Tuesday, October 12, 2010

Important news

Do you ever get a feeling that something is not right?



Everything looks good, but in your gut,  you feel a hesitation.



This is such a hard thing to announce...really hard.



After a sleepless night, I have decided not to do the workshop this year. I understand I just announced it and starting selling seats yesterday. However, I took the link to purchase down.



I can't continue to sell these seats knowing of this hesitation in my heart. I had originally decided not to do it this year because of our move to Japan and I could not leave my children to travel that far without a parent here with them. My husband's schedule has changed {most of you know he is in the Navy and the Commanding Officer of a deployed ship}. We learned this week how quickly things can change and it is not in our control. Since the change, we could wait this out and see if it he will be home...but that puts everyone in a bad spot. The girls who have purchased seats are already making travel arrangements.



In my heart, I ask for a sign if this workshop was not meant to happen...and last night, I got my sign.



I am at peace with this because I know for my children's sake, this is the right choice.



I could never leave them to travel back to the states without having a family member with them. My sweet Mom has traveled to every location we have lived in to help out with things like this. Sadly, this location is not an option for my mother.



My husband warned me canceling now would make me seem like a flake...my readers would not respect me anymore if I jumped the gun and canceled this after all of the planning I have already done. I hope you still respect me. I hope you understand my children have to come first. Lately, I think I had lost sight of that. I have one year in Japan,  I plan to work less and enjoy being a mommy more. Some things must go on the back burner for now.



Please,  forgive me if I have let you down. I honestly feel like I can breathe easier now.








39 comments:

  1. Oh my god you are so not a flake at all. Of corse you will still be respected. You need to do what is right for you and your family no one else. Good on you you are a great mum and an inspiration to me and hundreds of others.

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  2. You aren't a flake. You are a working mom who faces real conflict in decisions every day. I really respect you for coming out right away with the truth! Take your year to spend the time with your family and come back afterwards with the workshop you really want to have. I hope that you weren't too deep in financial obligations for this one.

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  3. What ship? It's a long shot, but my brother is currently deployed as well. Be well and take care of those babies!

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  4. If anything you will be respected even more. Being a mom is always FIRST we all know that!

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  5. I've read your blog for a while. You are an inspiration to many of us. Everyone has to, no must, follow their heart and that voice that speaks to them. You are doing the right thing for you and your family, and in the end, that's what's right. No you are not a flake, yes you will always be respected. Most of all you will remain true to yourself.

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  6. You are not a flake! And that gives me one more year to raise the money to attend!!! Have a great year and enjoy your family! We will still be here!

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  7. As a mom, a military wife and a business owner, I understand the difficult balance it takes to manage life on a daily basis. I applaud you, for realizing your limitations. I was in Japan for 2 years and it is a time to embrace the culture with your children and an opportunity for them to learn so much. I have found out over the last 15 years in business, if you are up front and honest with your clients, they will understand and after that, everything else will fall into place. Good luck. And I pray for the time you and your husband are reunited.

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  8. Marsha,

    You are not a flake - if anything we respect you more for putting your children and family ahead of anything else. I agree with Beverly - it gives me more time to raise funds to go to the one next year. Plus, I will feel better leaving my youngest daughter because she will be 2 1/2 by then.

    I made a similar decision today as yours and have decided to resign from the American Society of Picture Professionals at the end of this year.

    We, as mothers, have the very hard task on juggling and sometime part of that is know when to let go of one of those balls.

    I have only been reading your blog for the past couple of months but I really admire what you are doing. If you are ever back in the NOVA area I would love to meet up for a cup of coffee.

    And let me know if you need help next year putting the workshop together if it's going to be back in Maryland. I would be glad to help anyway I can.

    Best,

    Jennifer

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  9. I applaud you and respect you even more for making this difficult decision! Your children are worth far more than anything business. Enjoy them.

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  10. Good For YOU!!!! Thank you for showing us how to make tough decisions!

    Your decision, your reasoning, your execution = perfect & very inspiring...I am now inspired to take a step back, take a breath, and just say no...even though I have already made a commitment --- I have to realize MY family comes first and it is OK to change my mind based on my gut feelings and to be HONEST about it most importantly.

    Much respect to you xoxoxoxoxox.
    Thank you for your honesty. This is just what I needed today as I have overbooked myself the last two months and have a little one who is begging for my attention.

    <3

    ~ enjoy your family ~

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  11. A flake? No way! If anyone tells you other wise then they are not a real woman or a mother!! Your Children come first!!! You have to do what is right for your FAMILY!!!

    And... I can really prepare and put money aside and hopefully make it when the next one comes!

    Thank you for giving me the courage & stregth to Always (I am sure I will need reminding at times) to put my Family 1st!!

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  12. Nobody should fault you for taking care of family first. You did the right thing for you and your family and that's what is important. Enjoy those babies. =) We still respect you and still love The Savvy!

