If you read my last post about the insights, quandrys and struggles I've gone through as a second-time spa owner, then you may be wondering how I am holding up since I made the decision to close my business back in early March. You might be wondering how I've handled all the details/loose ends that have come along with it and how have I moved forward professionally. As always I want to share what I am learning and have learned both for my own reasons but to shed light for others in what may seem like a dark time.

Here are a few random thoughts about my experience in closing the spa and the resulting aftermath that I recently decided to put on paper. I hope they will be of help to you in facing whatever difficulties that come your way professionally or otherwise and in getting clarity on just what your true wants and desires are in your own career and life.

In looking back at some notes I made in my journal back in early February (that's when things were coming to a boiling point in a number of areas of the business), I see pretty clearly that the spa closing was what I "wanted" to happen.  In a list of goals I wrote:

• Take care of my needs before the business
• Allow myself to make money whether the business does or not
• Allow myself to make money and take care of my needs before the other people on the staff
• Allow making money to be easy, effortless

With all that I am facing in terms of "transitions" right now it is vital for me to remember that none of these things above were happening when my spa was open. I was putting my needs last and was pretty unhappy. Plus I was pouring all of my own income into the business to keep it afloat (and to keep from letting people go).  

Every day since we decided to close has been hard in some ways- but believe it or not I am so much happier. I don't wake up with a sense of dread or fear of what will happen at the spa today.  I am actually doing a better job of taking care of myself and feel a lot more optimistic about my life and future than I did for the last few months when the spa was open.

Letting go of things, people and responsibilities that have been a part of my life is hard but I have to say it feels great to have fewer burdens and obligations!   

I am still not sure what the purpose of the closing and overall downfall of the business is in total just yet. Perhaps to literally shake me awake from putting too much trust and faith in people when they don't deserve it. Maybe to remind me of all my blessings and to help affirm what really matters in my life. And I think for sure, to learn what I am here to teach others from the inside out.  

Closing a business may not be the smoothest road to happiness out there, but from my perspective, it is getting me there a lot faster than owning my last spa did. And the perspective it has given me on what truly matters in my life has been amazing!

Surprisingly, the work I truly enjoy - writing, consulting and teaching - has been flowing into my life almost effortlessly. By letting go of a business that was not bringing me joy or prosperity, I have made room and time to do what I really love the most - helping others in the massage and spa professions improve their own businesses and practices. And now that I have had both incredible success and a few knocks in the world of business, I can offer a truly well-rounded perspective and expertise to my consulting clients.

Whatever your situation in your spa or life, I encourage you to take time to determine what is really making you happy and what you want to keep in your life. If owning your spa or private practice is part of it, but you are facing some struggles or just need to get more clients in the doors, please feel free to contact me for a free thirty minute consultation.  I'd love to help you find some solutions that will get you and your business where you want to be! Just email me at Felicia@spalutions.com to set up a time or get more information.