Read time: 2 min 50 sec​
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Soo I'm behind on client work.
I haven't mentioned my November promo in 9 days.
And I didn't deliver content to my paid subscribers on Sunday like I usually do every week.
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In fact, I've barely done any biz-related things cuz I've been navigating a family emergency.
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At first, I found myself wishing that there was a rule book to guide solopreneurs who find themselves in challenging situations like mine.
But then I realized that the rule book already exists. And I was unknowingly consulting it.
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It said things like:
How can you remain productive right now?
How can you make sure your revenue doesn't take a hit?
Asking for extensions isn't professional.
Asking for grace isn't professional.
What is the most professional way to handle this on the business front?
Take your laptop with you to the hospital and work from there.
Regulate your nervous system just so you can get some work done.
You can meet deadlines if you work at night.
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I find it fascinating and kinda funny. I know those thoughts aren't mine. They aren't a reflection of how I actually want to show up in these moments.
And they're trying hard to make me believe that there is absolutely no space to be a human in these circumstances - lol.
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The good news is, I'm not buying into any of it.
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And thanks to convos with a handful of good humans in my community, I'm rewiring the conditioning and taking this as an opportunity to embody humanity-first values in my business in a new-to-me context.
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Moment by moment, I'm replacing the capitalistic thoughts with:
How can you give yourself grace while showing up for your family?
Deadlines are re-negotiable.
Leave your laptop at home.
Allow your people to give you grace—peers, prospects, and clients included.
Make sure you eat well and stay hydrated.
Ask for help.
Putting yourself last is not going make this easier for anyone.
Go paint pottery.
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And lemme tell you, it's been incredibly healing.
My clients have been 110% understanding.
A discovery call turned into a beautiful heart-to-heart about grief and family dynamics. We didn't talk marketing at all.
Since I shared the news with my paid subscribers to communicate the reason for delayed content, I've been receiving nothing but love and well wishes.
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The last few days have taught me that there is space for being a messy human in business.
And instead of pushing through, putting on a brave face, and trying to maintain the pre-mess pace of things—we get to tend to what truly matters.
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Is there a guarantee that there will be no negative consequences? No...
Is there a guarantee that every client will be good with your pause? No...
Is there a guarantee that your income won't take a hit? I mean it probably will for most solopreneurs who take an unplanned pause...
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And I acknowledge that being able to take a potential income hit is a privilege that many of us don't have.
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But regardless of finances, I think each of us has the opportunity to honour what any shit-hits-the-fan moment is asking of us instead of defaulting to capitalist conditioning.
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Anywho. Don't mind me. I'm just over here having *breakdowns and breakthroughs simultaneously. 🫠
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Tell your people you love them and take good care.
Natalia
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P.S. If you want more details on that November promo I mentioned above​
P.P.S. *This is not a cry for help. Luckily I'm surrounded by oodles of love and support right now. 💛

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