I’ve been dabbling in this Spread Good Stuff business for years. Its focus has always been to contribute to the sustainable living movement, in particular; I strive to come up with and detail simple changes that are easy to accomplish… because living sustainably is not always easy, not when you’ve grown, learned, and live in the one-use, throw-away, convenience culture. Even folks I know that believe firmly in environmental science and the need for conservation are often not fully in line with sustainability. I certainly don’t manage it 100% of the time.
And not only is it hard for the environmentally conscious, but there’s a large swath of folks who could really care less. It must be easy, fun, and beneficial to all. If it’s not doable for a single working mother of three, then it’s not doable. If it doesn’t benefit the individual personally, it’s not going to catch on for most people.
The Big Plan
I’d set to officially launch my business in earnest on February 22, 2022. I chose that date out of the blue, sort of. The number 222 has followed me around in various life experiences. For example, at three different jobs, it was my phone extension.
I had a full year’s editorial calendar scoped out for 2022 as well. I was serious. I even bought a black “whiteboard” calendar and mapped it all out, two stories a month, with a quarterly how-to video. I’d planned to start off with a dandelion rant (I love them) and offer my first product, a dandelion t-shirt with a slogan.
Mom
My Mom died on February 22, 2022. After spending a lot of time tending to her as she surmounted this transition, my dad would now need care and companionship. And that continues to this day. The point of my telling all this to you, but mostly to myself, is to underscore that it’s okay to slow down, to set things to the side, and tend what’s in front of you. I’ve spent my life lording it out over myself like a cruel master. And as I age, time seems more limited, and my pushing of myself had become even more relentless.
When Mom died, that had to stop. And it’s ok.
Casual Relaunch
So here I am, back at it. I’m easing into the swing of things. Working a little here and a little there. Spread Good Stuff didn’t go away, it took a sabbatical. And as it is currently my moonlighting gig, I’m promising myself to let it always be in the spirit of its own nature. Just as I long to be easy on the planet, I will also strive to be easy on myself, to show myself grace.
Life is too short to make things so hard.