I usually don't make a habit of airing my personal laundry where business is concerned but at this point I feel that I owe everyone an explanation and an apology.
I'll get right to the point...I'm behind. Very behind. I seriously underestimated how difficult it would be to build and launch a website during the summer months with all of my kids home on summer vacation (have I ever shared that my 4 year old is also a special needs child?) and being in the midst of a health issue that HAS to have my full attention.
I fully intended on having the site completed and launched by July 1st and as that deadline came and went I promised myself I'd launch, for sure, on August 1st. I don't think I've ever mentioned it but I am a Type 2 Diabetic and last month I had a huge health scare that was...well, very scary. It made me realize that I hadn't been treating my body well. I had to change things and fast. This meant that my already thinly stretched time would be stretched even further by having to spend extra time dealing with meal planning and preparation (no more frozen dinners or take out!) as well as getting into a regular exercise routine. Oh, then there was regulating my horrible sleep schedule!
Well, here we are...5 days to go until my launch deadline is here...and to be honest...I'd have a better chance of losing this annoying 50 extra pounds I need to lose by August 1st. It's just not going to happen...and I'm really, really sorry. I don't want to come across as a flake with a million sorry excuses and I apologize if I do. I'm just a tad little bit pretty overwhelmed and as much as I wish I were Supermom...I'm just not. I am learning that I have to put myself and my family first. I have to take it one day at a time and I have to stop making promises to you and myself that I can't keep.
I'm truly sorry...from the bottom of my heart.
The good news is...my sister, who is an angel sent from heaven, will be spending a week with us in August to help out with the kids while I finish uploading all of the products to the website so we can FINALLY launch! I won't give an exact date but everything WILL be up and running by December. Woo-hoo!
Thanks to all of you...you're such wonderful, caring and loyal customers. I appreciate you SO much!
Thursday, July 26, 2012
So Not Supermom...
Thursday, July 26, 2012
17 comments
I don't think there is such a thing as Supermom - I think it's a mask that others wear to look like they've got it all together. It's unacheivable IMO. We may think that others have it all together because of how it appears on the outside, but something always has to give somewhere - we are human and cannot give 100% to every area of our lives as much as we'd like to. We put so much pressure our ourselves as moms. wives and business women. I think we feel this unhealthy need to be it all -or perhaps come across that way. I know I've fallen into that trap more times than I care to admit! Give yourself some grace to not have it all together all the time.
ReplyDeleteAs a HUGE fan of your work, I'll say that the myself and the rest of your customers will survive! LOL Your work is appreciated by many and we'd rather know that you and yours are happy and healthy!
Hugs to you!!!
Not a Supermom etiher and OK with it,
Amy
Hun, I've been there. It happens.
ReplyDeleteMost people understand. The ones that don't? Eh....*shrug*
Just focus on yourself and your family. All you can do is the best you can do. There isn't any more you can do.
Don't beat yourself up.
Chin up, young person! :)
~Chelley
Oh Maree, it sounds like you have your priorities straight and that's what makes a great mom. Focus on the important stuff and give God the stuff that is too much. Hugs, Cristin
ReplyDeleteLife happens...good and bad and out of our control. I know as someone who buys from you all the time I understand and feel you do not need to apologize. Your health and family should come first! Good luck.
ReplyDeleteMaree good for you for being honest!!! I think too many mom business owners (myself included) try so darn hard to pretend they can do it all (guilty!!!) and never let on to anyone that they are sinking! I envy your ability to put on the brakes and say hey wait a sec, I am important too!
ReplyDeleteHealth and family should always be top priority. I know all about trying to pull off the Supermom persona. I always think I have to portray that also. I've always hated to admit that I'm "stressed out", because it always seems like a cop out. I just spent the last two years busting my butt earning a college degree and keeping my two kids alive. I'm looking forward to being able to "breathe" again soon, but have another completely time consuming adventure on my horizon!! So, just know, you're not alone and like someone said, most people understand and for those who don't....'eh! :) Stay well!
ReplyDeleteSending you positive energy...been there, done that, am there...doing that! ;-)
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
-Lia S.
Yup, time to shake things up and reprioritize. This work-from-home technology isn't always a blessing. Take care of yourself and fam first.
ReplyDeleteYou take your time and take care of yourself...we will all be here ready to buy clip art when you have it! Don't stress!
ReplyDeleteYay, you're human! I was beginning to think that an artist as truly talented as yourself was anything but:) I'm so sorry you have had to go through such a humbling experience, but anyone who cares about and follows you for the inspiration and imagination you bring to the table won't mind that you've had a few setbacks! You & your little ones are in my prayers, and I hope you take all the time you need!!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, Maree please take care of yourself and don't worry about that! There's no need to rush when there are more important things at hand. I hope things are going well, you are in my thoughts!
ReplyDeleteTake your time... always!!
ReplyDeleteI totally understand! Everyone is always telling me I stretch myself too thin. But it's true, take care of yourself and family first! The website can wait. Your health is key, remember, what would this kids do if something happened to you! I think about that all the time, I have 4 kids. My thoughts and prayers are with you. Do what's best for you first, the rest will come with time!
ReplyDeleteBTW, love your clipart!
You should never apologize for putting your health and family first. By putting yourself and family first, you ARE a supermom and you should be so proud of that. We will all still be here (while eager for all the wonderful clips you make for us to use and admire), routing for you all the way. Take all the time you need and knock 'em dead Maree! Yay rah SUPERMOM!
ReplyDeleteThat was breath-taking authenticity. Thank you for writing that post. A friend of mine forwarded this to me. I don't know you at all, but I felt compelled to comment. I admire the courage it took to write this post. I admire all the women that commented and showed you support.
ReplyDeleteSociety can only change when we voice our opinions like this. I commend all of you.
Good for you for putting yourself first. Good for you for putting your family second. You are extremely talented. I would never have found you if you had not written this post. I have a website, I could use your talent. I have a 4 year old and 2 year old that I need decorations for. I'll start following you on facebook and twitter because of this post.
Because of your honesty, you'll gain more business. What a great trait to have.
What I want for you is good health, for yourself, your family and your business. From the sounds of it, you're going in the right direction.
Take good care,
~Lizzy
Well it would seem we need you well first in order to have your awesome work. We are patient and would much rather have you and your family well first. Take your time...we will be here whenever you are ready. Be well.
ReplyDeleteLife happens to all of us everyday!! So I truly understand everything that you are going through! It is very hard trying to juggle everything that life throws at us!! Do what is best for you! We will still be here!
ReplyDeleteCrystal
Ms. Jones’ Junction