I can’t help but feel a huge weight on my shoulders. I’ve tried not to think about it or let it affect me over the weekend, but now that it’s Monday and my deadline is in two days {for liquidating the store} … actually, my deadline is tomorrow, as I need to give notice to my landlord {some technical lease stuff that I won’t go into}.
I can’t thank you all enough for your kind thoughts, words of wisdom, and prayers. I am touched by your responses to me! I’m trying to soak it all in and let God speak to me. The problem is … I’m having a hard time hearing him. I’m so nervous that my own thoughts and feelings are getting in the way of what He wants me to do.
The moment I feel like I know what I’m going to do, I feel peace. But when it comes to actually pulling the trigger … I’m a big bundle of nerves.
I did receive an offer on Friday. It’s still relatively low. And really the numbers aren’t bothering me so much. But I’m getting bitter {if you will} towards this guy that has strung me along for far too long, only to offer peanuts. But here’s the thing … the ‘demands’ of the offer are crazy.
When I met with him, I offered to help him out in his transition. I mean it’s my baby … I care about it and of course I wouldn’t leave him high & dry. And besides, I would love to still be involved. So I get his offer and it’s all kinds of craziness. One thing he has in the addendum that I’m required to put in 40 hours, physically, at the store over the next 8 weeks. Really?!? And that I need to be available for the next 6 months.
There were all kinds of craziness that just seem demeaning to me in a way. And I won’t even get into the information and requirements he had in regards to my employees. I care about my employees. This my seem ‘high-horse’ to say … but I wish my previous employers were the boss I am. I do everything I can for them. I am worried beyond belief about them. I have cried many tears over what this might mean to them.
All that said, I realize that it’s a legal document and he needs to protect himself … but really? you need to spell out the fact that I am required to hand over the keys at closing? Duh!
Maybe I’m being a tad sensitive? :)
Another thing is that he’s asked for all sorts of information and blah, blah, blah … my broker thinks it’s crazy and that he’s not entitled to that information. It’s an asset sale, and so he’s buying the assets.
Why can’t I just pull the plug on this thing?
A wise friend gave me this Bible passage to consider {Proverbs 3:5-6}:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make your paths straight. {new international version}
Trust God from the bottom of your heart;
don’t try to figure out everything on your own.
Listen for God’s voice in everything you do, everywhere you go;
he’s the one who will keep you on track. {the message}
I continue to give myself quiet moments alone with God … I’m praying and listening. But my heart is pounding.
oh tracie, i can’t even image the weight on your shoulders right now. i fully understand the feeling of not being able to distinguish between your own thoughts and God’s will. one of the biggest things i struggle with in terms of my own business, is the pride involved in having made it what it is. anyway, i wish i had words of wisdom. what does curt think you should do?
I was pretty much going to say what Chris just said, in a slightly different way. Since the store is a product of your hard work, your vision, your time and your passion . . . then you have to listen to your quiet voice. If something inside of you is saying that the offer feels wrong, then it probably is. If you don’t want to see your store turn into something that you never intended it to be, then it will be painful for you to not only watch from the sidelines — but to have to be actively involved in it for a time. The point of selling the store was to lift a weight from your shoulders — not to pile more stress on them! Big decisions are always so hard to make. Do what feels right, and the rest will sort itself out eventually. Hugs to you.
Oh boy! This one is a toughy! I agree with Leslie. The point of selling the store was to lift the weight off. It sounds like selling to this person would not be doing that at all! Liquidating does not mean that you have failed. It is just the best option for you and your life and the future. I know you feel responsible to your staff, but they may end up quitting anyways, if he is not a good boss, like you were. Or he could replace them. They will be just fine in the end.
Ask yourself this question:
“Will this matter a year from now?”
Richard Carlson, writing in Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff (I know this isn’t “small” stuff, I just liked the quote and what it could mean to you)
I hope you find peace with this soon.
may you have peace. one author i like, anne lamott, says in hard decision-making to think of yourself making each decision and what it would feel like to do either. usually one, even if it is hard, will bring more peace.
Hi, I don’t remember exactly how I found your sites…but am so glad I did! Your photography is simply beautiful! What a gift God has given you! I pray that you are blessed with success! If I lived anywhere near you…I’d be on your client list, for sure!
Be blessed today!