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  13. good on you. i know hard it can be to change your mind about things and then feeling bad about it.
    if you feel you still want to give something why don't you do something online, that way you don't have to go anywhere! - video, tutorials, pdf anything!
    no one loves you any less and neither will they stop following you - don't be so hard on yourself :)
    love kel (UK)xx

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  14. I am absolutely convinced that you will find yourself so very blessed for putting your families needs above other commitments. Enjoy this time with your children and be blessed.

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  15. Good for you! Only you know that feeling, that sign, when something just isn't right. Being business owners, we all want to do what is best to grow and move forward, but it takes a strong person to put your foot and make the right decision for your life. I was in such a similar situation recently, and yes, you're going to have some people who don't take it well, but in the long run you will have plenty of supporters and will feel happier with your decision. Best of luck and enjoy your family time!

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  16. Way to go! :). Good for you for putting your family first. I know of a blogger who keeps saying she'll do that, but a year later she still hasn't. Have Bo regrets about this decision! And have fun in Japan. I lived there for 6 months when I was in third grade and really enjoyed it. :)

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  17. Always follow your heart, Marsha! You will continue to be blessed if you do. I'm sure it was the Lord's spirit telling you what you needed to know. You may never know why you received this inspiration, but you are doing the right thing by following it. Have a great year in Japan. I'll continue to read your blog, and hope to one day win just one contest... lol

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  18. No worries, you have to do what you have to do :) Family always first. Period! <3

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  19. Marsha, you made a good choice. Following your heart is hard sometimes, but I'm sure you felt relief the moment you published this post. Good for you for staying true to yourself and your family. There will be other workshop opportunities and I'm positive they'll be nothing but successful!
    Big hugs to you!!

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  20. 1. you are not a flake.
    2. you haven't lost an ounce of my respect.
    3. the hardest thing to do is say no.

    as a fellow military wife, i can say that i respect you even more now. thank you for putting yourself and your family first. :)

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  21. I think you’re an amazing woman! Too many people let their careers get in the way of the most important institution created! FAMILY! God first, family second, all the rest follows. I commend you for doing what is right in your heart and for putting your family first. *HUGS*

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  22. You are so not a flake! You're a Mom first and you are doing the right thing by putting your kiddos first. Enjoy your time with them!

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  23. Way to go, AMEN to sacrificing for your children.

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  24. I think by cancelling your workshop, you did the absolute best thing! It shows the kind of woman you are...a good mom and wife, a smart business woman and a caring friend to those who follow you.

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  25. You have no idea how happy I was to read this!I spent a sleepless night last night deciding to turn down the first wedding that has been offered to me because it wasn't a great weekend for my family and I felt I wasn't the right person for this one.I felt so guilty and thought" you will never grow a business if you keep on putting your family first".Thank-you for your example and the reassurance of what I already knew- I made the right choice!

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  26. You have done exactly the right thing and I commend for doing so.

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  27. Marsha, you made the right decision. ALWAYS listen to the "little voice." It has never failed me!!!

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  28. I completely understand your need to put your family first and I think that everyone will see that. You are an awesome woman and I KNOW that all of your readers and followers know that. Take care of yourself and your family and take a deep breathe :)

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  29. Honestly, I am glad you decided not to do the workshop cause now I am not tempted to spend money that I don't have ;) I don't think anyone is going to think you are a flake and if they do so be it. You have to do what is right for you and your family. I believe that family should always come first!

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  30. I believe I have more respect for you being honest and putting your family first than if you had gone ahead and had the workshop and weren't able to commit yourself fully to the event. May God bless you and your family and keep you all safe during this next year.

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  31. Life is what happens when you are busy making other plans. Family comes first... always.

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  32. Family comes first & you did the right thing. No worries we will still around whenever you're ready... Looking for a big discount as you return. Big hugs.

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  33. Have you forgotten.... TRUE Savvy Sisters are loyal & would understand/support any decision that you make.... Especially when we would ALL do the same, in your position!! Thanks for setting the great example of putting your family 1st. That's what we're supposed to do!! God Bless!!

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  34. BIG hugs to you Marsha! Here's to a huge Savvy reunion in 2012!

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  35. You absolutely 100% made the right decision. Never question that. Your family and children always come first. Always. When my boys and I got sick and then we lost our home this year, suddenly "plans" -- personal, business, you name it -- it didn't seem to matter any more. I've really had a year to put things in perspective and I'm cutting back next year as well. Sometimes instead of taking photos of everyone else's lives -- it's nice to remember you have the same children and one yourself. Kudos to you for doing just that. It's a year you'll never forget, in a place you'll never forget -- and your kids will never forget you were with them every step of the way.

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  36. bless you--
    you are wonderful & my hero! i admire you for following your mama heart. good luck to you and your family.

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  37. Mad respect from this stand point! Maybe it's a Mom thing. Maybe it's a love of of REAL PEOPLE, with REAL LIVES. Anyone who has the guts to stand up and say, "I know my limits as a human being" is NOT, by any means, a flake. You make me want to find out more about this workshop, and all other offerings. Goodness by association! Blessings to you & your family. Thank you for sharing your husband with the world!

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