Sometimes things happen...

Sometimes things happen and it is a total wake up call. Priorities get sorted out and you realize that your goals are not really all that important. Things change, life happens, whatever the catalyst it is good to be woken up, however painful, to a new life with new possibilities.

For a long time now I have enjoyed, coveted and curated my top seller status and it has been fun but the constant push to stay one step ahead of the game isn't what my life is all about and I lost sight of that. I always talk about wanting balance but I have realized that I cannot have both, top seller status *and* balance. I work a lot and when I am not working I am finding new ways to work so I can continue to thrive on Etsy. None of this is bad mind you but it should have a time limit or else you loose yourself. I miss me, I miss my family and I miss balance.

So here I am a month from summer and I have decided that I want out of the scrabble pendant business. I will continue to craft, create and sell but at my pace, in my own field, not one that is so saturated and competitive (or even if the new one is I will take my time anyhow). In order to full fill this new purpose I need to clean out a lot of inventory *and* generate some income. I have decided to cut my prices on every pendant to $7 until they sell out. Mind you, I have a lot of pendants but some are limited in print and once they are gone they are gone.

I plan on carrying my looking glass line and taking it above and beyond where it is now but first, I need to get rid of all things scrabble in my shop, then take a long break and hopefully come back refreshed. If you wanted a pendant or 6 now is a very good time to get them. If you want to email me a hug now is a great time to do so. My apologies for not going through with the give away, I just need to stop for a little while and refocus,

peace and love

Ryan

Comments

[popko]

You are a huge inspiration to me. Good Luck with finding balance and I wish you lots of new happiness!

[Lorna (Smugcat)]

I hope you have a well deserved rest. Hugs.
x

[cozysister]

I hope your time off is refreshing. This type of decision is rare and admirable.

[Elli (abit)]

lots of hugs!!!!!

[Heather]

hugs!!

Your business is an inspiration! And your decision to cut back on your business is an inspiration! Best of luck!!!

[Tab]

I know it was a hard decision. But, when you are no longer enjoying something, what's the point?
Good luck with your new ideas and thoughts:)

[Lisa M]

You will be missed littleput! I can't wait to see what comes next for you! You are a very talented lady and a sweetheart :)
♥Lisa

[Angelia]

Good for you for following your heart. I am sure there will be much creativity in the future. A

[Simply Wired Custom Jewelry]

Yes, here are some hugs for you, Ryan! What you say is right--balance is important. You will certainly be missed, but your decision is a respectable one. I wish you the best of luck with any and all of your future endeavors.

[Beth]

I completely...COMPLETELY undertstand your decision! I did the same thing in March from total/complete burn-out. The NegCustmer abuse and unrealistic expectations of many others became toooo much for me. Even though you post and post, and post important shop info -- it doesn't seem to ease the pressure any. The stress from my etsy business effected my health & well being greatly. *My shop ~ mia bella collection* I never dreamt I'd create the amount of business I did. I continued to grow it, because I thought that is what I "ought to be doing". And I'd remind myself "be careful what you wish for"...you just might get it! Yup, I got it...waaaaay too much. Too much of anything throws a wrench into things -- always. Life is then out of balance. Congrats for being strong & doing what's best for you! Big ((((HUGS)))) from one who knows....B

[ctmott]

I think it is great to realize what is important in life..Do you realize how many people never get there? You got a gift..
Much luck/happiness to you..

[Kirsten (knitsteel)]

I admire your decision. I look forward to seeing how your shop evolves.

[Stephanie G.]

Balance is a very good thing.

I admire your ability to remain level headed in the face of jealousy and rudeness.

I hope you have a wonderful summer and find a way to make it all enjoyable again.

[RaeAnn Collins]

big hugs to you and I salute your efforts to take a step back and just BE. It is so huge that you recognize this need in your life, as so many do not. Take all the the time you need to just pause and as they say..." let the angel pass...". This is a good wake up call for us all to take some much needed time to assess, evaluate, overhaul and rejuvenate. Enjoy your summer.
rae

[melissa]

Oh, I am so sad, but thank you for the sale. I just stocked up because these are such perfect little gifts.
It takes a lot of strength to know when to say when. Best wishes for your restful summer!

[Bonnie]

Best wishes to you for a restful summer and a reconnection with yourself and your family. We'll look forward to seeing you in the Fall! Take good care of yourself!

[jessica]

ryan, i hope you have the best summer EVER!
you deserve it.

[CottageGardenTherapies]

After a successful but feeling like a failure Christmas season I can identify with all of your points. I had a break down when my 3 y/o stood with my 1 y/o a week before Christmas and asked when it was their turn for Christmas. My house was ransacked and not one incline of Christmas for my family was around. After taking a customer beating and a total regrouping I think I am in recovery mode and enjoying what I do again and enjoying the clear cut family time I have, no matter what the etsy emergency is. Limits and balance are good. I hope the same for you and your family. Enjoy the sunshine!

[Savor]

I know exactly where you're coming from.

I'm here if you ever need to chat, or if you still want to work on our ad project some time in the future.

Take care of yourself and enjoy the break, and working at your own pace! I am struggling with that balance, myself. Hope to still see you around!

[Bridget Bansheegrrll]

And a hug from here, too - I'm so glad to see that you are taking care of yourself!

[marceline]

I'm sure you're making the right decision - good luck! I will definitely be having a look at your shop since I just lost one of your pendants the other week.

[mlo]

take it easy, ryan!

-MaryAnne

[Tizzalicious]

It's good that you decided to do what's best for you!

I love your shop, and I think you've accomplished a whole lot!

[Grace]

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOXXXXXXXXXXXXXOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXCOme visit me for a nice relaxing break ;) love you.

[Deja Vu]

Best wishes in whatever the future brings you. I took a few years off, several years ago, when the stress of my day job made every day sad, stressful and bleak. I took the time to enjoy my children, my husband, my garden, my life.

It was the best thing I ever did. I'm sure it will be for you as well.

Every day is a gift. Enjoy! :-)