Seasons Change

Photo by Michael Pointner on Unsplash

Hello. It feels like a long time since my last journal entry and wow, how things have changed. I want to start by acknowledging the passing of Queen Elizabeth II. I don’t want to add to the noise about how we should feel about this, but I do think it’s worth noting that whether we love or loathe the Royal Family, her death sparks change that we can’t help but be affected by.

September is the month I feel the most. The beginning of autumn always comes with a shift in energy. After a gloriously slow summer it was a shock to the system to fall back into our daily routines of packed lunches and school pick-ups. I remember as a child, the feeling of that first day back at school. The sun slightly lower in the sky as I posed outside the front door for my photo taken with my new bag and shiny shoes. A slight nip in the air and the fluttering of butterflies in my stomach as the nerves began to build. The line from the song still summing up all the feelings and memories as though they were yesterday. “Autumn days when the grass is jewelled, and the silk inside a chestnut shell.”

I didn’t hate school by any means, but I struggled a lot with change. I still do.

During the summer I applied for a job. At the time of writing this I’m not sure whether I’ll leave this section in or not. It feels a bit too much like admitting defeat.

I planned on continuing my work on Musings & Mondays but for a while I was tempted by the security of “normal” paid employment. Within days of the closing date though, I regretted applying. I realised that whilst aspects of the job sounded interesting, I was still far too passionate about my mission to support other self-employed folk to put this on the backburner whilst I navigated yet another change. And didn’t it go against everything I stand for anyway?

I think I acted out of fear, when the challenges of running a business in an ever-changing world felt a little too much to bear. I’m fairly sure we’re all feeling fatigued from the sheer amount of change we’ve lived through in the last two years. From the pandemic, a new Prime Minister and new King, to the cost of living crisis. It’s been a lot.

Some of us talk about these challenges openly, others power through. My goal is always to share the real and raw human feelings behind running a business, so I choose to share my doubts and fears just as often as I’ll share my wins.

As the last days of summer become the early days of autumn, I’m finding my feet as I settle into routines that serve me and my business in this season. As ever my wellbeing is always at the forefront of everything I do. Perhaps next week I’ll share a little more in depth about my daily work routines but for right now I just wanted to remind you that not all change is bad. It’s certainly something I need to remind myself of now and again.

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Moments that Matter

Each week I like to share a selection of moments from my week that have felt magical, joyful or just made it all feel worthwhile.

Walks in Nature

There’s something particularly magical about walking through the woods at this time of year. I’m making a really conscious effort to take a walk each day. Not as something that feels like a chore or another thing to tick off the to do list but as a very intentional way to honour my mind and body.

Old (as in previous) Clients

I’ve had several messages lately from clients I’ve worked with in the past. Some have given me little updates on their lives right now, others have enquired about working with me again. I never forget a client so it’s been lovely to reconnect.

Gratitude for Family Time

Regardless of our opinions on the Royals, hearing of a death is very sad and can certainly bring up feelings about grief and our own mortality. This week I’ve been very aware of how precious our loved ones are and how you really never know what tomorrow might bring.

It’s a bit of a confusing time for us business owners. Whether you’re taking time off to pay your respects, or you plan on carrying on business as usual, remember there is no rule book. No one really knows what they’re doing in this situation, so you do you.

Sending love and support to all those who need it.

Until next week,

Claire x