Back To Our Roots
I am having a hard time trying to figure out how to write this, but I suppose like most things, starting at the beginning is best. As some of you know, I have been on sabbatical for the last two months. Now you may be wondering why I made this decision.
For the last seven years, I have worked diligently to run three businesses. To reflect on the last 7 years, leaves me so damn proud of our growth, our team, and most importantly, the positive impact these businesses have had on our community. As you can imagine though, making this happen wasn’t easy. It took perseverance, resilience, and a lot of late nights. With the addition of being a small business in the pandemic (and a million other things), I needed a moment to just breathe.
Up until 2 months ago, I was going non-stop and permanently “on.” There wasn’t necessarily one big moment, but rather, several small moments that made me realize, I was completely drained and depleted. I needed motivation, passion, a creative spark; I needed a pause.
Believe it or not, the sabbatical didn’t come easy at first. It was harder than I anticipated to truly disconnect and set new boundaries for myself. Who knew checking emails and posting on social media can become such a hard habit to break?! Fortunately, with the help of an amazing team and the awareness that I needed a break, I was slowly able to ease into the time off. For the first time in almost a decade, I prioritized myself, my mental health, and shifted my focus to self-care. I let myself rest emotionally, physically, mentally, and came to realize how much I appreciate moments of stillness and silence. Speaking of, does anybody else feel like moments of true clarity happens when it’s silent? There are probably a million emotions and experiences I can say to describe this time, but the best way to wrap it in two words is life changing.
As I write this letter to you, I am slowly coming back to the space I know and love so dearly, but, more than ever, it’s making me realize how much I needed this time off. I am elated to say that I am coming back rested and feeling so incredibly inspired.
These couple of months off have blessed me with a sense of clarity on how I can reapproach my businesses with a new sense of being. Quite frankly, I don’t even know how I did it all before. How did I do all the things, run all the companies, manage all the decisions and not constantly feel like I’m drowning? I stand by the fact that I am a do-er and a dreamer, but now, I am giving myself full and unconditional permission to slow down and pause when needed.
If “Sabbatical Jen” (as my friends and family have called me during this time) leaves you with anything, it’s that your days are yours; you get a say in how you spend them. I know there’s a season for everything and, of course, there will be times when “hustle” is the season you are in, but just as necessary and valuable, is the season of “rest.” I don’t take it for granted that I was able to take this time. Quite honestly, I don’t think I could have kept going if I didn’t.
I have worked so hard to build companies that prioritize supporting others, and can’t wait to continue in this new light of doing MORE of just that. As a gentle reminder for each of you, don’t forget to step back and realize that your life is beautiful because YOU say it is.
As for what’s next, let me just say that EXCITEMENT is an understatement. I am so ready to show you what’s to come. I feel changed and inspired to keep creating and dreaming, but I also feel a new sense of self on what I want the future of the companies to look like.
I have a new purpose and now I am ready to implement a new perspective. I may not be able to truly describe my heart and how it feels today - but for now I just want to say I am so grateful for each of you. You supported me during this time where I found the best version of myself and can’t wait to continue to be totally, unapologetically my truest self.
XX
Jen