"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope." - Jeremiah 29:11
I opened my first blog post with this verse, and I find it just as appropriate for today's reflection too. If you've been following me for a while you know about my career change just over two years ago... and my walking through an open door. This unsettling feeling I had been having for the previous months wouldn't go away, so I made the decision to leave my very stable role as a pediatric hematology/oncology nurse and run this very unstable pillow shop full-time. To mitigate a little bit of the financial risk, I took a part-time job as a school nurse that would allow me more time in my workroom but also provide a small but consistent income.
So much for financial security because just a few months into this role, the world came to a screeching halt with the pandemic. Our local schools shut down for the remainder of the semester, and I was furloughed. Being dependent on the pillow-shop completely for income at that point was a scary thought, but just as things do, things worked out. God is good, and He provides.
The shop, to my surprise, continued to grow, so when the schools opened again in the fall of 2020, I was able to return as PRN instead of part-time. This meant instead of covering a school every day of the week, I would work just 2-3 days a week or less which helped me remain in the workroom even more. (I wrote a little more about this in my blog post from one year ago reflecting on 2020.)
2021, my second year running the shop full-time, was even more exciting but also more challenging than 2020. Supply chain crises and price increases were the theme, and unfortunately it seems we haven't seen the end of it yet. The shop still grew even through these challenges, and I've been so humbled by all of the continued kind words and feedback you share with me.
So, this little summary brings me to today's reflection... facing a new year with its own potential challenges and decisions to be made.
Just as open doors (like the one I walked through just 2 years ago) can bring new opportunities and new directions, closed doors can deliver the same. Closed doors are just as directive as open ones, and although closed doors seem to have a negative connotation, they actually can be quite liberating. I think most of us are understandably always in search for an open door. Something to move us forward. Something to get us out of our current situation, whatever it may be. But closed doors can also be the much needed answer to prayer. A closed door may feel as though you're being held back, or maybe even left out, but closed doors can lead to greater opportunities than we can ever imagine. One thing I've had to learn the hard way (and I'm sure you have too) is that God's timing is perfect. Whether He is pushing a door closed, or whether we are trying our hardest to keep it open, we should not be discouraged. Again, God is good, and He provides.
Over the Christmas holidays, I spent a lot of time in my workroom organizing inventory, rearranging a few things, and reflecting on this past year. Some more unsettling feelings have been creeping back in again recently, and I've been contemplating more decisions for myself and the pillow shop.
When I first opened Mississippi Stitches (circa 2015-ish as a side gig) I offered a selection of embroidered items in my shop and at local markets in which I participated. Because I opted not to do any markets in 2021 and because of material price increases, I haven't been making these embroidered items anymore. But, I also haven't been able to let go of the materials I've been hoarding the past few years. I haven't been able to close the door... until now. Out of pure necessity because I desperately need the storage space, I finally parted ways with the remaining materials I had stored, and I sold all of my embroidery thread (to a really good home thankfully!). To be completely honest, I really had hoped no one would take the materials off my hands. It would be my excuse to keep hoarding it all. I know it seems silly. It's just thread (that has been collecting dust on a shelf), but it's also how Mississippi Stitches got its start. A simple reminder of the beginning stages... a reminder of the very first products I ever made... of my very first sale... of my very first market. All of which got me to where I am today. Closing this door gives me new direction to focus solely on pillows for the shop, and it also gives me a pretty solid excuse when someone asks for a monogrammed tea towel!
This same unsettling feeling is pushing me to let go in other ways too. Towards the end of 2021, because I was being pulled in so many directions, I found myself making several sacrifices in the shop. My routine was very broken up, and although my planner kept me on track for the most part, I still struggled to keep up with daily shop tasks. On days I worked at the school, I was away from my workroom for oftentimes a full day because of the school's driving distance. This meant missed daylight hours for photography or missed office days for bookkeeping and strategizing. Most importantly, it meant my sewing days weren't quite as efficient as they needed to be. I feel confident it is time to take another leap. Yesterday was my last day as a school nurse. As of today, February 1st, it is just me and the pillow shop. No more side gig. No part-time nursing. No PRN nursing. As much as I keep trying to leave this door open, it seems letting it close is the better decision for now.
