This was how I felt yesterday when the roof of our new studio was leaking not in one but in several places. It wasn't just because of the bad skylights installation either. The guys had a look and it all needs a major repair job. Nothing can be looked at until Monday now.
This bucket was originally catching one of the leaks but as you can see - the water has spread all over the table, which we are now getting rid of.
Needless to say, the yardage-printing tables could not be set up as the rain would have fallen on and damaged the wooden tops, felt underlays and canvas covers.With wholesale orders coming in and a screen-printing class to teach next weekend, my stress levels are through the roof and of course, I woke up with a major headache today. At least one roll of linen fabric is water damaged and I'm not sure what else.
I ask, when does running a small business get easier? How do you keep yourself motivated when it seems like all the gods have it in for you?
I do try to remind myself that so many people are worse off than me and can only imagine how disheartening it must feel to have been a flood/cyclone victim but admittedly, I'm finding it difficult right now.
The positive things that keep me going are the lovely emails from happy customers and your words of encouragement. I am trying to enjoy the weekend with my little girl who flew home this weekend to help and to visit.
I sure would love to know how you pull yourself up when you're down?
23 comments:
Oh Thea! My heart really goes out to you. I wish there was something I could say that would be helpful. At least it should be covered by insurance(?). If I've had a bad day, Jason can usually tell when he gets home and mixes me up a martini. Things don't look so glum afterwards. xx
Oh Thea, it really hasn't been the best starts to a year has it?
One of my all time favourite ways to pick myself up when I'm feeling that everything is hopeless is to find some upbeat music that I can sing to and put it on really loud!
Alternatively a few glasses of something nice to drink and some comedy, my taste runs to Seinfeld and 'Modern Family' but whatever floats your boat.
I hope you enjoy your time with your not-so-little girl and there is some sunshine to break through this gloom.
Felicity xxxxx
PS You actually made me laugh out loud with the first image, until I started to read the text and felt really badly for you. xx F
Oh Thea I really feel for you. I do often wonder why we are crazy to be in small business, why we don't settle for a pay cheque, holidays, sick pay, weekends, etc but when the going is good we are lucky to do a job we love. I am with Anita, have a drink, some yummy food and spend some time with your daughter. Xx
I always try to remind myself that there is always someone worse off than me when the going gets tough, but some times are harder than others. But! I know I am capable and strong enough. I usually get through.
I know that however you get through this next bump in the road it will be the best you can do. And you will handle it all with good grace and professionalism. That definitely comes shining through your blog - and thats the only real place I know you (and admire you) from :)
Oh Thea how terrible for you. Just think, one day you will sit back and laugh at this! Have a lovely time with your daughter. Mimi xx
Dear Thea
I know how hard it has been for you this year and I truly feel for you.. Hang in there.... You know I'm at the end of my rope with where I am living and my problems here started with a roof leak.. so I'm taking it as a sign that yours are 'ending' with a roof leak... I'm ordering it so!!! hehehe
May the powers that be send you nothing but good times ... the best of luck and happy healthy days.. and a bit of sunshine when needed.. ciao xxxx Julie
You poor thing Thea, it's just been one thing after another for you. I really feel for you for everything you've been through already this year.
Remember to breathe.
When things have been tough for me I've been trying my best to still think positively and to try to be grateful for something. Even if it's something little. Like 'I'm so grateful for this beautiful day'. 'I'm so grateful for my health'. I got an app for by iPhone which is a daily gratitude journal and I try to write 5 things a day that I;m grateful for. I also try to visualise good things.
I know it's very new-agey, or even very Oprah, but it helps me stay positive when I make myself think positive thoughts.
Hang in there.... things will turn around.
x
Oh God, that's awful. I don't have any advice. I just generally hope things are better a year from now, and until then, just put one foot in front of the other. Work on curing the headache first, maybe, and then get to the rest? I'm not sure about the money, but I want to work for myself so that I never have to ask another adult if I can take holidays. Of course, now I have to remember to give MYSELF holidays occasionally... raving now, best go. Good luck!
You poor thing..that is just too much. When something horrible happens to me I just say that the only way through is through. Each minute, hour, day brings you closer to it being better. I know that's not much consolation :(
I hope you're getting lots of hugs from your girl. That always helps :)
I think you've had you're turn at rotten luck. Hope things improve from now on! Nic
Oh Thea. It's got to end at some point. I hope your lessor is going to compensate you for the damage that's resulted because of their leaking roof. I doubt you would have taken on the lease, if you'd known the roof was going to leak the way it has.
I had a dream last night I saw you at the shops ... I didn;t say 'Hi' because I was too overcome by shyness. Hope that cheers you up.
Give that gorgeous daughter of yours a hug and tell her how much you love her hair!
How completely frustrating and unfair things must feel at the moment Thea. I'm so sorry you're having this run of difficult events.
Honestly, for me when life sucks,after ranting and raving to anyone who'll listen, I remember to get on my knees and ask God to help me. He doesn't automatically take away all the problems but He does remind me that He wants to refine my character through the hardships so I will come out shining like gold.
I will be praying for you. I think you've had more than your fair share of trials!
I hope you're feeling comforted by all the comments and having your daughter there with you.
Angex
Hi Thea,
I have been reading your blog for a long time now(since I met you in House and Doll with the lovely Simone). Sorry to hear of all your troubles in the last few months, I do hope lady luck turns around for you soon :)
That picture reminds me of a little girl who had a tantrum in the shop last week...I helped her on with her new fairy wings and she fell to the floor crying and screaming "they don't flap, I can't fly!" It was priceless, Oh to have the worries of a 3 year old! I hope you enjoy time with your daughter
:) Tracey
Craaaap! I cannot believe your (bad) luck. Let me know how it all goes.
x
Life is difficult at times and you are having your fair share of it! I hope things improve for you Thea. A glass of wine and some comedy sound like a good start. I love your first image and can imagine that is exactly what you feel like doing. Try to keep smiling. Enjoy the rest of your weekend. ;-)
I have to just take a break... put everything away and just relax. Get a pedicure, have coffee with a friend, etc. We all deserve days off, even as small business owners.
I hope you find some piece of mind, and a day off :)
Thank you all for your thoughtful comments, they mean so much to me. The fairy incident really made me laugh Tracey! It must have been a big deal to a 3 year old.
You poor love... you are definatly due for some super dooper good luck... Buy a lotto ticket!!!
Hugs for a bad weekend and for a better week.
OMG thats HIDEOUS! You poor thing! I dont know what to say other than, I really hope that all the bad luck stops NOW and everything goes well for you from this point. At least the tables were not already up...I guess. My thoughts are with you.
Mate, the only way to do it is just that! Get on with it and fix it/do it. Dont stop to think, dont analyze, just keep moving forward.
Gee, that's really tough going with the roof. I guess you can say that lucky the tables were not set up and lucky more stuff wasn't damaged. I know, it shouldn't have happened in the first place. I just hope it is easily and quickly remedied so you can move forward with all your great plans. I've had a leaking roof at home, believe me I understand the frustration...
I really feel for you Thea. I know what you mean.. you almost feel as though you don't have the right to complain as there are other people worse off.....BUT...I think we should acknowledge what a hard year it's been for us. Every time it rains it costs us time, money, sleep. If only we were 2 again and could just "WHAAAAAAaaaa".
Scotch helps.....
Jxx
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