Three Steps Forward

Sometimes you just know something feels right.  My original post about Athena's Victory also started out like this.  I had an idea and I ran with it; I evolved and it evolved with me.  I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, I researched a world I knew nothing about and I met some very supportive people.  What feels right, right now, is that I end my pursuit of owning a business.  I love the idea of a medical retail store that is focused on those in the LGBTQ+ community, of having prosthetic devices and specialized products for those who are transgendered.  It's an idea whose time has come.  Transgendered people make up a larger portion of the community than you'd ever expect.  I know, I've met many in our area, and I appreciate their support and candor in helping me achieve my dream.

I also appreciate the help at the Lane County Small Business Development Center.  Most communities have a SBDC that offers free mentorship and low cost classes and workshops.  They're goal is to help you develop your idea and if your business plan ends up showing that your idea isn't ready, that isn't a failure.  A failure is jumping in without being thoroughly aware of all the costs and work involved.  The more I delved into my business plan, the more regulations and costs came up: physical space requirements, liability insurance, personal start up capital, government inspections, etc.  I'm proud of the work I did; I took a chance on a dream and in the end, I wasn't too proud to realize that I'm not the type of person that wants the responsibility of running my own business.  I like to be stress free and come home from work and be done with it mentally.  I don't want to be constantly worrying about making enough money to pay back loans.

I'm sad that Athena's Victory isn't going to happen, but I'm also relieved.  A year ago or so I was at lunch with a friend when our conversation made her realize she didn't want to continue her marriage.  It was like watching a light bulb go off in her head.  The other night I had a conversation where I said I may not do the store if obstacles kept coming up and I realized as I spoke that it felt like giving myself permission to back out.  It was a bittersweet moment just as I imagine it was for my friend on her marriage.  It's okay to be sad and grieve the loss of your dream, but it's also okay to cut your losses and move on.