With October’s arrival, I’m reminded of my life this time last year. I was seriously exhausted and ill and wondering what I was going to do.

I remember wondering if it was time to listen to Lee and get out! I went back and forth and back and forth trying to determine what choice would best benefit us.

I prayed, cried, doubted, discussed.

At one point at the end of October, I became violently ill with what was nothing more than a cold. I knew then and there that I had to quit. I just had to figure out some way to pull my priorities back into line.

On the first of November, I gave my notice to my landlord and went away for a retreat. I spent the weekend enjoying myself and wondering how in the world  I was going to go out of business in one month!

November was a very stressful busy month but it was also exhilarating. I only thought of disposing of my business. I couldn’t plan beyond that.

Many people came and helped me pack up and clean the last few days. Many of you supported me through kind words and prayer. My employees were incredible.

Now nearly a year later, I can see God’s hand and God’s timing in all of that. I often want to kick myself for not making this choice sooner.

In many many ways, I am far busier than I was while running a business. I rarely have time to just lounge or do what I want to do. That is in part due to the fact that I am truly still a single mom. Single moms don’t get down time very often.

Even though Lee is able to help me around the house sometimes and he is working (PRAISE GOD!), the parenting is still all on my shoulders. I can’t wait until I’m not the only disciplinarian for example.

This past year has been crazy!

I’ve worked on learning photography.

Lee was released from prison.

I’ve done some odd jobs and part time things.

I’ve tried to take better care of myself (I’m failing on that one by the way.) I’ve begun working out though–since February. That’s a positive step!

A lot of changes have been made. Many things are better than I hoped they’d be. Many things are busier than I thought they’d be. But it’s all good. I have not been feeling well for a long while. I think it’s due to the stress of this situation, but it really wears me down. Many times I have thanked God that I didn’t have the store, because I do not think I could have physically run it while feeling as I do.

Here are some positives I enjoy now!

I enjoy not having employees. I loved them all but employing people is a stressful situation.

I enjoy not writing tax checks to the state  and federal government.

I enjoy not retaining an accountant.

I enjoy driving around town without the need to look for a better location, nice window displays, or checking out the competition.

I enjoy reading magazines or newspapers without dissecting the ads and cataloging ideas for my own ads.

I enjoy not dealing with cranky customers! You know how they say “the customer is always right?” That is so not true. I’ve heard some amazing things come out of the mouth of customers. For example one said she wasn’t paying the sales tax because I wouldn’t lower the price for her! HAHA! Pull that one at Walmart honey.

I enjoy having my schedule determined by me rather than the store. You DO know don’t you that owning a business does not equate a life of ease and luxury right?

I enjoy a lack of paperwork and bank deposits.

I enjoy no overhead!

I enjoy a lack of salespeople and telemarketers taking up my day. Telemarketing was worse at the store than it’s ever been at home!

I enjoy being able to have a Saturday off!

I enjoy feeling like I have my brain back. It feels like it has so much room! Letting the business details go opened up a whole new world for me.

I also do not miss naughty children ripping my store to shreds and the mothers who allow that behavior. The worst was the 2 children shopping with 4 adults. They actually danced in my display windows and took everything down while the adults ignored them! (GRR!)

I do have some regrets about starting the store. I went against my husband’s wishes when I opened it. He and I were not in a good place and I was scared so I acted on my own.

I regret the time and energy it took from my family and the things that James had to miss out on because I was tied to the store. Most of my work weeks were 60 hours plus.

I learned much about myself and my abilities. I learned so much about business and have a wonderful respect for small business owners. I will never wonder if I could have done it. I did do it and I did it very well.

I often see customers around town and they ask me if I miss the store. I always say “no.” They look startled usually. Sure I miss the people I got to know and I wonder how some of them are at times, but being at the store constantly tied down and always working to make more money? That I don’t miss in the least.

I am so thankful that I followed God’s leading and finally listened to my husband. This past year has been good and new and had it’s own challenges. I’ve seen time and again God’s ability to provide for us.

I just wish I had made this decision sooner!

If you never knew I owned a store, here are a few posts I shared.

Most Women aren’t like You a chat with my business coach

Moving Day Help about moving my store to a new location

I’m closing my store my initial announcement

Wrapping it Up thoughts on my last day in business.

Filed under: Family, This & That | 4 Thoughts Shared »