The other day, I trapped a bee (or is that a wasp?). I was particularly thrilled to catch this stinging creature with a new baby in the house but I don’t kill animals, even bees. So, I carefully transported the bee (in a very nice Glassybaby Votive Holder, natch!) outside, uncovered the top and quickly stepped back.
And waited.
And waited.
And waited.
The bee had no idea that it was free to go. It frantically buzzed and walked around the bottom of the votive holder, never looking up once and never trying to find an alternative way out. I finally got bored of waiting to get my votive holder back and tipped the cup over to put the bee out of its self-imposed cage.
The bee’s behavior got me thinking about me as a businessperson, wife and friend. Where are my blindspots? What are the areas in my life that I am not looking for alternative solution? And, what problems could have difficult solutions if I just tipped them on their sides and looked at them another way?
Thought for the week: Where in your life are you not looking up? Where are you not seeing the possibilities?
I’ve always been the type that home & family life come first and work has always had to take the bottom rung of the ladder with me….. I’ve got friends from my childhood that have always been thinking 24/7 business first and now in their mid forties they’re just starting to change their way of thinking and putting family first. I can tell you’re a real business minded girl so hopefully you’ll make a smooth transition to your new lifestyle !!! Nobody on their deathbed ever says “I wish i’d have spent more time at work and less time with the family” cute baby you two have there also 🙂
Thanks Kev! Definitely good words to live by re: work life balance. I was actually just reflecting on that today as I realized I had forgotten to post a blog post all weekend – but on the plus side, Jamisen got my undivided attention all weekend too! =) It’s definitely a balance and I’m still learning where it is. I suspect I always will be searching for the “perfect” balance – but maybe in all the searching and trying, I’ll look back on my deathbed and realize I had found it. We can always hope! =)
Very well thought! I love your work! Your baby is sooo cute! Congratulations to you! I just wish I could buy some of your products to London! But the delivery is very expensive for me. Any way I just love your work!
Kind regards
Jonny from Purple & Purple
Thanks Jonny! We’d love to have you visit any time you’re in the States …. I hear ya’ about shipping. =)
Anne-Marie,
I recently had this realization a few months back. Someone sent me this email about animals there were free to go but were in boxes and didn’t realize they could escape. I realized I was in a day job that didn’t fulfill me and made a change.
Thanks for the reminder.
PS I remember reading about those glassybaby holders and how popular they are and hope to get one someday.
Michelle
So you quit your job? Wow! Big step! How are things going since you made that change? Have you noticed a change in your mood?
Not a bee AM, definitely a wasp 🙂 You are much nicer than I. I love my bees but the wasps get a good wack in my house.
My husband feels the same way as you do =)
Perfect timing Anne Marie.
Wow. Such a great observation! I find myself in a few such self imposed traps but looked at from a different angle these are all opportunities for growth, success, and happiness. Thanks!
You are SO right – any time we are trapped is always an opportunity for growth (and growth leads to more opportunities which leads to more success which hopefully ! leads to more happiness). =)
I felt like that bee this morning. No matter where I turned I just couldn’t find my way out. All the responsibilities of home staring me in the face. What to do, I also had my business to run. But instead of looking up, I saw looking out. My inspiration tank was drained and I was looking for help all around me. But, I finally saw what I was looking at. So simple the sight I saw (a tree leafs turning colors) and the inspiration stated pouring in.
AM is so right! Stepping back and looking at your situation from another’s view point can change the whole prospective.
Thank you AM for that great prospective on life.
You know what they say, when the inspiration tank is drained, you should take time off – even if it’s just a little time for a walk, coffee with a girlfriend or a bath and a good magazine. I find it’s always helpful but sometimes, it’s hard to force myself to do it! =)
That does look like a wasp, but still a great metaphor for the times when we feel like there’s no way out. Great post and a good reminder that not everything is as bad as it may seem. We just may not be looking for answers in the right place (or in the right direction). And I can’t believe you had the forethought to take a picture of that little guy! 🙂
Trust me, I had a LONG time to wait while I stood there, wanting the bee to release my votive holder =)
Oh, I cannot count the number of times I’ve been “trapped” like a bee! (And when I see the way out, finally, there’s almost always a “DOH!” moment.) Such a good reminder that often we’re trapped only by our own limited viewpoint. Changing it even a little can make all the difference! Great post, Anne-Marie!
Thanks Emily. =) Sometimes, my ‘Duh!’ moment will come when I’m telling trusted advisers about my issue and they just ask a few pointed questions and then it is like “Now, why didn’t I think of that?!” =)
What a great thought. We all have challenges that we are stuck in. If we could just tip them on their side we could get out. A simply perfect solution
We do indeed all have challenges. For me, going hiking is similar to ‘tipping it on its side’ =) I get great ideas when I’m hiking.