A Real Life Update
These past few months have been a bit of a roller coaster - for all of us.
Last week I was sitting in my “office” at my Mom and Stepdad’s house, where my husband and I are currently living, because our studio apartment isn’t very functional for both of us to do our daily activities like live and work. Taking conference calls from our closet floor isn’t exactly what I would consider a productive working space. Anyway, last week when I was sitting in my office I was trying to write a blog post and I just couldn’t come up with anything that was useful or purposeful - so I put it on hold for another week hoping the inspiration to write would strike.
As most of you know this past February I launched Balanced Roots Retreats. Never in one million years could I have imagined that a global pandemic would hit, and we would all be facing what we have been facing during the past few months. For anyone, this is such an interesting time to live in, and as a new, fresh, small business owner it can feel especially challenging.
On top of the uncertainty that COVID-19 has brought about, my husband and I found out in January that we are expecting a baby this October. We are so overjoyed and excited for this chapter of our lives, but it has also been a particularly scary chapter. I have had an unusually complicated pregnancy, that I will spare you from all of the details - but if you’d like to read more about it, you can read that here. This journey has been nothing short of a roller coaster bringing us days of hope and joy, and bringing us days of gut-wrenching pain and fear.
If there has been any time that I’ve felt like I’m getting into a bit of a rhythm for the business, something seems to knock the wind totally out of my soul; like a hospital visit or bad news from a doctor. The kind of news that you can’t really recover from in just one day. It takes a few days of rest, talking to my support system and journaling to try and dig myself out of the hole that I keep finding myself in.
Right now, life feels particularly uncertain. The energy I want to bring to my business, I haven’t been able to muster up. I’ve been able to focus on the bare minimum, asking myself, “at a minimum, what can I accomplish today?” Some days it’s taking a nap and responding to one email. Other days when I’m feeling a little more fight and energy, I will embrace with a warm hug, and try to accomplish as much as I’m able.
Lately I haven’t known exactly what to put into the universe for Balanced Roots. I want to spread good energy and help people get through this uncertain time - but some days I’m the one who needs the help getting through. It’s been difficult to know what’s authentic to put into the universe. This business comes from deep in my soul, so when I’m not feeling it, it’s hard to “fake it”.
So here I sit, another day where I’m feeling a sense of hope. I feel scared and worried, but I’m trying to turn to signs that are pointing me in the direction of hope and focus on those. I’m trying to get back on the zig-zagged ladder of life and focus my energy on my business. I want to bring other people joy and positivity and share my real, true authentic self that is also my business.
Right now I can’t carry out my vision of hosting weekend retreats where I bring a group of 8-10 women together in one space to build camaraderie and community; to lift each other up and to guide each other through their self-development journeys. But, there are a few things I can do, and that I am doing and offering during this time.
Journal and Meditation Course
In partnership with Ang Stocke Coaching and Ericka Jones, I have launched a 2-Part Journal and Meditation Course. This course consists of 14-days, where you receive daily journal prompts, along with a daily 5-15 minute guided meditation. There are three connection calls led by myself and Ang Stocke, where we guide you through your learnings and personal-development journey, and where you have the opportunity to receive some 1:1 live coaching for other’s to learn from.
If you enjoy the first course, you have the option to sign up for the Part II Course, where you can continue on your journey, learning about yourself and connecting with those around you. For more information on the course, and dates - please visit our website.
Digital Retreats
We’re also currently offering a 1-day digital retreat. The retreats have been designed to incorporate all of the elements of our flagship weekend retreats, without as much of a time commitment. The one-day retreats will create virtual connection, come at a lower price point, and will take place in the comfort of you own home.
For more information on the digital retreats, please visit our website.
So, in the midst of the uncertainty, I am navigating some uncharted waters with the rest of you. Right now, some days aren’t our best days, and some days are a little better. I truly believe in this business that I created. I believe in helping other women along their self-development journeys in small ways and big ways. I believe that Balanced Roots can provide you with a community of women that you didn’t know you needed in your life - that will lift you up and help support you when you need to feel support.
Last week when we were in the hospital, the Chaplin stopped by to visit us and asked us to describe what the current anchors were in our day. For me right now I don’t have a lot of them, but I know on the days that I move by body, get some sleep, write in my journal and do my readings - those are the days when I feel better. Where I feel a tiny sense of routine and normalcy. I encourage you to use this time to give yourself grace - to understand that right now our to-do lists don’t necessarily look like they might have before, and that’s ok. I encourage you to find the anchors in your day, and as much as possible stick to those.