Navigating business and loss

F*ck. It’s hard.

Annnnnnnnnnnnnd now that those offended by a well-place F?? are gone, you and I can get real about life as a business leader.?

And life lifes HARD sometimes, amiright?

Yesterday marked one year since my Father’s death and in that time I have never felt like?more of a...?

• flake
• letdown
• mess
• unfocused lump of cells

Am I being hard on myself?

Incredibly.

Is it warranted?

Partially.

He was the kindest person.

The most giving of his time, knowledge, and skill that I have ever known — and funny on top of it. I wish everyone had as great a Dad as I did.?

In short, he was my favorite human and this year without him hit me so much harder than I ever expected.

• My mental clarity and mood
• My overall health?
• My motivation?
• And in turn... my business?

How could it not?

When you are running on “low battery” for any length of time, it can feel impossible to be “a charger” for anyone else.

So what do you do when you can barely keep it together as a business owner?

Instead of fighting my feelings, trying to push them aside, and ignore my depression...?I sat in my feels.

I started to let myself “have a sad” — mostly in the shower. There’s something about the water, the warmth, the solitary space of a shower that makes me feel comforted and safe. I’ll unpack that another day...

But I am telling you all of this because it’s real.?

And I am still living through the suck.

You know running a business isn’t easy and I am not here to candy coat this? ??.

So, where do we go from here??

Let me share a few personal strategies that have helped me navigate this difficult time:

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings:?

It's crucial to recognize and accept your emotions as they come. Give yourself the space to feel without judgment. This isn’t about being weak; it’s about being aware.

2. Seek Support:?

Don't go at this alone. Reach out to friends, loved ones, or even professionals who can offer support. Remember, leaning on others shows strength, not weakness. I believe we'd all be better off if we all went to therapy at some point in our lives.

3. Establish Routine Self-Care:?

Incorporate small self-care actions into your daily routine. It could be as simple as a five-minute meditation each morning or an evening walk. These moments can significantly impact your mental health and clarity. Personally, I?love the app Breethe (yes, that's how they spell it ?? )

4. Set Realistic Expectations:?

Adjust your expectations of what you can achieve during tough times. It's okay not to operate at 100% efficiency. What matters is that you're still moving forward, however slow it may seem. Remember, “On the days you have only 40%, and you give 40%. You gave 100%.”?- Jim Kwik

5. Plan for Small Wins:

Set small, achievable goals to help regain a sense of accomplishment and control. Celebrating small wins can be a powerful motivator and a way to build momentum.

6. Stay Connected:

Keep in touch with fellow business owners who understand the pressures and challenges you face. Consider joining a community like ours at Sprk'd, where you can find support and share your experiences with peers who get it.

We're all — at some level — figuring it out as we go, and it's okay to admit that sometimes, it just plain sucks. But by taking these steps, we can find our footing again, even when the ground seems to shift beneath us.

I appreciate you reading — especially today — and hope some part helps you,

Christine

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