It finally happened. It is rare. I don't always handle it well. But, I DROPPED the damn ball. 

You know what that's like, right? I pride myself on follow-through. On getting things done. Of making things happen.

But. I had one too many balls in the air. I didn't have a great system in place to track everything going on or all my obligations. 

So, I reacted first by beating myself up a little. Shared the story with a couple friends (I chose wisely here... I didn't need anyone else beating me up or admonishing me.) And then, I. Let. It. Go.

None of this is about perfection. I am perfectly flawed and human. Truly two of my best traits. 

So I write my words of gratitude. I focus on what went right instead of wrong. I look around this magical space and get excited about the possibilities. And I remember: I believe I can so I will.
(This artwork is by our friends at Wildwood Creative and available in my shop.)

​So now your turn, tell me, what do you do to get through dropping a ball?

I experienced a bit of an epiphany today... I was having a casual convo with a friend and she said, 'wow... you have come so far in such a short time'... And of course, like many of you, my initial instinct was to diminish my accomplishments. Yes... yes... it's true. Even I, the woman who is able to claim 'I have a GREAT idea'.... or 'Look what I DID!' still have a hard time when my accomplishments are noticed by others. But, I recognized my instinct and instead said Thanks.... and then we talked about how it is we (both) are able to do this thing in getting lots done in seemingly short amounts of time.

I think for me it's because I don't like the beginning... this is a strong statement...this is the epiphany. Because I always imagined myself to be a 'starter'. But I prefer the middle. I like things that are established. Solid. (so I can set about changing things?) And, I like things running along and trouble-shooting when necessary. I love that when you walk into my space it doesn't feel like I just opened a few short months ago. Like I've been here for awhile and you're only just now discovering the shop.

Another part of this epiphany has to do with wondering if I hold back from beginning something because I don't like the beginning... because I want to be in the middle and am impatient. So my thought for you is to begin anywhere. But begin. Don't hold back. You've got this.

What do you like about beginnings and middles?

There are a lot of things people don't tell you when you decide to open a business. And a lot of things they DO tell you that, quite frankly are wrong or don't apply to you. The key is being able navigate through it all without freaking out (too much.)

I don't know that I've completely mastered it, but I DO know I'm far better at it now than I was once upon a time. Here are a few tips for holding onto your sanity when you're making a scary choice and going for it.

1- Don't listen to the naysayers. Even when they are those closest to you. Thank them for their input if you want to preserve the relationship, and then let it go. Don't try to defend your position with someone who doesn't get it or will never be on board with your leap.
2- When you are being bold it scares people. Try to remember that their reaction has nothing to do with you and everything to do with them. 
3- Cut yourself some slack. As the owner you are going to be responsible for everything to begin with... undoubtedly there will be a learning curve and while you try to get it all done, things will invariably fall through the cracks. It is going to happen. It won't be the end of the world.
4. Surround yourself as much as you can with people who cheer you on and challenge you to soar even higher. We have enough of a 'oh my god what have I just done' script running through our heads. We need those who are willing to leap with us! Especially for those days when we aren't so sure...

​What are YOUR tips for moving through uncertainty?