MSEL: Letting go.

This week, I did two things that had really been scaring me:

• I officially registered my new business with the city of San Francisco.
• I applied for a resale license for my new business.

This may not seem like a big deal to you – a money order, a couple of mouse clicks, a stamp and everything was done – but for me, these were huge steps. I finally let go of something that I had felt ashamed about in the past, and I did what I needed to do to move forward.

Years ago, I had a stationery business. I started it when I was 26 and I had big dreams. I didn’t know what my long-term goals were; I just knew that I wanted to be rich by the time I was 30. And when you have these kinds of goals, but don’t have the skills or knowledge or the support and resources to actually achieve them, you’ve set yourself up for failure. And I did fail at that business. I botched a huge partnership with a very important client in a big way. I grew deeper and deeper in debt. I owed money to my reps. I made every business mistake possible and spent the first four years after closing my business minding every penny so I could pay off my creditors. I vowed never to get into manufacturing again.

But age heals a lot. I am reminded – whenever I pay my bills (on time) or have a difficult conversation with a client, or put off buying something because it’s just not in my budget – that I am not that irresponsible 28-year-old anymore. I have dreams, and I know how to get there. I don’t run away from problems. And I have maturity and patience on my side now.

So I’ve to declared to the City of San Francisco and the State of California that I am launching a new business. This calls for a small celebration.  Wine will definitely be involved. I may even go so far as to burn some incense. But I am sure of this: I am starting something new and amazing  and I will honor my new venture by being the kind of person who can make it a success.