Hey guys. I just wanted to jump in and let you all know that I have intended to write this awesome post all about the PR and desk sides from last week. It was going to be awesome. I was also going to announce (and randomly select) the giveaway winner from the dress contest last week.
But the reality is that though I took two glorious days off from work this weekend, I am still up to my chin in work (had to work until 10p last night which is incredibly rare). And I’m feeling like it’s almost impossible to ever catch up. Which is a good thing, I want things to grow… but there is only so much I can handle on my own (with the incredible Susie by my side). And let’s just say, that I’ve finally hit the breaking point. There is so much to do and so much change coming as I navigate the move, my relationship changing, and the company growing at an unprecedented pace. And oh, there is MML and all the wonderful things I’d like to do and say here but don’t have time to even though it’s my purpose and most important contribution.
So anyways, I guess I’m breaking my code of “learn then share” and saying, “though I know I’ll be fine, right now I’m feeling over my head, overwhelmed, and just plain frustrated.”
You know what? Everyone feels that way sometimes. This just happens to be my time.
And with as much work as I have to do, I think the most productive thing I can do is to take a break from everything for a bit and come back with a cooler head.
Thanks for understanding.
6:01: Update
Phew! Okay, took a break and went in the other room (aka: cried for five minutes and let the storm pass). I felt a lot better right away. Came back and finished the day out and decided to make a few changes to keep my life sane:
- I am definitely getting an intern to help us this fall.
- Looking into getting an inexpensive (used?) laptop for Susie and the intern to use to help process orders and email customers.
- Responding in individual comments will become an ideal, but not required part of my day.
- I am going to do my best to post five days a week on MML, but understand when that is not possible.
- Enter sales into Quickbooks at the end of each most days.
With these actions I hope to free up more time to connect with store buyers, magazine editors, my PR team, MML readers, blogging, and designing. These are my essential actions which I need to put more time into for long term growth in the business and in my sanity.
I completely understand – feeling a bit of the same!! So take the time you need – you’re only human – we’ll be here!! Looking forward to hearing all about your trip 🙂
Hugs! Like Piper said, we’ll be here when you get back!
BTW I got my necklace yesterday (Dream Bigger) and it’s beautiful! You’re doing great work, just hang in there 🙂
Hey Buddy!
Looks like you might need to go for a run soon. I hear it helps relieve stress 🙂
Also, I know you’ll totally get through this. Just eat that elephant one bite at a time. Plus, the Runner’s World quote of the day seems to be appropriate for you:
“Don’t be concerned with what you can’t do. Work on what you can do – then count your blessings.”
–Alan Robinson, 56-year-old partially paralyzed marathon runner
Take baby steps and be thankful for all of your opportunities.
A well-deserved break! Hope that you’re able to recharge and come back to working with a fresh energy.
be gentle with yourself – make sure you get plenty of rest. it’s no good “getting it all done” if it takes you with it!
“see” you soon xx
I get it girl… take some time! We will miss you, but we aren’t going anywhere!
Take and make the time you need, take care of yourself, and remember that it will all work out so that it will be good with you. You can do it, Jess!
Hey girl. You hang in. You’re doing the right thing. And your sharing your experience with us, again, being so frank, so open, is helping everyone reading this more than you think. And I think Piper sums it up so well. We will be here for you when you return, waiting eagerly to see how you are doing.
Sounds like a crazy time! I’m sure your readers will be understanding of how you’re feeling right now – it’s never nice to get so overwhelmed. I’ll be looking forward to your next post whether it’s tomorrow or next week. 🙂
Netbooks can be cheaper – you guys could try one of those!
I think sometimes we think we’re going to let others down if we take some time for ourselves. Really, though, one of the best things we can do for others is to take care of ourselves. In your case, taking a deep breath and giving yourself a break is invaluable to keeping your business on the right track. Take some time out to rest (you’ve been so busy; it sounds like you’ve barely had a moment to recover from NYC!). Caring for yourself is so important for your sanity!
Girl- I so know how you feel. I am glad a good cry helped. You have a TON on your plate right now, and I know how hard it can be to say “no” or prioritize your time. What I have learned in my last few weeks of complete insanity is that you are no good to anyone if you aren’t good to yourself, and so why it is great to push yourself and work to your limits, you need to take a breather every once in awhile. And if that means neglecting MML for a bit…well I will be sad because I enjoy stalking you, but your readers will understand…Good luck and if/when you need another cry and/or a marg I’m your girl!
Keep on chugging along! You are doing an amazing job, and you will get through this storm! It sounds like you have a great action plan to help guide you through.
Jess, thanks for sharing this moment with us. I know it must have felt hard to go through it and maybe even to share…but it’s great that it gives us a chance to be there for you! I’m glad that you took the time to cry and freak out – sometimes we all need space for that. Hugs and good luck with moving forward, sounds like you have some great ideas to help you stay sane! xo
Great post! Thanks for your honesty. I am totally in the same boat right now and posted about it too actually. http://theweddingshoebox.com/?p=2758
Best of luck!!