You ever want to slap your husband?

The last few weeks have been more than a little hectic in my world, Reader.

And while it's my instinct to retreat within my little hermit corner when major setbacks and life events like this happen...

I made a promise to share what the real behind-the-scenes of building an aligned business looks like with you, and that means the ugly parts, too.

So here goes...

Two weeks ago, my father-in-law had emergency open-heart surgery.

Previously a super healthy and fit guy, this was incredibly unexpected.

He was also completely new to surgery—he'd never even had his tonsils out—so none of us knew how things were going to go.

He ended up getting a quadruple bypass, with all three of his major arteries being clogged, along with a branch off one of the mains.

How this man was living with all that going on is beyond me, but I'm so grateful they caught it when they did.

He's through the surgery and back home now, and we're all doing our part to take care of him, the house, and my mother-in-law, who was obviously completely shocked by all of this.

My husband and I live with my in-laws, remember?

So this wasn't just close to home, it's at home.

Oh, and in the midst of all of this, I also managed to give myself a mild concussion (story for another time).

Safe to say it's been an absolutely draining few weeks.

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I also found myself resorting to allllll my old negative coping mechanisms when we first found out about my FIL.

Having lost a parent unexpectedly, I was extremely triggered. This was, of course, very different from my experience losing my mom. But still, the panic was all too familiar.

(It definitely didn't help that we found out about all of this just a few days after the five-year anniversary of my mom's passing.)

I immediately found myself people-pleasing, self-sacrificing, and holding onto the illusion of control like a python.

I call this version of myself "Cruise Director Baylee," and she is exhausting.

I was solidly locked in this mode for the first few days after my FIL was admitted to the hospital, while we were waiting to see when the surgery was going to be.

I put my entire life, health, and business on pause so I could be there for my in-laws and husband—bending over backward to make sure their every need was anticipated and met.

It wasn't until my wonderful, supportive, grounded (annoyingly, at times) husband gently took me aside and reminded me of my very own philosophy that I finally snapped out of it.

Know what that was?

In essence, he reminded me that I need to take care of myself first, so I can have the energy to care for others.

After shaking off the desire to slap him (just a little slap. Why do they always have to be the voice of reason??), I realized he was 100% right.

So, to fill my cup back up, I did what I do best—I created.

I wrote shitty poems and unintelligible notes in my phone.

I sewed four projects, two from a pattern I'd purchased and one from a self-drafted pattern, which was creation in itself.

I painted. I baked. I sketched.

In fact, after my FIL's surgery, I decorated his whole ICU board with encouraging little drawings and made a dolphin/palm tree/beach scene on his heart pillow (which he loved, as did all of the hospital staff!).

I slept, a lot. And I found myself feeling beyond grateful for the fact that I've created a business that fits around my life, rather than the other way around.

Because when I wanted to, I was able to be 100% available for my family.

I was able to process my emotions and support the ones I love through an extremely scary and unknown time.

And then, when it came time to work, I got to do work that fuels my energy, rather than drains what little I had left.

I was able to do this because years ago, and every day since, I made the conscious choices to create the life and business of my dreams, regardless of my circumstances.

Now that my FIL is back at home (and I'm recovered from being mildly concussed, lol), I'm able to arrange my schedule to help out where I need to...

And get my work done when I know my energy is the highest, rather than running on fumes and feeling completely drained.

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What I've been working on

Since being "back at work," I've been singularly focused on finishing my first self-published book (eek!!), The Becoming Journal.

I am so ready to get this out in the world and into your hands, Reader. I mean it—the laser focus is real!

Right now, I'm working on editing the final draft, and that feels SO GOOD to say!

Almost as good as it feels to hold this physical copy in my hands.

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My plan is to have this ready for you to hold in your hands by sometime in July...

But the next step is formatting and design, which is completely new territory for me, so... I'll keep you in the loop for the exact date when I have it!

I'm super excited to share more about The Becoming Journal soon, but for now, I'll tell you that if you're craving more alignment between your dream life and your reality...

And you're determined to create a life and business that allows you to both put your health first and express your multi-passionate creativity...

And you love a to-do list but find yourself getting overwhelmed by an ever-growing list of unlimited tasks...

This baby is going to be your new favorite pal.

I've truly loved writing this book and everything I've learned about self-publishing (and weirdly enough, wellness coaching?) along the way, which again, I'll be sharing more about in another letter, soon.

Until then, thanks for reading, Reader.

It wasn't easy for me to show up and share the real and scary stuff that's been going on behind the scenes here lately...

But I know I'm not the only one dealing with real life.

Sure, we're entrepreneurs, but we're humans first, and I think that needs to be talked about a little more in the business world.

If you want help from someone who knows what it's like to be human and build an aligned business, you can grab a 1:1 spot on my calendar by clicking any of the dates below!

'Til next time,

Baylee

P.S.

I recently deleted Instagram—it was taking a toll on my mental health, and that's a no-go in my book.

So if you want to get in touch or keep up with me, the best way to do that is either here via email or over on Pinterest!

I'm planning to get back on YouTube soon, but it's not currently the prio. Baby steps, remember? 😉

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Somebody forward you this email? (I'll give you the quick TL;DR to catch you up to speed) ​ ​Hi! I'm Baylee Jennings. ​ Writer, artist, and creative entrepreneur who believes more than anything that you deserve to be in love with your life. I create books, journals, wearables, and digital resources to inspire you, support your growth, and help you build the life of your dreams. Browse The Site →

“Honor yourself first, betray yourself last.”

— Brené Brown

113 Cherry St #92768, Seattle, WA 98104-2205
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