Sunday reflections- finding structure through chaos

My life is either seemingly slow moving or totally chaotic and unbalanced. I crave chaos and work best under pressure but there are definitely times I take on too much. Lots of times. I am learning to implement some structure into my life that I have so badly missed from being a Pastry chef in a kitchen where I was responsible for the pastry production and none of the business stuff. I would go into work, sit at the computer, organize a list, inventory and get started. It is how you function when you are responsible for thousands of desserts a day. Yes, thousands of desserts a day. I purposely created my business to have flexibility and not be so monotonous. There were too many days that were monotonous in my days in the restaurants and private clubs. I needed to have some freedom in my schedule and start enjoying my life again outside of the kitchen world. Boy oh boy it can surely take a toll when you work endless days and rarely see sunlight or people outside of the kitchen.

I have spent the last 2 1/2 years trying to figure out the business stuff and it is completely overwhelming. I have not used excel or a spreadsheet document for over a decade and every time I think I have finally learned a new task, a new challenge occurs. I avoid the business stuff like the plague. I really don’t like it. I need it but I also need to learn it. I will always prefer the baking to the business. I thought 2 1/2 years in I would have most of the business stuff lined up and structure in place. NOT this badass baker. I have to remind myself to take a break, take a day to rest, be intentional in what I choose to do in my business and personal life.

I recently joined a co-working space, Limelight to hold me accountable for the stuff I hate. I have a space that I can go to, bring my work, be inspired, be alone or engage with people and I am forever grateful to have an “office” at least 1 day a week. I already feel like it has helped me feel more like a business owner and accomplish some of the non-baking stuff. The rest of the week, you will most likely find me in the kitchen baking or blending fair trade organic teas for Paula @ storehouse tea. Boss babe life has its own challenges but I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I hope you find a way to find some structure or balance in your life. It is a game changer.

xoxo

Annie