So, continuing on with the idea of simplifying that I mentioned in yesterday’s post. . . . When I started this blog a little over two years ago, I had hoped that it would also help my new interior design business get going, as well. At best, I had hoped I would have one or two paying clients by the time my kids all got in school. Little did I know how fast your business can grow once you put it out there online.
I was first approached about online decorating a couple of months after starting my blog, and began to pick up a steady stream of local clients thereafter. I will be the first to admit, it’s both thrilling and flattering when people actually want to pay you for your ideas. It’s also very hard to say no when an opportunity comes knocking. Maybe it was all misperception on my part, but I saw other blogger/designers who seemed to be juggling all the demands of running a business, along with raising their kids and running a home, and didn’t see any reason that I couldn’t do the same.
Well, I’ve come to a realization. I can’t.
Not only can’t I do it all, I just don’t want to.
For the last year--as I’ve been running around like a crazy woman taking on way too much work--I’ve been waking up at night and hearing the word “simplify.” It’s been really clear, and I believe that’s God talking. So, I began toying with the idea of giving up my design work to focus on blogging, not knowing when or how to make it happen.
When we got the big news of twins in October, that was all the affirmation that I needed. There are parts of working for clients that I really like and there’s a lot of satisfaction in completing a project. But, there’s also the less glamorous side--the long hours, the running around without stop, the feeling of being overwhelmed. For me, at this point in my life, it didn’t add up—especially when I felt like my focus needed to be on my kids while they’re little.
So, what does all of this mean?
I’ve decided to step away from my design business to become a full-time blogger. That’s really where my heart is right now and what I enjoy most. Will I ever go back to design? I think that’s very possible after my kids are in school, but that’s obviously years down the road at this point. I’m still open to the idea of taking online design projects, but am enjoying a little break for now.
My blog
This also opens up a lot of possibilities for my blog. I’m looking forward to bringing you more posts, which hopefully consist of more “simple”, inspiring ideas and more of the progress (hopefully) that I make on decorating our home—something I’ve had little time for since we moved in. And, I’m hoping to showcase more of your projects and rooms. (I’ll tell you more about this later.)
Thanks to those of you who faithfully read. I appreciate you sticking with me, and am looking forward to what’s ahead.
PS-- I’m linking this post to Edie’s wonderful series about living on purpose.
