readers, three Outfits of the Month to take you to Paris in the spring and speaking of Paris, Everyday Parisian blogger and photographer Rebecca Plotnick joined me for one of the two new episodes this past month. And there is much more. Oh! A brand new cookie recipe that, oh my goodness, after two years, the recipe is ready to be shared and it was worth the wait! I do hope you enjoy. 

Be sure to secure your copy of The Road to Le Papillon: Daily Meditations on True Contentment when it becomes available for pre-order tomorrow to ensure yours arrives by the official release date on March 22nd. Learn more about the book here. 

Until Thursday March 31st, I will see you on the blog.

—Shannon

~To explore every post you wish to read, be sure to become a member to one of the two tiers - BASIC or TOP as non-members can only read five posts a month (it will reset on the first of each month - tomorrow!).