“Lavender is supposed to be relaxing”
As you may have noticed, I was a little stressed last week. So stressed in fact that when trying to coordinate getting some fresh lavender from a friend's garden, I was acting so angsty that she literally said “lavender is meant to relax you, not add stress” 😹
Well, that one landed. I burst out laughing. How had I gotten myself into such a state that receiving a couple of bunches of fresh local lavender was the thing that put me over the edge?
The more I think about my mental state during that week, and frankly still, as we continue on into the busy days of summer, I keep coming back to one thing...
Marketing.
Lol. Didn't think I was going to say that, did you?
As a small business owner, artist, and life coach, marketing is a huge part of my job. It can be the most fun part, it can be the hardest part and it can be the most stressful part. Especially when I go through periods of "draught" - zero inspiration or enthusiasm.
Authenticity is important to me. How can I stay true to myself in my marketing when the truth is that I feel stressed, overwhelmed and uninspired?
I guess this is how. By just telling the truth. So I've been leaning in. I told you the truth about how stressed I was last week. I'm telling you more truths about it now.
My hope is that this might help normalize the fact that we don't always feel "insta-ready".
Everyone struggles in putting themselves out there - even coached who help their clients get over the hurdles of putting themselves out there.
What's been helping me lately is this:
- letting go
- trusting that the inspiration will come back (it always does) and that when it does it will be better than ever
- staying realistic with what's possible in this busy time, and giving myself grace
During moments of clarity, I'm reminded that the best marketing model for me is to plan, schedule and batch.
I even have a whole system around this taht I designed and share with my coaching clients.
It's comforting to know that when I do have the time (who knows when), I have that system to fall back on. And until then, it's just not going to be happening, and that's ok. Other things are happening and if I trust my belief in the universe and divine timing, it will all be for the best!
Happy summer to you, friend! And if you get the chance, take in a long whiff of Lavender!