My husband, Ed, and I made some assumptions when we purchased Morsels Cafe and Bakery two years ago – one has proven completely false.
We assumed we’d be overwhelmed with job applicants as we moved toward the other side of the pandemic. As it turns out, we’re just like every small business in America – hiring has been challenging. Since then, I can’t tell you how many times I’ve picked up a shift, cleaned a bathroom, and washed dishes in an effort to help support the family business, which is managed full-time by Ed.
I don’t begrudge the additional work, aka my “second job,” and the contrast keeps things fun – keynote speaker, executive coach, facilitator … and flour sifter.
Yesterday was Labor Day and for our little cafe in our resort community, man, we labored hard!!! But what I’ve come to discover is that the extra hours give Ed and I, and our family, a sense of purpose – as long as we constantly reframe how we see our challenges, false assumptions, and less-than-best surprises.
It’s a simple reframe, too: Do we have to do this, or do we want to?
The reality is that we don’t have to do anything.
We don’t have to go to work. We don’t have to pay our bills. We won’t have to be kind to people. Nothing in this world is keeping us tied down to our obligations.
Sure, we have responsibilities and there are consequences if we don’t meet them. At the end of the day, though, everything we invite into our life – every challenge – is our choice.
We choose to work. We choose to pay bills. We choose kindness … You get the idea.
So when things are hard, and life will always be hard, we’re reminded: We wanted this.
I want to leave this message to you as you approach a new fall rhythm.
I know you: you’re a hard working, conscientious professional who is time poor … that’s probably why you read this blog. We’re simpatico! With change, even good change, like the kids going back to school or closing the books on a successful year, comes friction.
Friction looks like:
- Stress related to Q4 budgeting process
- Dealing with that non-stop, annoying colleague
- Working late on a Thursday and missing out on your child’s sporting event
When you have those moments of frustration, those moments when you want to put your head in your hands and scream, don’t. Or, actually, do. Why keep it in? But, then, ask yourself: Is this a want to or have to problem? And then boss up and be proud that the challenges you have are the exact ones you’ve invited into your life … and you’ve got this.
My best, Angie
