Taking A Step Back To Go Forward

Sometimes, you've just got to stop what you're doing, take a step back... and sometimes just walk away. Last month, I felt the need to do so - I started to slow down and better filter the time I was spending online. In all honesty, I was starting to feel like a hamster in a cage, spinning on a wheel and not going anywhere - so I just stopped. In doing so, I was able to reconnect with family and also do a little mid-year self review. In January, as with many, I made a list of things I wanted to do to organize myself for the new year, along with making resolutions / goals... some of which were to: 

1. Filter time spent online (still stay connected - but not 24/7)
2. Unsubscribe to useless emails & discontinue magazine subscriptions
3. Clean out the office (of the paper clutter, especially since we moved)
4. Update my online profiles (ensure local zip-codes posted for new connections)
5. Make travel plans (someplace new & to see family)
6. Volunteer
7. Learn a new skill 
8. Increase earnings (clients + steady income)
9. Sell some items (chairs, area rugs, decor)
10. Add more physical activities to my routine + adapt a healthier lifestyle (eating smaller portions and drinking more water). 

Well - the inbox has gotten smaller, the office has been purged (what a relief!), I got to travel to someplace new (LA!) and I'm getting to go HOME to both New Jersey and Miami in early October, plus I've definitely been drinking more water (especially with triple digit temps!) and eating smaller portions. As for selling items: I've done some clothing consignment - Since it's too hot for a garage sale and I don't want to deal with shipping, I'll be taking some goodies to sell local through Craigslist.

And although I enjoy interior styling, blogging, pinning, and creating online design boards, I've come to the realization: I just may need to step back into retail to help make ends meet, not to mention: I miss it. I miss the problem solving, I miss collaborating with people (in real life) to make magic happen (and see the results whether it be in sales or a displays that's been shopped) I miss the interaction with people (and getting dressed up!) on a daily basis and I miss the rush of corporate visits. 

One thing is for certain: I know that stepping out of the brick & mortar atmosphere (back in November 2009) opened my eyes and mind to opportunities I would have never grasped had I hopped from one retailer to another ~ not to mention how many wonderful people I've met (IRL & online). Not only do I have 25+ years retail behind me (from customer service, to sales, to training, to visual merchandising and management) I am now also armed with the valuable social media experience: blogging, pinning, moodboarding, engaging & sharing useful information to help people or add value via Twitter & Facebook - which is THE best real-time marketing any establishment could hope for. The added plus: I got to explore & experience my passion for interior design a little more by helping to make a difference in the spaces people live in.

All of this realization doesn't mean I'm giving up on blogging, or sharing thrift or DIY tips here on the blog and through social media. Sharing, creating, and inspiring IS who I am. One of the lessons I learned while being a visual manager at JCPenney for all those years was - it's better to have five of you than one to get all tasks done. I'm grateful for now having the social media platforms and networks to share my finds, what I see in store tours, or how I learned to do something for less, quick, and simple. I will continue posting thrift finds, shop tours, local love, trend spotting, and my seasonal makeovers... so please stay tuned! Special thanks and gratitude to all of the continued & new blog followers...

House hunting here in AZ is on hold for the moment and as for volunteering, I'm still looking for the right (relevant) fit here in AZ. I'll continue to sharpen my saw learning new skills... (I have two in mind - not saying what it is right now, but I'm working on it). 

What would be really great is to collaborate with another designer (I'd love to do the sourcing), or scouting for pieces for the many vintage furniture vendors here in the Phoenix area, or I'd even love assisting a resale store to be better merchandised + help with their social media campaign - all keeping it local. Contact me at nyclqd@yahoo.com to discuss the possibilities!

Thanks for stopping by,