Courage. Exploration. Joy.
January 10, 2024
Personal growth lies within the unknown; courage permits you to explore the space.
This saying was on my tea bag tag recently and it is what I am resonating with this month. January has always been a hibernation month for me - not being a cold weather gal, retail is usually slow to start and it's a perfect time to take time off and slow down after the hectic holidays. On top of this, I got sick from being rundown so it has been an even slower start for the new year. As a solopreneur, getting sick is not acceptable. I had to submit and accept this start by closing up my shop more days than I preferred, since not having the means to be open, and to stay home and rest. Needless to say, sales are at an extremely slow start due to a closed shop, scarce inventory and Hug Box updates and refilling are needed. I believe this is all telling me what I already know, that I need to get moving on ways to simplify my business, reworking the Hug Box brand and it's vision. I'm not sure what that is going to unfold, well I have an idea, but not ready to divulge.
This month is going to hopefully bring some clarity to what has been unknown for the last few months. Knowing that life doesn't end because my business isn't run perfectly or making consistent sales is giving me the courage to start implementing what has been needed for awhile now. Realizing I need to spend even more time in the present focusing on family, friends and faith. I've had lots of prayer on this and journaling a lot. And the biggest question is, what does God want me to do, today? A book I recently read "Build the Life You Want" by Aurthur Brooks and Oprah Winfrey is beautifully and intelligently written to summarize a lot of practices that have been used, but not truly understood. The scientific evidence behind them and the heartwarming and joyful outcome if you truly adhere to them. I highly recommend it. And PS: if you are local to Newnan, be sure to have Laura at the Newnan Book Company order it for you.
One thing I pray on often is my business. It gives me great joy that the Hug Box offers meaningful gifting for my customers while supporting local artisans and the community. These are attributes the Hug Box brand was built on. As changes occur, these will stay in place, but simplified ways are calling to be implemented. It's exciting and at the same time overwhelming and bittersweet. With courage and exploration, and an outcome unknown, it's about God's plan unfolding for a greater good.
Over the next couple of months, and in January the shop hours will be cut back a little, I hope you'll continue to pop by to shop and visit. And as always, don't forget to send a hug gift when you can't be there in person.
JANUARY TEMPORARY GIFT SHOP HOURS:
Sunday - Monday: CLOSED
Tuesday - Wednesday: By appointment only
Thursday - Friday: OPEN 11am - 5pm
Saturday: OPEN 10am - 5pm
May you find the joy in 2024!
