“Every day you play with the light of the universe.” ~Pablo Neruda
Dear Universe,
Confession: I’ve learned having your own business requires a lot of solo pep talks.
It’s hard work, running a business, so it’s easy to listen to the voice that wants to talk you out of things. It’s the voice filled with an ounce of fear, a handful of panic, a cupful of worry, and a good ole hearty dose of self-doubt just for good measure.
So instead I’ve learned to try and drown that voice out with one that is certain, positive and fired up.
In these last few years, I’ve talked myself into a lot of things in pursuing this dream of mine. Like… showing up to events at eight and a half months pregnant, or showing up to events even when I had to go alone, or when there was a crazy snowstorm, or a sweltering heat wave, or when my heart ached with guilt and sadness leaving the baby. And sometimes I’d have the thought—Hey Universe, you see me showing up? I hope you see how serious I am!
Usually these moments are followed by silence, but voicing it helps me feel motivated to keep going anyway.
For instance, yesterday I had some business stops I was determined to make. The baby was with me, which is always an adventure. It means juggling him and the stroller, my work bag, and any snacks/books/bottles/toys/tricks to keep the baby occupied. As hard as it was, and as easy as it would have been to talk myself out of it, I found myself saying—“Universe, I’m showing up anyway. One day I’ll look back and laugh at these memories.” And so, I went on with my day as planned and we made it through.
Later I was getting a manicure, and as my time wrapped up, I found myself thinking of all the things I still had left to do and wondering how and when they’d get done.
At that moment, my manicurist commented on my bracelet saying she liked it. I explained it was one of my own—that I designed jewelry and then I pointed out my necklaces. Out of the corner of my eye I noticed the two women paying next to us, looking over at me and talking. I looked at them and one said, “I was just telling my friend I love your jewelry! You design it?”
Before I could answer her friend said, “I’ve bought your jewelry before!” She shared how she met me at an event back in September and bought something for herself and some gifts as well.
It was so unexpected and so lovely to reconnect with a customer. I was flattered she even remembered me. And the thing is there’s been more and more of these unexpected, serendipitous moments lately.
I had to laugh because the timing was, as it always is, perfect.
Because sometimes I talk to the Universe, begging for a sign that we’re in this together, a sign that I’m on the right track, that I should keep moving forward, that it’s all coming together.
Usually that moment is followed by silence, but sometimes the Universe talks back through a bumper sticker on a car, a song on the radio, well-timed words from my mom, my husband, a friend, a stranger, or a customer to say —Yes girl, I see you showing up. Obviously. Okay? Now keep on going. There’s more to do.
And so that’s my message for all of you today. Keep on going. Keep doing the work. You never know who is watching, who is noticing, or who you’re inspiring.
Things may feel unclear or slow at times, but if you stop showing up, things just stop.
“Nothing happens until something moves.” ~Albert Einstein
Besides, the Universe is watching. So show up. Be all in. Let it be known how serious, how passionate, how excited, how hardworking, how focused, and how driven you are.
More importantly, you’re watching. So do the things that will make your future self smile. Do the things that will make yourself proud. Commit. Everyday commit to your dream. Accept that some days will be easier to navigate than others, but commit. Show yourself how serious, how passionate, how excited, how hardworking, how focused, and how driven you are.
Commit.
In other words, be your fabulous self.
With Gratitude,