Allowing this door to close has actually brought me more peace than anxiety. Closed doors are funny like that. I'm generally of the mindset that the more options you have the better, but sometimes having more options can leave you less focused on what's most important. My mind has felt so scattered the last several months, and letting go of some things feels quite freeing.
2022 is going to be full of uncertainty, and I've already experienced a few challenges only a few weeks into the year. But, yet again, God is good, and He provides. His plan is never to lead you somewhere and then walk away. God doesn't dine and dash. He doesn't play hide and seek. He is not here today, gone tomorrow. He is always present. He is always leading. He is always pushing. Be faithful and trust.
So what's next? With these exhausting decisions, I'd like to say I can take a breath for a minute. However, January has already been busier than last, and in just a few weeks there will be so many new pillows in the shop. There is so much to be done in preparation for new products!
My goal for 2021 was to simply increase my sales, but my goal for this year is to be more efficient and more productive in the shop. Being able to spend my time focusing on the shop alone will hopefully help me accomplish this. There are so many services I want to offer you - more customizations, more renderings to help you decide which size fits best in your space, more insight into how to select multiple patterns that will coordinate, and so much more. Until now there simply hasn't been the time.
With all the ideas I have swirling in my head, I'm hopeful at least one of them will come to fruition this year. Make sure you are subscribed to my newsletters so you can stay up to date on the latest product launches and see which idea gets jump started first! I'm looking forward to a more organized and less scattered routine in the shop, and I'm excited about the additional time I can spend making sure your orders are crafted and packaged so carefully. I cannot thank you enough for your support for my little shop. Let's get 2022 started off with a bang!
I’m Daniella from New York. I came across Dr Uwaifo post and testimony of how he has helped people solve their problems when I was frustrated and depressed looking for help online on what to do to get pregnant after four years of childlessness. I saw great testimonies of his works and how he has put smiles on people’s faces. I contacted him via the number on his page and told him what I was going through, and he told me not to worry that I will carry my children and I claim it. Long story short, he told me what to do and I follow his instructions strictly without missing any words. I was still doing my wifey duties, few months later i got pregnant, i and my husband was so happy we now have a baby not just one but twins after years of trying Dr Uwaifo spell casting turn our situation around. Thank you for putting a smile on our face Dr. Email: druwaifospelltemple@gmail.com or whatsapp him: +1(315) 277-2762 or Website; https://druwaifospelltempl.wixsite.com/my-site-1
I’m Daniella from New York. I came across Dr Uwaifo post and testimony of how he has helped people solve their problems when I was frustrated and depressed looking for help online on what to do to get pregnant after four years of childlessness. I saw great testimonies of his works and how he has put smiles on people’s faces. I contacted him via the number on his page and told him what I was going through, and he told me not to worry that I will carry my children and I claim it. Long story short, he told me what to do and I follow his instructions strictly without missing any words. I was still doing my wifey duties, few months later i got pregnant, i and my husband was so happy we now have a baby not just one but twins after years of trying Dr Uwaifo spell casting turn our situation around. Thank you for putting a smile on our face Dr. Email: druwaifospelltemple@gmail.com or whatsapp him: +1(315) 277-2762 or Website; https://druwaifospelltempl.wixsite.com/my-site-1
HOW I OVERTURNED MY TYPE 2 DIABETES
Firstly, I am not the type that come online to blow people’s trumpet.
