EMBRACING THE AWESOME TAPESTRY OF LIFE
Hey there, Awesome Reader,
I hope this message finds you rocking it amidst life's missions and adventures. If you're nodding along because setting boundaries and juggling multiple roles is your daily superhero struggle (just like mine), then you're in for a treat! I'm here to spill the tea on a recent revelation in my wild journey as a woman, a small business owner, and soon-to-be mama.
Running MAKE ME AWESOME has been a rollercoaster of highs, lows, and a whole lot of growth. It's a journey I wouldn't trade for anything, teaching me lessons I never knew I needed. But let's keep it real – with the joys of entrepreneurship comes the endless demand for time, energy, and dedication. In the hustle and grind, like so many badass women out there, I found myself wrestling with guilt over self-care and setting boundaries. Yeah, I know, not the best at practicing what I preach!
Being the only girl among five brothers, the role of caretaker has seemed almost ingrained in my identity as a woman. Balancing the needs of others, whether family or business, is second nature. However, this tendency to prioritize others over myself reached a compelling juncture when I became pregnant. My superhero cape was officially tangled.
At first, my self-imposed pressure to be the perfect business owner clashed with the undeniable responsibility of nurturing a new life. As a mother-to-be, the guilt of momentarily setting aside the demands of my business for the well-being of my unborn child became palpable. Then it hit me – what an epic gift this is! A chance to ditch the guilt and finally put myself first. Sure, the motivation is baby-fueled, but the shift is happening! My cape is smoothing out and flowing freely once again. The guilt that once weighed heavily on my shoulders is slowly but surely being replaced by an understanding that self-care isn't selfish; it's a vital component of sustainability and growth — be it my own, my business, or this little human that I am literally growing as I type.
This shift in mindset has led me to reflect on the powerful connection between my upbringing and my present circumstances. The caregiving role I’ve assumed as the only girl in my immediate family seamlessly extended into my role as a business owner and now, soon, as a mother. It has became clear that nurturing and supporting those around me is not just a choice; it is an integral part of who I am. Which makes creating balance (or as I like to call it, harmony) and setting healthy boundaries paramount.
Natalie, ensuring time for self-care and creating personal boundaries doesn't diminish our commitment; rather, it enhances our ability to fulfill each role with greater dedication, authenticity, and JOY. Striking this balance will foster a sense of harmony amidst the myriad roles we embrace, and make us stronger, more resilient, and grateful for the beautiful tapestry of life.
As I prepare to welcome a new chapter of my life, I'm excited to share with you the Awesome addition of baby and kids clothing to MMA’s merchandise. This expansion is a reflection of the harmony I have created between my work life and family life, and how my self-care intertwines naturally with the care of my little one. To me, it’s not just clothing; it's a celebration of the wonder, imagination, and boundless lessons that children — aka little superheroes, aka lil’ Awesomes — bring to our world.
In the spirit of the upcoming holiday season, I would like to extend a heartfelt invitation to support small, women-owned businesses. This year, as you seek meaningful and thoughtful gifts, consider exploring Team Awesome’s unique offerings. Your support not only sustains our dreams but also becomes a part of our shared journey.
Plus, we’re making it easier for you to make a difference by offering FREE SHIPPING!!! Your purchase is not just a transaction; it's a vote of confidence in the power of dreams.
With gratitude and Awesome wishes,
❤️ Nat
