Like many others, COVID put me in a funk. I am the definition of, “creature of habit.” I don’t like to get out of my routine because then I can’t get back in it. That would be why I have failed countless times at workout programs. I do really well for a few weeks, then I take a rest day and I don’t go back for months. I am currently in that cycle. I didn’t think that would be the case with certain things. I was wrong.
I started my full-time job in January 2019. It was a dream come true. I looked forward to waking up at 5am, getting ready, doing my makeup, and wearing office attire. I absolutely loved it and was thriving. About two months before the pandemic hit, I was working out everyday and was feeling really good. Then, the pandemic hit. I kept getting ready for the first two weeks. But, after that it was downhill.
I was living alone in Chicago. My family and friends were 3 hours away. Chicago was locked down. I was struggling financially, living alone. It was a time. I moved home six months later and thought all my answers had been change. However, that presented its own challenges. I found myself at the beginning of April 2022, still in this funk. Was it a funk or was it my new personality, to just be “ehh” with life?
Thankfully, I have been in therapy since 2017 and it has been a lifesaver. Many times, we have talked about ways for me to find a routine again. I’ve tried and failed a few times. But, one thing that always grounds me is makeup. When I am mad, sad, frustrated, or need to find a creative release, I can walk in my makeup room and the world melts away. One day, I was ready to quit my job. Instead of making a rash decision that I would later regret, I walked away from my computer and sat in my makeup room for an hour and a half. It’s still my favorite look I’ve created, to date.
Knowing how expensive makeup is, I couldn’t bring myself to start doing it everyday again. So, one night when I couldn’t sleep, I got on the Walmart app and ordered base products. I forced myself to get ready for 7 work days.
I am well out of that 7-day period and I have gotten ready almost everyday for two weeks. I feel like a different human. I am happier. I love my routine. I am back to using my “regular” makeup and the price is worth it, to me.
How does this relate to running a business? Everything started to slow down and fall apart in the times I decided my mental health wasn’t important. Here’s what I have truly learned in the last two years.
- You have to prioritize your health overall (mental, physical, emotional, etc)
- Your next priority should be your business(es)
- You are going to have to make hard decisions and give yourself ultimatums
- You HAVE to have healthy outlets that bring you joy… true joy
- The people you surround yourself with need to support every aspect of your life and goals
- Your goals may change, that’s ok
- Your dreams are not stupid. The ones who think they are don’t have their own dreams and are jealous you have the guts to even TRY (and I never use the word jealous but I am learning it’s appropriate at times)
- Worrying about other’s opinions and what they are saying, is a complete waste of time
- Never be scared to promote yourself and your business
- If you don’t believe in yourself or your dream, no one else will
I know this is different from my “normal” topics but I hope it resonated with someone. You got this.
all the love & espresso
kierst