Again, for those that are close to me, they can vouch that I rarely trust people as to recommend them because of any complexity that might ensue. However, having fallen victim to many online scammers, I made a promise to myself that anyone that could proffer solution to my incessant health issues, I would never stop recommending at any given opportunity. It all started eleven years ago when I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. My Doctor placed me on a diet plan, suggested regular exercise and some drugs called Metformin. I was on this for some time but without improvement and was later placed on insulin. However, after sometime, I resorted to herbal products and natural remedies and yet my daily activities/performance level at work was rescinding. My relationship and productivity suffered a great deal and it continued for some time. This became so obvious that a colleague of mine noticed and asked what the problem was. Initially, I hesitated but due to her persistency, I gave in and narrated to her all I have been going through over the years. She giggled and asked for how long has this been going on, I told her eleven years. She sighed and said, “well, my aunt who had similar case was cured after her club member recommended her to one DR MARIAN and that this said aunt also referred her to this DR MARIAN during her marital crisis with the husband which I am aware of…that it was this said DR MARIAN that made her husband come back after two years begging.” She said I should contact him that my case will be a walk in the park for him. Initially, I rebuffed the idea but she repeated it with so much conviction that I gave in. Not to bore you with my long epistles, I did contact him and the rest is history. Thank you DR MARIAN for taking your time to attend to my needs. I had already given up on online spells for reason best known to me. DR MARIAN, i want you to know that the services you provide no doubt whatsoever changes the lives of so many of us. I can categorically scream how such an amazing spell caster you are and I’m very thankful I crossed your path and I really do appreciate your time and effort in helping me. My A1C test has been good for the past one year and all thanks to DR MARIAN. NB: DR MARIAN is an expert in what he does with an EXPERIENCE OF OVER 30 YEARS IN SPELL CASTING AND HERBAL MEDICINE TO CURE ANY KIND OF DISEASE/MEND BROKEN HOMES, PLEASE CONTACT HIM ON ANY KIND OF ISSUES YOU MAY HAVE THAT IS BOTHERING YOU AS HE CAN HELP YOU SOLVE PROBLEMS AS LISTED BELOW:
1. Diabetes Cure and Remedy.
2. Herpes Cure and Remedy.
3. Hepatitis A, B, C Cure and Remedy.
4. Cancer cure and Remedy.
5. HIV/ AID Cure and Remedy.
6. Syphilis Cure and Remedy.
7. Leukemia Cure and Remedy.
8. Ovarian Cyst Cure and Remedy.
9. Stroke Cure and Remedy.
CONTACT DR MARIAN TODAY FOR FAST AND GUARANTEED SOLUTIONS TO WHATEVER ISSUES OR PROBLEMS YOU ARE PASSING THROUGH VIA:
EMAIL: marianspells@gmail.com
Whatsapp: +2349160402535
HOW I OVERTURNED MY TYPE 2 DIABETES
Firstly, I am not the type that come online to blow people’s trumpet.
Again, for those that are close to me, they can vouch that I rarely trust people as to recommend them because of any complexity that might ensue. However, having fallen victim to many online scammers, I made a promise to myself that anyone that could proffer solution to my incessant health issues, I would never stop recommending at any given opportunity. It all started eleven years ago when I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes. My Doctor placed me on a diet plan, suggested regular exercise and some drugs called Metformin. I was on this for some time but without improvement and was later placed on insulin. However, after sometime, I resorted to herbal products and natural remedies and yet my daily activities/performance level at work was rescinding. My relationship and productivity suffered a great deal and it continued for some time. This became so obvious that a colleague of mine noticed and asked what the problem was. Initially, I hesitated but due to her persistency, I gave in and narrated to her all I have been going through over the years. She giggled and asked for how long has this been going on, I told her eleven years. She sighed and said, “well, my aunt who had similar case was cured after her club member recommended her to one DR MARIAN and that this said aunt also referred her to this DR MARIAN during her marital crisis with the husband which I am aware of…that it was this said DR MARIAN that made her husband come back after two years begging.” She said I should contact him that my case will be a walk in the park for him. Initially, I rebuffed the idea but she repeated it with so much conviction that I gave in. Not to bore you with my long epistles, I did contact him and the rest is history. Thank you DR MARIAN for taking your time to attend to my needs. I had already given up on online spells for reason best known to me. DR MARIAN, i want you to know that the services you provide no doubt whatsoever changes the lives of so many of us. I can categorically scream how such an amazing spell caster you are and I’m very thankful I crossed your path and I really do appreciate your time and effort in helping me. My A1C test has been good for the past one year and all thanks to DR MARIAN. NB: DR MARIAN is an expert in what he does with an EXPERIENCE OF OVER 30 YEARS IN SPELL CASTING AND HERBAL MEDICINE TO CURE ANY KIND OF DISEASE/MEND BROKEN HOMES, PLEASE CONTACT HIM ON ANY KIND OF ISSUES YOU MAY HAVE THAT IS BOTHERING YOU AS HE CAN HELP YOU SOLVE PROBLEMS AS LISTED BELOW:
