08/19/2026
Yesterday marked one year since I lost my stepdad. I shared a little at that time about how he owned a successful business himself and how having him only an hour and a half away helped me feel confident in my business. He was my sounding board, my security blanket, and personal handyman. I knew if anything ever went sideways he could probably fix it.
At the end of his life he shared that he didn’t really care about his own business anymore, at least not in the same way he once did. He only cared about his faith and spending time with family and friends. I’ve really been absorbing that message over the past year.
Losing Bill has radically changed the way I view the world and the way I operate in my life, and yes, in my business. Ultimately, it is *the* reason I got rid of yoga classes, or at least it was the final nail in the coffin. It wasn’t actually a hard decision at all, it was an inherent knowing. Life suddenly became too precious to be doing something that was draining me. (I don’t know why so many people glossed over all the personal reasons I gave for getting rid of yoga classes…)
It’s been bittersweet evolving my business over the last year without him. I still talk to him a lot, especially when business stuff feels overwhelming. I imagine his response to some of the thoughtless comments I’ve received probably would have been “who cares what they think/say/feel, this is your business. Do what is right for you.” In a different mood, I imagine he maybe would have just shrugged his shoulders, scoffed, and said “f**k ‘em.” His voice inside my head has made me a little bit ruthless as a business owner, but it’s honestly what has gotten me through this. I no longer have to give my energy to everyone, especially those who don’t even see me as a human.
Anyway. For the first time ever, my business feels 100% right. It feels like me. It feels like everything I’ve ever wanted and envisioned. I’m fu***ng proud of it. More proud than any other thing I’ve ever done so far. I’m thrilled for the next chapter. I really wish Bill was here, but I know he’s proud of me too. The way I run my business now is because of him, and it feels really good.
(Thank you, Bill)
