When you need some support...

I met face-to-face with a client last week. We were still 6 feet apart, but I actually saw her face! During our meeting, she admitted she was stepping out of her business. The exhaustion of starting a business and then immediately having to pivot and homeschool children at the same time was too much. We shared stories of hitting “survival mode” during times of stress this past year — it’s insane trying to keep life together in uncertainty. It’s even harder when you don’t know if your business will make it…or what help is available to help you through.

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What really struck me was her honesty. So many people are “fine”, but are we really? She was open enough to admit that she survived through the hardest times by sticking her nose in the sand and focusing on just getting it done. When she finally lifted her head up to take stock, she was amazed at the toll it took on her.

This hit home.

My partner and I both own businesses. Thankfully, they support two kids, three dogs, and two guinea pigs named Captain Picard and William Reiker (ha!). In reality, our businesses not only support our households, but our valued employees, and clients. 

We’re grateful for the opportunity to help others, but sometimes during the darkest times in the last few months, even that just felt heavy. Phrases I often heard from clients echoed in my own mind over and over: “Just keep going” “It’ll get better soon” “You’re strong” “You’ve got this”. 

Somehow these mantras worked, and here I am.

My partner and I got through the worst of it by adjusting school schedules and communicating actual expectations for the kids. We saw grace (and even humor!) when there were interruptions in Zoom meetings. There were some sunny patches with solo walks in the woods or a wave and a smile from a neighbor. Elevated Accounting’s team even had a few Zoom happy hours filled with encouragement and laughter. And although it sounds so mundane, this was a big deal to us here at the office: We FINALLY received actual direction for the PPP Loans, UI filings, and SBA Grants. 

So, as you lift up your head and look around in the next few weeks, what do you see? Although I’m still asking myself what the heck happened this year with an air of disbelief, these last blurry six months have so many bright spots of deep breathing and true connection. We are still walking on slightly unstable ground, but to me, it feels supported with more community and mindfulness.

If you find yourself without that support in your life and in your business, reach out. Here at Elevated, it’s our goal to help our clients’ dreams come true through total custom packages suited to your individual needs. On top of that? We do it all without judgement. You deserve a partner, not someone who does the least. We’re ready for you!

Sending lots of love,

Sarah

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