running a biz during chaos- and why the world needs you now more than ever
My my my how quickly things change… A week ago, I had all sorts of plans for an early April launch of a DIY branding and stock photography product I’m creating. As I became more and more glued to the news, and everyone’s day-to-day reality changed by the minute, I started to question the whole endeavor and fret over how my business was even going to move forward.
No, this isn’t the part where I confidently tell you I’m soldiering on, coronavirus be damned! Of course I’m stepping back. Contemplating. Reassessing. Everyone is.
But I also took some time to dance yesterday. And I mean, I danced HARD. Elaine Benes style. Headphones on, in the middle of the back yard, jumping and thrusting and twirling like my life depended on it. If anyone had seen me, they legit would have assumed I lost my marbles. And maybe I did for a moment, but only in the very best way.
When I finished I felt good. REALLY good. I felt connected and aligned and able to look at things- if only for a short time- without panic, dread, or confusion. And I remembered my role: Which is to stay centered with my spirit so that I can see and reflect situations from multiple perspectives. So that I can see not only the pain and discomfort, but also the unity and resilience.
Now more than ever, the world needs creativity. We need to approach things with creative thinking and perspectives so that we can come up with creative solutions. And each and every one of us can show up with our own version of this creative spirit- it doesn’t have to be reserved for the doctors, scientists, and politicians on the front lines figuring this shit out.
In the past couple of days, I’ve seen moms, yoga teachers, and artists (to name a few) utilize technology and their creative spirit to soothe, educate, connect and even celebrate. Part of the mission of my business is to empower people just like this. And if there was ever a time that we needed this creative entrepreneurial spirit, it’s now.
So yeah, I’m still going ahead with my launch. Will it look and feel different than what I originally planned? Hell yes! But I know in my heart that especially now, the world needs that special something that only you- and me- can provide.
AUTHOR: SARAH EHLINGER
Sarah is a blend of Los Angeles woo-woo meets Midwest practicality. She’s a photographer, design expert, brand strategist, and personal growth enthusiast who helps the culinary and wellness inclined show up beautifully online. Her career chocolate and peanut butter swirled together when she fell for food photography while designing and art directing for some of the world’s biggest consumer packaged goods & retail brands.
