“Babe, we just bought over 150 DVDs and Blu-Rays from thrift shops.” I said as I surveyed the pile in his office.
He smiled slightly embarrassed but proud at the same time. “It was worth it.”
It all started when my husband wanted to set up a Plex account which is like your own personal Netflix-style collection of your movies and TV shows you can add. We realized the value of it when our favorite movies and TV shows were removed from Netflix.
My in-laws were kind enough to watch our 11 week old son (and allow us to have a break as new parents!) while we traveled to a different town for our 2nd anniversary.
We saw a thrift store on our way back and decided to stop in “just to look a bit”. I perused the various racks and books while my husband made a beeline to the media section.
By the time I finished looking, I found him with a growing pile of cases next to him on the floor.
“Babe, I found you Friends seasons 2 and 4!!” “Sweet! That’s awesome babe!” “I found Downton Abbey Seasons 1 and 3 and one is still sealed!” “Cool!”
There was a flurry of DVDs and Blu-rays in our cart. We spent 3 hours there riding off the dopamine high.
“Could we go to another thrift shop in the next town over from here?” “Sure!”
We pretty much spent our 2nd anniversary trip in thrift stores.
Hence that day, I started off the Goodwill store trek. One thrift store-turned in two more, then another two and before you know it, we went to at least five over the course of a week.
What makes it exciting is the thrill of finding DVDs on our list for a fraction of the cost. Frugality at its best; minimalism at its worst.
Why am I telling you this?
In adapting to being new parents, we found time to have fun without compromising our values (and significantly lessened the hit on our wallet!).
And that’s how it should be in all aspects of your life, including work, right?
Here are some of the values that I incorporate in my business:
I believe-
1) Business should be fun – There is no point of having a business if you are not going to have fun doing so. There are going to be days where you are doing aspects that you don’t enjoy in your business which is normal. (I particularly don’t enjoy dealing with tech issues on my website but it needs to be done). Just like having fun finding TV shows and movies we enjoy, enjoying your business is a sign that you picked the right one for you. Overall, you are creating something on your own terms. Have fun while doing so!
2) Implementing work life balance – One of the aspects that led to my burnout was bringing work home with me and being consumed by it. I wasn’t having time for my family or being present with them. I am incorporating stronger boundaries for my business. I am fully present for my clients and business. However, the rest of the time is dedicated to my family. Having a young son, I want to enjoy and savor the moments since he is growing up so fast!
3) Celebrating wins (big and small) – It is important to recognize wins (big and small). In business and motherhood, we are so used to finishing a task and moving on to the next one. I believe in taking time and reflecting on personal and business wins. It helps to not brush my accomplishments aside and it incorporates gratitude. This may sound easy but I found it is the hardest one for me to do consistently. (I am human too!).
Think about this today: What are core values that are important for you in your business? I would love to hear about them! Click the contact me button and let me know!
With love,
Celia
P.S. Interested in learning more on how to have a thriving business in the midst of motherhood? Click here to schedule a faith based clarity call.
