One END but another BEGINNING...
Yesterday was a day that marked the end of the last 11 years of my life. It was probably one of the most difficult days that I have ever had to walk my way through. The levels of intense, fluctuating emotions and shattered thoughts have been so massively overwhelming.
In 2007, I opened my design and print business, and today… at the beginning of our 12th year, we closed our doors. It was an exceptionally difficult thing to process, however - not unlike our natural fynbos in South Africa… it needed to be burnt in order to re-germinate once more – which I am hoping it will… not in my hands, but in the hands of two exceptionally capable, talented and passionate individuals. My time in the design and print industry is now over for good – I do not think I could travel that road again… it holds way too much memory now.
It is time for me to walk a new path...whatever that may be and wherever it may lead me...
There have been many tears as my team and I said goodbye to a company that had not only earned a completely flawless reputation for customer service and delivery, but was also very much a community staple. My team have become like family to me and our customers to us. We all knew everything about them, from their kid’s latest achievements through to their pet’s names. Gifts from customers of home-baked cakes and many other treats were a common occurrence in our shop front.
We have shared countless memories together as a team and with all our customers alike… For many, we were a home away from home, for others we were an office on the go. We were a place that offered everyone a few hours to feel GOOD during their day. We listened to plenty of music (mostly my old fashioned choices featuring Elvis and the like... and often loathed by my team haha), we laughed, we moaned, we grrrrr'd, we hustled, we did it all! But mostly, we made a difference in the community and I believe we will be sorely missed by many.
Businesses like this simply don’t exist anymore…and sadly now, neither does mine.
I would like to take a moment in this post, to say thank you to my team for the endless years they have thrown into working with me to build something truly unique and beautiful! It may be over, but that does not make what we built and achieved any less amazing or worthy of praise, acknowledgement and thanks!
You guys are amazing – you gave it your all EVERY SINGLE DAY – completely unwavering... and the communities adoration and frequent verbal expression of this is a TRUE TESTAMENT to what phenomenal individuals you are! We are ALL going to do AMAZING things... KNOW THAT!!!
I love you both with all my heart, I truly do! Thank you for absolutely EVERYTHING you have given of yourselves! It will never be forgotten – and neither will you… in fact… I think a dinner is in order ;)
The swallowing process of acceptance is not easy when you have thrown your blood, sweat and tears into something for such a large chunk of your life. Time for processing, appreciation and a little nostalgia are necessary in order to move forward… but move forward we must.
I am seldom one to harp on “disaster” or “negativity” – I will afford it time enough to do what it needs to do, and then it must go! - As it will not serve any further purpose (not constructively anyway). Looking forward is the only thing that matters now...
Like I always say… things don’t always unfold the way you envision it, but how that aspect of it is handled, is entirely up to you as a person… and despite the hurt that sits in my heart right now, I WILL focus FOWARD, positively!
Change doesn’t always present itself in pretty, neat little packages with ribbons… in fact more often than not – it can be rather messy – but this does not mean that it is not for the better – whether you are able to see that in the present moment or not.
So there it is!
One end and another beginning...
Goodbye COPY CATZ
your doors may be closed, but what lay behind them will NEVER be forgotten! - Thank you for the journey :)
This was one of MANY, MANY inspirational quotes which floated around our premises, and I thought it only fitting to share it one last time...
Until next time...
Much Love from Cape Town, South Africa xxx
Oh my! How exciting and scary and sad and brave!
I had no idea when reading your posts that your next move was such a big step. Walking away from something like that that you have loved and love. From your team and happy customers. Bravo to you!
I am reminded of the Hero's Journey and so excited for you as to what comes next. Surely it will be truly magical after such a courageous letting go.
And there was I thinking we were in a similar boat. Hilarious! My letting go is tiny in comparison. I've been working creating a drop shipping business for 18 months which finally took off late last year. I stopped doing it because I wanted to be free over Christmas and family birthdays to focus on what really matters.
I've been struggling ever since to get going again but my heart is not in it. The only attraction is the big money that can be made but it's not a big enough motivation to keep me in the game and yet . . . I still haven't quite let go of the idea.
When I first discovered you an Steemit and read your post about moving on I had no idea who you were or how big you are here. I offered you support in any way I could which, had I known your credentials, I would probably not have done being only a mini minnow.
So I am glad I didn't know.
I can't wait to see how your journey unfolds. You're a star and an inspiration! 🌟 😍
Thank you so much for your kind words honey - and yes... the reality of the matter is... if your heart is no longer in something, there is no point even bothering because it will never amount to anything! I was TIRED, EXHAUSTED, STRESSED and a million other negatives.... business in South Africa has been EXTREMELY hard for small to medium businesses in the last few years and although we were actually quite stable in that respect, all the stress literally drained the passion out of me.
