I’m so excited to share that my small business and I are in the autumn/winter edition of the Crohn’s & Colitis UK Connect magazine!
I’ve joined two other small business owners, and together we’re sharing why we aren’t letting our conditions stop us from pursuing our passions.
I’ve been a member of Crohn’s & Colitis UK ever since I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease back in 2017, so being featured in their magazine is the best feeling.
This magazine, along with the whole of the Crohn’s & Colitis UK website and membership, has been an incredible help to me over the years.
So to celebrate, I thought I’d share five reasons why I started my small business and how it supports me living with a chronic health condition.
I knew something needed to change
After being diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, I knew something needed to change. I dreamed of something slower and I wanted to lean more into what brought me joy.
I became so much more aware of how busyness and stress was having such a huge negative impact. After being off work for quite some time after my diagnosis, I really struggled returning to work. I wanted to move forwards, not go backwards.
Going full-time with what I was passionate about was the best decision
Turning my writing and content creation, something I did for many years alongside my retail jobs, into something I now do full-time was the best decision.
During those years, I had the amazing opportunity of working with brands, authors, publishers, creatives and more, which I really enjoyed a lot, and I had also built up a wonderful and supportive online community.
I loved creating and helping others, and I knew that’s what I wanted to focus on.
It gave me freedom and flexibility
My small business has given me the freedom and flexibility to work in a way that feels good for me, and allows me to manage my condition well.
As I mentioned further up, stress is a huge trigger. So I try to be mindful of when I’m feeling anxious and stressed, and try to do the things that help bring calm. I love that my business helps me to do just that.
I enjoy going for walks, surrounding myself in nature, having my camera in hand, and reading. I simply love doing the things that bring joy to my day. Even just spending little pockets of time doing these makes such a huge difference.
“Do the things that bring you joy. It can make a huge difference to your health.”
(My tip for managing stress, featured in Connect magazine.)
I learnt so much more about myself
It’s helped me to learn so much more about myself. Through my business, I’ve been able to welcome new opportunities, it’s pushed me outside of my comfort zone in the best possible way, and it’s helped me to grow in lots of ways I never knew I could. It’s also brought such lovely connections and friendships.
And it’s taught me a lot in way I work best. I’ve always struggled more in the mornings, it takes me a while to get going. So I choose to begin my morning slowly before I begin my work.
I’ve also created offerings (which I’ll talk a little bit more about next) which are not only designed to help my clients in a much-needed slow and simple way, but also myself too.
It’s helped me to learn that what may feel negative, can be turned into a positive, and to understand what matters most in life.
It was the inspiration behind my offerings
I’m passionate about helping other people who feel as I did. It’s what inspired my offerings, ones that fit beautifully around your life, feel kind and gentle, match your energy and pace, and help you to share your amazing creations with the world in a way that feels natural and sustainable, especially if you, like me, crave something more gentler.
It’s also why nature is also a HUGE part of my small business. Being in nature is my happy place, it uplifts me, I find it healing, and I love taking inspiration from the natural world and seeking out little pieces of wisdom, and feeling more aligned with each season. I’ve really enjoyed weaving this into my work.
If you’d love to read more about my journey, I’ve shared how my Crohn’s diagnosis became the wake-up call I needed to slow down, and what I’ve learned as a small business owner living with a chronic illness.