These thoughts keep rolling in my head and I can only think that I am supposed to jot them down in hopes that they may help someone self doubting or avoiding change. Last year may have been the hardest year for me. As many of you know, I let go of my business in the summer of 2014. In January, things kept going on as usual and the year looked promising. I had a thriving business in a struggling market. I had poured my heart and soul into the store and had made many more friends I had become close to. We had been voted one of Albuquerque's Best 3 Years consecutively, had just begun shipping nationwide and our revenue was growing 39% year over year. Then mom passed suddenly and without much warning. Losing dad was hard, but losing mom was something too heartbreaking to describe. My siblings and I were now it. We were the next generation up to bat. I wasn't ready. I didn't feel wise enough. Strong enough ... I prayed and prayed for comfort through my grief. I asked the holy Father to guide me - that I needed to be strong for my kids. Dennis was my crying shoulder. Then it was clear to me. The Lord was telling me that I needed to reprioritize. I had a 15 yr old struggling to find her own way and I needed to grieve and mourn the loss of mom. I had to let go. Against everything I thought I knew, I put the the store's brand up for sale and liquidated its assets.
Our friends at The Hen House in bustling times...
Saying goodbye...
Closing the door behind me one final time...
His voice told me that while leaving the store would also be another element of grieving, that I should be patient. He would lead me. Over the last few months I've slowed down to grieve, to take care of myself and take care of my family. I've prayed patiently for new direction wondering if retirement is where I am supposed to be. Now things are changing again and I am just listening and following. Not searching. In the last 3 weeks, 2 companies have pursued me for consulting work. I will soon pick up a third client. This work allows me to work part-time if I wish and make my own hours and work from home. And there's DoTerra. Frankincense and lavender have helped to heal my soul.
Now I realize that mom's death was a catalyst for great things to come and that the store was merely to prepare me for that change.
Mom's fingerprint - it's a piece of her that I will always carry with me.
I don't know if any of this will make any difference to any of you. But if it does, I pray that you would not be afraid or self doubting. Have faith. Pour yourself into what's really important and do not chase what you are not in control of. You are capable in His hands. He will carry you when you need to be carried and lead you when you need to be lead.
~Charlene
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