I’m launching my own business in two weeks.  Let me say that again… I’M. LAUNCHING. MY. OWN. BUSINESS.

There.

I’ve said it out loud.

What in the world am I thinking?

Remember my goals for 2010? I believe this one falls under the “hop off a cliff” and “take leave of my senses” category.  Wouldn’t you agree?  In any event, I am learning a lot.  A WHOLE LOT.

Like the fact that it is way easier to advise clients regarding their own logos, websites, written copy, marketing and social media than to DO IT FOR MYSELF.  You guys, I am a maniac.  I have thought and rethought and reworked and rewritten more in the last three weeks than IN MY LIFE.  I know you think that I am exaggerating.  But ask anyone close to me and they will tell you the truth.

Now, compounding this issue is the fact that I am still full time at my old job.  Remember that one?  The one I wrote about here? That job will finish up at the end of this month.  Theoretically, I will then be able to BREATHE.  Then again, maybe not.  Until that time I find myself mired in websites, marketing and all of that rigmarole.

So stay with me on this new business journey.  I’m sure you’ll be hearing more about it.  That is, unless I never actually get the darn copy done.

I must admit, I am a bit overwhelmed at the response I got from yesterday’s post. It was my biggest traffic day to date.  My heartfelt thanks to everyone who left a comment here, on Facebook, Twitter and via email.  You truly made my day and definitely reinforced my decision.

Oh, the power of the Internets.  I must have struck a chord somewhere.

Ironically, I later found a handwritten quote while cleaning out my office (don’t even get me started) that pretty much summed it all up: “Do not worry about anything, but pray and ask God for everything you need, always giving thanks.” Phillippians 4:6-7

It’s in the BIBLE Y’all.  Can’t argue with that, can you?

Life balance.

I’m kind of sick of that phrase.  It gets tossed around way too much in my personal opinion.  It has begun to sound a little cliche. Now, I don’t want you to get the wrong impression … I WISH I HAD IT.

I think we all do.

I believe that “life balance” is incredibly different for everyone.  My idea of life balance is having joy and peace in my home.   I fully realize that is not always possible.  (I mean, I have two boys… under the age of 11.) But I do think that a sense of calm and happiness is imperative if I/we (meaning: my family) are going to succeed.

I’ve found that in my home there is one truth (warning – it is also a bit cliche) “If Momma ain’t happy…”  I assume you know the rest.

So in my quest to attain that “happy place” for my entire family, I made a bold and radical decision.

I quit my job.

Yep.

QUIT. MY. JOB.

You think I am kidding, don’t you?

To answer your questions… Yes, I am aware of the economy.  Yes, I am aware of the implications. Yes, I am aware of my responsibilities.

But most of all, I am aware of those two other little beings who look to me for comfort, love, guidance and protection.  I need to be there for them.  Mentally, as well as physically.  What I can tell you is that the specific job function I was performing (at a wonderful organization, by the way) brought  very large amount of stress and anxiety into my life.  For the past seven months, I was not a good mother.  I was not a good wife.  I was not a good friend.

It just didn’t work for me at this time in my life with my circumstances.

Before you include me in your prayer chain (which would actually be okay, now that I am thinking about it) know that I am still working with that organization in a different capacity.  One more fit for my needs and talents.  One that will allow me to BREATHE.  I will also be gathering more work as an independent contractor and consultant, as well as field trip chaperone and classroom party organizer.    (Check out my about page if you want more info on me professionally.)

Am I nervous about my gamble?

Surprisingly… NO.

I am at peace.

Sometimes to make the right decision, you need to make the “wrong” decision.

“What lies behind us and what lies before us are tiny matters compared to what lies within us.” – Oliver Wendell Holmes

Can’t. Get. This. Out. Of. My. Head.

Yes, Phineaus, you are cool… but you do not belong in my head while I am at work trying to earn a living!  Ack!

We interrupt the regularly scheduled blog post to bring you this news bulletin: OHMYGOSHIHAVEASTYLESECTIONINAMAGAZINE!

No idea what I just said? That is because I am so excited!  (WARNING: This blog post might be peppered with an unbelievable amount of exclamation points.)

I just got the new issue of Frederick Magazine in which appears my first ever STYLE SECTION!!!  Yes, I am going to be obnoxious about this because really, am I qualified? According to my sister – NOTSOMUCH.

According to my editor – apparently.

NOW do you understand my unrelenting need for exclamation points???!!!!

A magazine girl’s dream to be sure.  To bad I don’t get to keep the fab clothing that I featured.   At least I got the chance to try on the hat before I had to return it.  (It is one of many from the fabulous Tiara Day store. I could live there, truly.)

Come to think of it, this section might end up being more of a problem then a blessing.  I have a feeling my wardrobe might be expanding in the future. Oh well, all in the name of research right?