This time of year is one of my favourites, not just because I love Christmas and all the time I get to spend with my family, but because I love reflecting on the past 12 months. I encourage you to do it, both for your business and your personal growth. Like most of us, mine has been one of ups and downs but I prefer to focus on the positives and believe we learn something from everything, whether we like it or not!
This year we finally achieved our long-standing wish of rebuilding our house into a better family home. Although it was stressful, the process had its moments of enjoyment – my favourite was seeing the walls and roof knocked down and then rebuilt to our very own design that we’d originally scribbled on a scrap of paper years ago! I’ve never had to make so many decisions in such a short space of time; I’m renowned for being decisive and rarely changing my mind but this proved to be very welcomed by the builders!
No sooner had the dust settled and I’d moved into my new bijou (ok, small) home office, did September come round. It was an emotional month for me as my son started school full-time. We’ve always been a tight little unit, him and I, so it was with much trepidation (me) and excitement (him) that the first day arrived. I’m proud to be a mum who’s also running her own business and as little N has settled in wonderfully and enjoying his newfound independence, I am also relishing the extra time to devote to my business.
I’ve worked on some great projects over the last year and am thrilled with the new clients I’ve taken on so as I look ahead to 2018, one of my main focuses will be on growing my own business as well as that of my clients. Though there’s always that little voice in my head reminding me of the importance of taking time out so with this in mind I had a great morning creating a festive wreath thanks to a workshop at my local family-run nursery. It lifted my spirits no end, not just to do something physically creative but to see them raising money for MIND, a charity close to my heart. So as I hang my wreath on my new front door, I shall be sending Christmas wishes and peace to all my loved ones and fellow business owner friends spread around the country. Here’s to a productive, positive and hopefully prosperous 2018!