The last few weeks have been tough. Business has been quiet, and I've been getting more and more disheartened as not only do I have no money to go out and do things, but I have no money to spend on supplies for my business. I have loads of ideas for new products, but can't really spare the money to try them out. I started to get all mopey, and of the 'what's the point' attitude, which is never good when you're running your own business! So I wanted to make this list to remind myself of all the good things in my life right now, and all the things I'm loving. When I started writing it my aim was to think of ten things - but it quickly grew and grew. It made me realise that although things may not be great at times, I still have so much to be grateful for!
1. finding cool things at car boot sales
2. stamping new stationery for my Etsy orders
3. making amazing new friends both online and in person at fairs
4. cinnamon roll pop tarts
5. learning new things every day (at the age of 25 I have just learnt to change the margins on a word document so you don't have a huge blank gap at the bottom of the page!)
6. post-it notes
7. having such a supportive family
8. having an awesome and cheap indie cinema nearby
9. being able to work for myself
10. magazines that inspire me
11. film photography
12. coffee in its many forms
13. having parks in walking distance so I can escape and clear my head
14. pretty nail varnishes to paint my nails in pretty colours
15. Buffy the Vampire Slayer, for keeping me entertained while I work
16. the rain
17. washi tapes
18. the fact that my birthday is only a month away!
19. Frightfest 2012 for giving me something to look forward to and work towards!
20. my ipad
21. having my own workspace full of inspiring things
22. getting things in the post
23. takeaway food
24. my pupster who keeps me comnpany
25. being healthy and safe and happy
What are you grateful for? If you're feeling disheartened or down, why not take a moment to make a list of all the good things in your life?
I have actually just been chatting to my best friend on the phone about exactly this - we have been getting down about things like boys and our crap day jobs and having no money or enough time. But then we have amazing friends, talent and the drive to use it, our health, families, and nice food and good music and funny things on youtube. So it's OK. Everything gets overwhelming at times, but it's important to take a step back to see all the great things we have going for us! I love these lists posts, too! Lists are ace.
ReplyDeleteDon't get discouraged Zoe!!! You are so amazing + talented!! xoxo
ReplyDeleteAw, I think it's just a quiet time of year - everyone's spending money on holidays right now. I bet things pick up again soon. But this list is great (and has made me want to watch Buffy again).
ReplyDeleteI am in a bummer mood today. i love when people make happy lists. There is always at least 1 thing I can relate to and that picks me up. Thanks for psoting!
ReplyDeleteIt's so easy to get stuck in a depressive rut so lists like this are so good for lifting your spirits. Courage! Things will get better soon
ReplyDeletexxx
Great idea for a list. It's always a good idea to remember the good things, even if they're just small. Will definitely be making my own list to remind myself. Don't let The Fear take you, you're doing great stuff!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you said this! (not in a mean way). I've been having a massive melt down at the mo. It's so hard when you are working for yourself & you have so many ideas but it takes money & bravery to do them. I've just forked out a massive amount of money buying new fabrics & I'm now totally pennyless (well minus pennyless) but I think it is really important to invest what you can back into your business as it can give you a new lease of life. There is no point pottering along if you end up resenting what you do, it totally stunts creativity.
ReplyDeleteWhat's so funny is that with the whole 'blog world' you end up feeling shitty because you look at everyone else doing similar things & thinking they have no troubles & are selling loads etc (I totally admire you for doing so well). Thing is you really are doing super! & selling really lovely stuff.
Anyway, thanks for letting me have my little rant - hope it is more optimistic than negative, :) haha.
I think we all need one of those cheesey cat on a branch posters saying 'hang in there' are they so bad they are good yet? Hmmm.
great list! i'm sorry you are feeling like things are a little slow moving right now! i hope they pick back up real soon! because we all want to see your new & creative ideas! :-)
ReplyDeleteI have been feeling rather the same way! I'm really struggling for space and monies to make all the new things I want to, and have been getting all mopey too!
ReplyDeleteThis is such a great idea though.... I can list lots of the same things (although I covet your workspace and pupster) but I'm also so grateful for my boyfriend and his constant support, as well as 18 different types of tea in the cupboard, and the fact I've finally got a radio to listen to whilst I work!
Thanks for sharing the idea....glad it's helped you too!