I am extremely excited moving forward though.... and it is SO good to feel passionate again :)
Those of us who work for ourselves; who step outside the box and decide to forge our own paths... we do end up with a special relationship with our "babies." And that makes the intense feeling surrounding the final day somewhat harder for others to truly grasp.
I know you'll be fine, in time. But also give yourself permission to full experience what happened; both what you accomplished, and what you just left behind. I'm not big on self-pity and boo-hoo stories, but something like this IS a "loss," and that's why I say "allow yourself to experience this as the loss it is." And THEN move on to new shiny horizons.
Love & hugs!
Absolutely @denmarkguy... thank you for that and yes - I have been doing that the last few days, hence my large absence.... I needed time for me.
I am very happy and extremely EXCITED looking forwards.... I know that there is a LOT of awesomeness awaiting me :D
Thank you for your ALWAYS kind and reassuring words. They really do mean a lot to me!
It can be very difficult to let go of something after so many years. I've been there so I understand. But the lessons learned, the experiences gained, and the friendships made stay with you. May these and everything you have gained stay with you as you move forward into life's next phase. All the very best to you.
Thank you!!!!!! and yes, you are SPOT ON in your approach.... could not have said it better myself. Thank you :)
"your doors may be closed, but what lay behind them will NEVER be forgotten! - Thank you for the journey"
This is quite emotional for me to even make a comment, i have been weak and sober since i saw the post since yesterday. I wouldn't to say anything but my mind has not been free since yesterday. I just hope you get yourself together soon. May things happen for a reason.
They absolutely happened for a reason @tyrex :) and despite the sad and emotional aspects of it all, I am quite happy to close that chapter in my life and move forward :)
@Jaynie, you'll be killing it at whatever it is you put your mind to. Just a blip on the radar! It was a meaningful experience where you learned a lot and had great times. It seems like you already have an intensely positive attitude toward the change. So long as you keep your spirits up, things will be great.
To new beginnings!!!
I agree 200% @chrismccron and as you now know.... I am EXTREMELY excited moving forward. I was very passionate about my business for a very long time, but... when passion dies, it no longer serves you any purpose as an individual.... I feel passionately replenished already for what lies ahead of me :)
Thank you for your always positive outlook too.... it is a breath of fresh air in a world riddled with so much of the opposite. ;)
This is really emotional, thank you for sharing!
From my side I can say only that everything that happens happens for good. I have experienced that on my own- last year when my life has crushed- all my dreams just broke in one day and I had even no motivation to wake up and go to work or just do something- this has been for good, now I see that. Sometimes you need to say good bye to take a deep breath, to remember all good and really to see how much do you have in your life to be thankful for and this would be the wonderful beginning of the upcoming journey! Good luck, steeminians believe in you!!
Thank you!!!! I love your positive attitude! and yes, I am very excited for the way moving forward.... everything happens for a reason ;)
I've tried a half dozen times to find the words for an adequate response, but they're failing me today (I think my muse is on vacation - LOL!). Sending lots and lots of good juju to you and the crew from Copy Catz (OMG, so much LOVE for that name!).
Thank you so much hon!!!! YOU WONT BELIEVE ME.... but my team and I had that song on our playlist in the shop and we OFTEN hit the play button on it at the end of the day! Not a word of a lie ;) MWAH!!!!!!!!
LOL!!!
One of the greatest lessons I have learned in life is that you can never know what may happening in your life.I have waved goodby to so many people hoping they will never come back but they come back. Thank you for sharing your life journey with us. But there is a saying “Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time.”Thomas Merton
Such a beautiful quote, thank you for your kind words! :)
Time for a new adventure @jaynie, sometimes in order to achieve bigger and greater things we have to let go no matter how hard it is. But given your motivation you will make a success of whatever it is you set your mind too.
Very true @claudiaz xxx and thank you for your positive opinion of me. Means a lot moving forward to have the support of such amazing people. MWAH!!!
like they say here "abrasos y besos" which means hugs and kisses to you too.
🙏🏼 Two quotes comes to mind, the first is from my favourite Stoic philosopher Seneca.
What rises from the ashes reaches more exalted heights than what was burnt.
And the more contemporary:
Smooth sea never made a skilled sailor.
Compelling story needless to say, you're a good writer.
Thumbs up for your mind-set and the quotes (especially the Neil Patrick Harris ;) )
Otherwise, if you're into travelling, vlogs, fitness, self-development etc feel free to check out my channel, in any case keep up the good work and I'll see you around! :)
Both GREAT quotes @williamwest - but this was definitely my best:
Thank you for the compliment re. my writing and for the support ;)
I will be sure to check out your blog...