Pursuing a Dream

Ok so we're all familiar with the Pursuit of Happiness and how each one of us is on our own journey in search of that true state of peace and contentment in life. I find myself no different, and feel like I am always searching for something better, particularly in my business. In my very early 20's I knew I wanted to someday be financially independent, self-employed and self-reliant, but I have learned over the years that for a woman, especially for a mother, this is nowhere near easy and that just because you want something with an all consuming desire, does not necessarily make it attainable. But that doesn't mean we don't try. I try every day to move in the direction of what I perceive to be my envisioned state of happiness with life, but occasionally I surprise myself and change my vision. So fickle is human nature!

I've been giving this a lot of thought lately. I even made a related Etsy treasury if you want to check it out HERE.

So, I just got back from vacation in the city (where I spent a lot of time considering the above mentioned challenges of life as well as the direction to take my little business next) and I am not getting back into the groove of my vinyl designs like I should. I'm considering a push in the direction of freelance graphic design and backing down on the vinyl stuff for now. I already offer this service, but have had more luck locally than online. I'm thinking about designing a full color mailer promoting my service to local businesses. I hope this will drum up some business, as it's been relatively slow lately all around. Maybe this will get me back into 'work mode' and away from this burnt out uncertainty that I've been wallowing in lately. But then again it could just lead to more of the same. At any rate, I feel the need to try something different and I will be optimistic and hope for the best.

I know I'm not the only one out there in the handmade world that has run into this kind of uncertainty, so I would love to hear how some of you have pulled yourself out of the hum-drums. Did you clean out your Etsy shop and start fresh with new products? Open a new online shop, maybe in another marketplace? Stick with the originals and keep the old but gradually add the new for a wider variety?

Maybe I'll just take an extended break from it all and come back when I really feel motivated to create something wonderful.... or maybe I'll just push head first through this rough patch and pray for a positive outcome!