Is it working for you?

by Michele Boy | September 29, 2022

Over the weekend, my daughter and I tackled a home project that has been bothering me for a couple years. We took apart a space, really went through everything and let go of a ton! It looked amazing when we were done and it felt incredible. We were both so proud. 
    I have been toying with the idea of purchasing another business. Okay more than toying. I began researching, making phone calls, discussing the venture with a few trusted people. All the while praying, God if this is not what you want, shut the door. I don’t ever want to go toward what would hurt me. But if this is what is best for me and my family, let the doors swing open.
  At first the doors were flying wide open. It was happening so fast, my head was spinning. Then slowly things began to stop. Doors I thought were open weren’t and the idea was looking less and less opportune.
 All week I have had a little feeling inside of me of happiness that I only have this one business. 
 I spent this week in many different community meetings and again there was a feeling of where I was supposed to be and what really had nothing to do with me. 
In small town America you can get caught up overvolunteering. Is that a word? It should be.
 There are a few people who do everything until they are burned out.
 On my way to work Wednesday I had an overwhelming feeling to stop at a local business. I didn’t want or need anything and I was running late. Surprise. ha.
 When I got there it was another clear moment to me of why buying this other business would likely hurt me and my family. Time is probably the greatest issue. 
 I want to be with my daughter doing her hair before picture day. I want to spend time playing games, watching sunsets and building family memories.
 Not everything that presents itself as an opportunity, is a blessing. 
Or maybe the timing is wrong and one day it will be great. But just for today, this venture does not work for me and that message was crystal clear.
 So I ask you, before you make those kind of decisions to volunteer or to take a job, do you check in with God, yourself, your family, and your people?
 At first I thought this new business may help me gain more family time. Right now today I know that isn’t true. 
  How hard is it to let go of what isn’t working? How often do we sit in something not meant for us?
Do you have the courage to say no?  I am not the best at it. 
But when a few opportunities presented themselves this week  to volunteer, to buy another business, to sit for another half hour at a meeting, I chose my family and right now I couldn’t be happier.
 I have seen those people who sell everything and go live in an RV to explore the country and have family time for a couple years. While that wouldn’t work for my family, I can appreciate the less is more mentality.
    “I’ve learned that minimalism is not about what you own, it’s about why you own it.”
 - Brian Gardner
I would add I am learning minimalism is not about what you do, but why you do it.