How much growth can you handle?

Johanna wearing a blouse with fringe sleeves and sunglasses

Today I do not feel like I want to post about fashion. Today is one of those Truth Tuesday posts. I've been reflecting quite a bit about all the change 2017 has brought. Some of it has been pretty fabulous while others have been quite stressful. With only two months to go, I can safely say that 2017 was not one of my favorite years and the word on the street is that many people feel the same. 2017 was a year of change. 

And 2018...if you're listening...you better bring it!

The last three months have brought on so much change both professionally and personally. It's a tough pill to swallow because truthfully, I was hit all at once. There was no spacing out the ups and downs...it was like life body slammed me but you don't have a second to catch your breath. You are simply expected to get up the next day, rinse and repeat.

On a side note, everything is fine with my husband, marriage and company. We all have our health and that is paramount. I digress...

I've learned a lot with owning my own business. There's a steady flow of 'constructive' feedback that can, at times, be a bit stifling. I often joke that I've taken enough feedback and learned enough to last me all of 2018. No joke. It's a pride swallowing phenomenon that I knew was bound to happen in creating a brand - I just didn't know how thick it was going to be laid on at times.

While some of my loved ones are under particularly higher stress situations, conversations seem to gravitate towards, "Why is this happening?" or "What did we do to deserve this?" I can't say I blame them. It's a natural reaction. But lately, all of the challenges have actually made me a bit angry. And a lot emotional. My husband is quite literally the only one who witnesses the wide spectrum of emotions I've been feeling and he's a saint for it because the highs are really high and the lows are really low.

Fortunate for me, I don't have all the answers and life is a big mystery. Swell. But, that answer won't get me any further...it won't land me my next account or make my client love our work more, it won't solve problems for my loved ones, it won't make me a better friend, sister, coworker, wife or mother. Which begs the question...

How much growth can you handle?

I would say I am at maximum capacity. And as much as I joke about the world owing me something - the world does not. We make our own 'luck', choose our own destiny and make our own decisions. Those decisions affect us and everyone around us on a daily basis. What's that saying about life handing you lemons? I think it boils down to these truths, for me, at least. And every day that sucks the life out of me as an entrepreneur or any other title for that matter...this is what I have to remind myself: <and yes, you will often find me talking to myself in the car>

  1. Tomorrow is a new day. 

  2. Tomorrow this will be much smaller than it really is.

  3. You can do this! Put on some gangsta rap and handle it.

  4. Deep breaths. Walk away from the computer. 

  5. Everyone needs a hug, some days.

  6. Go work out...you'll feel better.

  7. Learn to say NO. You don't have to be everything to everyone. 

  8. Let them figure it out. Don't try to solve everyone's problems.

  9. You've got this. You've done it before. 

  10. What goes around, comes around. 

  11. The universe is telling you something. Don't fight it.

  12. If you see a pattern - change directions.

  13. Sleep cures EVERYTHING!

  14. Be confident. Be brave.

I'm curious, what do you do to get through life's speed bumps? Are you a private person or do you lean on your friends?

I think I am more of a private person. Writing this post has been about 60 days in the making and I often questioned whether I should hit PUBLISH or not but it's a cathartic activity. It's like venting to a best friend only you have no idea if they are listening. Ha. 

For today, I am gently reminding myself that I am a work in progress; under construction. So, please pardon the dust. 

Check out today's link ups: Pink SoleMusings of a HousewifeFashionista MommaMore Pieces of MeWatch Out for the Woetsmans Fizz and FrostingStyle ElixirI Do deClaireGaray TreasuresThe Mummy ChroniclesThe Pleated PoppyTucker UpGet Your Pretty OnShopping My Closet Penniless Socialite, Sincerely Jenna MarieLiving in Color!