Intro: When the World Feels Bananas…

While the world is being pushed into massive change and conflict, I’ve been sitting here trying to figure out SEO and how the hell to get Google to like my pages enough to index them, but also wondering: How can I help? What can I do?

Being depleted and burnt out serves no one. In service to putting our oxygen masks on first, I’m sharing how I’m resourcing myself and others in the hope it can help you in some small way.

The Entrepreneur’s Reality—Chaos Comes With the Territory

It’s not just the news, right? Chaos can come with a busy season where stuff goes sideways or a customer who insists on complaining and making you feel like dirt. 

Chaos can be brought on by delays in a tight schedule or even your employees who are not reliable right now. 

As a business owner – bananas isn’t just a point in time – it can feel like an everyday occurrence.

How I Resource Myself in Chaotic Times

Truth is, when everything feels crappy, conflicted, and chaotic – I can’t take on as much as I normally would. My ability to resource myself has to be smaller and easier than normal, and so that’s what this list is allllllllllllll about: small and manageable.

Opting Out of Urgency

Sarah Tacy is an awesome nervous system practitioner and the creator of a workshop called Opting Out of Urgency – and it has been a gift to take it! 

This workshop has helped me clearly see how much urgency I put into stuff that really doesn’t need to be there – just out of unconscious habit! I mean, do I really need to be rushing this cup of coffee right now, or am I just used to rushing through my morning routine?

Yup – there’s been moments where I’ve felt urgency pop up and then I ask if it’s true. I opt out of that doom like feeling – and choose to take my time. 

Slowing down sounds impractical right? Except it’s not. 

Urgency is socially conditioned into us, and it wreaks havoc on our bodies and minds because it causes us to stress out and rush. 

Every time we can recognize that feeling and choose something different, it can change our whole state. 

Next time you feel that – you can ask: Is this truly urgent, or am I just used to treating everything as urgent?

Checking in & Giving Support

I’ve been sending texts to friends, my mom, and mother-in-law to wish them a good day and tell them I love them. 

Yes, I am that terrible daughter who doesn’t call and usually forgets to text, so I’ve been making a point to text my mom and my mother-in-law to say – Hey, I love you and hope you have a nice day.

I’ve also been hugging my kids and making sure I check in: how are you? Do you feel ok? 

Every day, I’m asking myself: “What small things can I do to be of help right now?”

Whether that’s holding a door, smiling at someone, or donating where I can. 

Can you be a resource for someone else right now by providing support in small ways – like sending a text, giving a hug, or holding a door for someone?

Shopping Small & Local

I know, all the big online giants and box stores are easier and more convenient – but small businesses need our support now more than ever. 

I learned this from Simone Seol and Sam Garcia – who are revolutionaries in radical hope and regenerative business space – that when you support local businesses, you support that money being distributed back into the community, into local schools, parks, and restaurants where small business owners live. 

We need thriving local communities, local businesses, and local resources. Yes, I still use online giants – but I shop local any chance I get – because every dollar matters. 

Is there something you can buy locally or from a small business to support your local community? Think: cards, gifts, flowers

Most Important of All

Remember: You’re awesome. When you feel good – you can help others feel good too.

It’s weird, but I don’t care – cause it works: I hug myself. I tell myself I love me. I rub my arm. Small moments to help celebrate myself – and yes – it makes a HUGE difference. 

What’s one way you can celebrate your awesomeness today?

Why Resourcing Yourself Helps Your Business Too

I refuse to be basic with the fill your cup cliche. 

Instead, I’ll say: Don’t let yourself get hangry. 

We are not ourselves when we are so hungry we are literally hungry angry. This doesn’t just apply to your stomach – it applies to your own self-care, well-being, and mental state. 

Have you ever been so overworked and exhausted that you bark at people for the dumbest crap? Like full-on meltdowns over socks on the floor?

Yeah – that’s a sign that you are emotionally and mentally hangry – and it’s time to eat something and feed your own wellbeing. 

Trust me when I tell you that 15 minutes as a well fed and resourced business owner is much more valuable that 3 hours as a hangry, grumpy, overworked business owner. 

Don’t believe me? Try it for yourself. If you’re feeling chaotic and hangry – try taking an hour to do something that nourishes you and see how much easier it is when you come back.