Friday, May 6, 2016

We Don't Owe Anyone An Explanation


Two years ago, when we actively started visiting local Connecticut animal shelters to spread biscuit love, something changed. At the time, I had many clients. One particular client was eating up 50+ hours a week. In addition to other work stuff, I was working over 100 hours a week. That didn't leave a lot of time for biscuit love.

Right around the same time, we visited one of our favorite locations. Lisa snapped this photo. On the way home, we discussed making some changes with my schedule. Lightening up the work load a bit. More time for what we are truly passionate about. Less time climbing the corporate ladder. It was an easy decision as my full-time client, at the time, was proving to be someone who lures, promises you the world and, at the end, gives no thought to the time, efforts and contacts utilized to "make it happen."

The universe shifted and everything kind of fell into place. You can read about that here

The work load lightened. Bodacious Biscuit Love took off in full swing. Less than a month later, we went back to our favorite location to spread more biscuit love. That's the day Sophie joined our family.

I added a caption to the photo all within this time frame.

I used to think greatness was found atop the corporate ladder. I wanted to make a name for myself...build a six-figure enterprise. At some point, the universe shifted, We danced the tango of transformation. When all was said and done, my purpose became clear. I jumped off the ladder. I now find greatness in this. Some call me crazy. I'm okay with that. At the end of the day, I'm content. Happy. At peace. I'm where I want to be. Doing THIS.

In the months to follow, the critics surfaced. They questioned my decisions. They wondered why I was sprinting from the rat race. People I hadn't heard from in a long time reached out to ask how I was doing.

They weren't genuinely interested in how I was. They just wanted the scoop. I left most of 'em disappointed with my replies.

Two years later, we have no regrets. Our family has grown. Bodacious Biscuit Love is going strong. We've learned quite a bit and, because of that, our mission and focus is solid. We've learned to stand our ground and we're aware of our limitations.

My career has somewhat shifted a bit in the past couple of years as well. Most of my work is freelance writing. And, I'm also involved in the Collegiate Writers Program.

At times, deadlines get a little stressful, but it's manageable.

There are still a few who don't approve of our decisions.

There are still a few who wonder, "Why 3 fur-kids...especially a special needs?"

There are still a few who think we'd be much better off without 3 fur-kids.

There are still a few who pester us about taking week-long vacations or, at the very least, a weekend getaway.

There are still a few who are condescending in every way possible.

However...

At the end of the day, we don't owe anyone an explanation.

We're proud of what we do, our mission, our family and our life.

We're content.


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