2022 was a big year for me.
It was the year I had my third baby. A delightful bundle of joy, who wowed and surprised us at every turn.
My word of the year was ‘wholeness’ and I wanted to be able to spend time nurturing and caring for my family.
Thing 1: Rest is essential
Early in the year I decided that this time round I was going to take off a good chunk of maternity leave with baby. With my last baby, I had my stationery business, and even though I loved it and wanted to carry on it’s success, I put too much weight into making that a success and my mental health suffered. I was back packing orders with a 5-day old baby sleeping in the Moses basket next to me.
This time round I said, ‘nope’ and put it out into the world that I would take off 6 months minimum (it ended up being more.)
I know this is a luxury for many, and consider myself very privileged to have been able to take that time off. It did wonders for my mental health and enthusiasm for my business.
Thing 2: Brand building WORKS over the long-term
Something I’m really proud of is that I had a fabulous client, who I’ve worked with several times before, checking in and asking when I was coming back from mat leave because she had a project she needed me on and was willing to wait. I’ve known this client for years, and then when I came back I got to create a wonderful brand identity and website for them.
You can check out their project here: The Psychology Co-operative
Working hard on my business, being consistent, WORKS. I had clients waiting for me when I came back.
Thing 3: You are not your business.
I know some people really believe it is, and that’s ok. But for me PERSONALLY, I am NOT my business. My business supports me to live the life I want to live.
My business is not my baby. My babies are my babies, and ultimately my family comes first.
I am separate to my business, and for the first time I really believed that. It was what enabled me to truly disconnect, not because I don’t love my business, I do, but because I could see how time looking after our new addition to the family was more important to me. I wasn’t looking for validation through social media posts, because I already felt worthy, worthy of time, rest and taking space.
Thing 4: Creativity needs breathing room
Thing 5:
