We live, We Learn, We Grow.
It is crazy how quickly all the things we have achieved with our life - and time - seem to fade from memory and disintegrate into vanishing sand, as things move forward and we choose different directions on our road. Along the way, the person we were - somehow became a distant memory - not only to those closest to us, but to ourselves too.
I stumbled upon a handful of photos this evening, which catapulted me back to 2009 and took me on a trip down memory lane from that point, right through to 2017.
2009 did not mark the beginning of that “business adventure”, but it did mark a defining turning point. That being, the birth of my son - my divorce two months later and the rest, well - it was history well worth remembering! For anybody doubting their ability or will to “carry on” right now… let me tell you - at that stage in my life, I didn’t want to. Nope, I was quite ready to walk away (and lose) everything I had worked for.
I didn’t - and it changed my life. For the better. Despite how hard it was to take the first step. My trauma became the catalyst for my triumph.
No, my shop is not around anymore, but for 11 years I owned and built one of the most (publicly) popular and definitely awesome design, copy & print shops in the Southern Suburbs of the Western Cape. A small affair we were - but we were SO BIG in passion and spirit - and that literally carried our reputation throughout the whole of SA.
My tiny little “print on demand” shop dealt with some of South Africas finest brands - but it was also a place the locals called home. It was a space people could look forward to coming to and for those who worked for themselves, or did not work at all… it was a spot to connect with the world and community around them.
It is hard to put into words really, just how special it was. Not just for me - but for everyone who walked through those doors. It was a perfect harmonisation of energies and passions… and together we built something so very special.
I sat here tonight, contemplating it all - how different my life is right now, and how grateful I am for everything which that slice of my life taught me.
I strutted around on stiletto heels for ten hours a day, conceptualised peoples business design ideas, helped internet customers with their coffee orders, cleared jams out the print machines, sat and designed peoples visions, handled estimations, admin, the phone and also did my absolute best to keep my team motivated, inspired and focused - and I loved every single second - even the bad ones.
Ten years ago - did I see myself here now, in the middle of nowhere, baking sourdough bread for a little village of people and selling my starter to people across South Africa?! Lol - no! Definitely wasn’t on my radar of “to do’s” or achievements. But here we are - and I am happy.
For a very long time, I was completely consumed (almost obsessed) with “making it” in the corporate world. This determination and passion somewhat took a direction of it’s own - even back then… and it was fantastic, but it drained me of absolutely everything I had to give as a human being. I was forever running on empty and every single day was another “punt” at making it in the bigger picture.
There is only “so much” each of us has in our tank and our reserve - and once we start dipping into our reserve, we begin to dwindle. Carry on we will though - despite all circumstance.
This inability to let go, will teach each and every one of us a slightly different lesson. But it will teach you a lesson and it will absolutely be one you will never forget, because the lesson is normally bundled and accompanied by all sorts of chaos, failure and surrender - physically, mentally and emotionally.
Such is life.
We live. We learn.
We grow.
❤❤❤
Until next time...
Much Love from Country Bumpkinland, South Africa xxx
Jaynielea
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Lessons we learn.
In "another life," I gave 13 years of my life to a home grown import business and arts and crafts gallery. We on awards. We were featured as a "top 50 small retailer" in the US. We did things normally reserved for large deparment store chains... and beat their arses at it.
But you're right, there's only so much in our tanks. And I paused ask who exactly I was trying to impress? For whose benefit was all this work? My average work week was about 66 hours. For what?
Be proud of what you built! You accomplished something others could not. You made a difference; a mark; an impression. We both did, in our separate corners of the world.
Celebrate the accomplishment, but don't dwell on the "what ifs."
Just rambling...
We each learn our lesson. Mine was that the relentless pursuit of success wasn't my dream, it was a reflection of other people's expectations for me. "You have so much potential! Youll change the world!"
What if the "change" I want to make in the world involves kindness and compassion, rather than a bottom line?
xo
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Yes absolutely! My tank was definitely on reserve back then, lol. and agreed - for what?! Makes me think a lot of the lyrics from the song "bittersweet symphony"
True damn story!!! XOXOXO
You know I appreciate your rambling ;)
I love this!!! because it is just that so much of the time - external influence. Social pressure. Obligation. Ego. and if there is one thing I have definitely learned as I have gotten older is that I want no part in it. Well, as little as humanly possible any way, lol
Paths that lead straight ahead, always in the same direction, are so boring! Life consists of serpentines: let's just keep meandering through the next few years! It'll be fine ;-))
Very very true!!! Even though it can be challenging in moments, I would like to say that for the most part I embrace change. It means you're growing... right?! :D
That is the plan :D
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