Reflections From My Year-Long Pause From My Business — Krista Bauer

After taking nearly a year off to focus my energy on family crises and my personal growth and healing, I finally got back to writing at my desk a couple of weeks ago—just in time to leverage that creative spring energy.

The intention was to slowly and gently ease my way into the new year—a ritual I've had for years—and return at the start of February. But thanks to virus season, the universe had other plans for me.

If you've been following my journey for a while, you'll know that I've been slowly and steadily growing my business for the past eight years. And just as I've evolved throughout the years, my business has, too.

It brings a smile to my face as I reflect on my journey and notice how I've moved between coaching, virtual assistance, copywriting, visual design, marketing consulting and everything in between.

I've enjoyed experimenting in my business trying to discover the "thing" that most feels like home. And I've loved working behind the scenes with incredible clients in many different seasons and facets of their business. I can honestly say I feel proud of the breadth of skillsets I've developed.

And while I've enjoyed the variety, I've been feeling called to slow down, even more, to refocus my energy on the things that truly align with me and the creative soul I wish to embody.

Although my message has always been grounded in slow and steady growth and trusting yourself to create a business that works best for you, after a severe burnout and possible PTSD diagnosis from my therapist (pandemic aftermath), it's abundantly clear that I need to lean into this more in both my daily life and work.

So, I thought I'd share some things that have transpired for me as a result of stepping back and taking an intentional pause from my work in case you've been in a bit of a rut with your business, too.

What I've noticed from a year-long pause:

1/ A clear view of what's working and what isn't

Giving yourself the permission to pause and step back helps you get a big-picture view of your life and business to truly see what's aligned and what isn't.

Even as mindful solopreneurs, it's easy to be swept up by a fast-moving online world that glorifies six-figure launches, content overconsumption, instant gratification and a continual drive for something more— only to be left wondering, whose version of success am I chasing? What is it that I'm chasing?

When I stepped back, it was clear I had adopted approaches, ideas, goals, and strategies that either no longer resonated or didn't work well for me. It was time to let them go and rediscover how I truly work best.

2/ Creative re-awakening

It was a beautiful gift to myself to get my creative fire back because when you're chronically burnt out, there's little to no motivation, enthusiasm or inspiration for the things that used to bring you joy.

Your focus turns from, "What creative and exciting projects do I want to work on this season?" to simply trying to survive each day which is a disheartening feeling for anyone whose lifeline is creative self-expression.

I've even started painting again.... see?

3/ Greater flow and fulfilment

Another benefit of slowing down is it gave me the space to get clear on my priorities which is essential for finding greater flow and fulfilment in your daily life and work.

The more certain you are about what's important to you, the easier it is to discern between shiny objects and frivolous distractions that push you further away from your vision back to making intentional choices that support you in creating the business and lifestyle you desire.

4/ More alignment in my work

I believe that your business should fit into your lifestyle, not the other way around. During this pause, I went back to basics to lay a sturdier foundation for how I want my business to feel and the kinds of offerings and content I want to create.

I have so much to share with you about what I've learned over this past year and things I've done that I think will help you cultivate a slower, simpler business, too.

And, I know it's a privilege to take a longer pause from your business if life gets crazy or things feel out of integrity, but I truly believe that everyone benefits when we adopt a slower approach and it doesn't have to mean taking a year off from your work, I mean taking intentional actions each day to keep us living in alignment and feeling fulfilled in our creative work.

It's so lovely to reconnect after a long break. If you've been feeling the call to slow down, I'd love you to drop me a note and let me know what resonates most.

More to come...