1. Diabetes Cure and Remedy.
2. Herpes Cure and Remedy.
3. Hepatitis A, B, C Cure and Remedy.
4. Cancer cure and Remedy.
5. HIV/ AID Cure and Remedy.
6. Syphilis Cure and Remedy.
7. Leukemia Cure and Remedy.
8. Ovarian Cyst Cure and Remedy.
9. Stroke Cure and Remedy.
CONTACT DR MARIAN TODAY FOR FAST AND GUARANTEED SOLUTIONS TO WHATEVER ISSUES OR PROBLEMS YOU ARE PASSING THROUGH VIA:
EMAIL: marianspells@gmail.com
Whatsapp: +2349160402535
HOW I REUNITED WITH MY EX AFTER TWO YEARS OF SEPARATION.
DISCLAIMER!!!
This is my own little way of helping people who are going through what I went through.
My story is like that of Beauty and the beast.
I got married to my first love when I was 23 and we have a beautiful daughter together.My husband literally adore the ground I walk on and he means the world to me. We were sohappy as a unit until 3 rd September 2018, when tragedy struck and I was involved in a ghastlymotor accident which left me bed ridden and confined to a wheelchair ever since.It was as though my whole world has crumbled as I became helpless and a burden to my loved ones. My little daughter of 8years suffered the most emotionally in all of this. However, my husband was giving me all the support both physically and emotionally as I was being nursed back to health. However, as my health deteriorated with the passage of time, I noticed my husband’s attitude towards me had changed. He started keeping late nights and coming home drunk. This continued for some time and then what I feared the most happened. One faithful morning, he moved out of the house without a word. He wouldn’t return his calls or messages. Even his family members claimed not to know his where about. By this time, my kid sister had moved in with me to help with the chores and taking care of our daughter. I had countless sleepless night and would drench my pillow every night before going to bed. Then there was this Sunday evening that my kid sister invited her friend over for dinner. He met me at the lobby on my wheelchair and was very warm and chatty. It was obvious my sister had already briefed him on my situation. We ate dinner and during our conversation, he said his acquaintance had a similar situation like I did with my husband and the lady’s husband is now reunited with her and their kids after she encountered some certain man. I hesitated at first since my case was different but my sister somehow convinced me to give it a try and I obliged. We connected and I was introduced to DR MARIAN. Let me not bore you with my long sermons. To cut the long story short, the only man I ever loved, the man that walked me down the aisle is back home where he rightly belong. RIGHT BESIDE ME AND MY DAUGHTER Thank you DR MARIAN for taking your time to attend to my needs. I had already given up on online spells Because of my past experiences with scammers who claim to be what they are not, But DR MARIAN made me happy again. DR MARIAN is an expert at what he does with 30 years plus of experince and i strongly recommend him to anyone facing any matrital issues as his works are 100 percent GUARANTEED which i can continue to testify to. DONT LET THESE NUMEROUS ADS YOU SEE ONLINE OF SOMEONE TESTIFYING ABOUT A DR FOOL YOU AS THEY ARE ALL FAKE. DR MARIAN STILL REMAIN THE ONLY TRUE SPELL CASTER I KNOW AS HE HAS PROVEN TO BE LEGIT AND HELPED ME. SO BE SMART AND CONTACT HIM NOW TO GET YOUR PROBLEM SOLVED VIA:
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Whatsapp: +2349160402535
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