@joshuapsteele actually, as it turns out, therapist had a cancellation so I just scheduled for 11/6. Also reading through a few books that I was given way back when but thought I didn't need. They are helpful as-well. Prayer, Bible verses are popping into my head throughout the day.
@agilelisa I appreciate it :-)
@joshuapsteele I do, I have a handful of friends that are aware and are encouraging me, two pastors that I've reached out to, one of which I'm getting coffee with on Tuesday and will hopefully establish a regular check-in schedule. Appointment with a therapist is scheduled for his first available, Christmas Eve at noon. I scheduled bi-weekly with him for January and February. He's who Lindsay and I went to at the end of it all back in 2021, if I would have had an open heart things may have turned out differently, but things have happened according to a plan, of that I am sure. I'm also able to share some things with Lindsay, though I do guard some (she's aware) because I don't want to overwhelm her with everything...she's been incredible to talk with, now that I am finally being honest. She's aware that a dam has been opened in my heart and mind and everything is happening all at once. When I'm alone though, these thoughts and feelings are torture. I have never cried so much in my life. Sorry for such a long response. Head is full of a lot.
@chrisheck thank you for this encouragement, I appreciate it.
@Annie thank you, still a ways to go but this is painful enough that it must be the right way.
@gregmoore they actually mean a lot.
@gregmoore appreciated. Still in the thick of it at the moment, expect to be for a while. Hard to feel all of the feelings at once. Shame. Anger (at myself). Loss. Hope. Was in a puddle on the floor last night. Life is no joke.
@alexink waking up on Sunday I could feel the weight of my heart, of what had happened to my marriage and family, of my actions (or inaction) that contributed to the eventual divorce. I physically woke up that morning, but also mentally woke up with a clarity that I haven’t had in what feels like forever. I missed her, I felt terrible for what had happened, I wanted to reconcile and try again…we have been divorced now for two years, separated in January of 2021, a deep chasm forming at the end of 2019. Not since before then have I felt anything for her, love turned to resentment. I have had so much work to do on my own heart these past 4 years but never felt the need to (and so did nothing), did not recognize my faults in the marriage, pointed everything at her. That changed when I woke up on Sunday and I’m not sure why. But I feel an odd sense of direction right now that is not selfish (for once). I know exactly what I need to do, and why, and am taking steps toward those changes. We had our first honest conversation about all of this Sunday afternoon and for the first time in a while I have some sense of hope.
Sorry…long answer.
@odd Love this idea.
@alexink Sounds amazing!!
@wfm You are right, those could be triggers. Rage inducing is accurate :-) Would have done wonders do have someone from Etsy reach out directly instead of everything being automated.
@dwalbert The slower the better is always where I land with just about everything in life. It is more natural that way. Simple web pages with email forms, while way far away from what people are accustomed to these days, I think resonates with the one's that will be customers for life. It is a more authentic way to buy and sell, while still utilizing the global reach of the Internet.
I have the domain KeepingCommerceHuman.com and have been allowing my brain (in the background) to figure out how to use it. Lately I'm thinking it would be a nice place to list out websites of those of us in handcrafts and the like who offer a non-traditional e-commerce option for customers who would like a more human experience when buying. Curious what your thoughts would be on this idea.
@dwalbert perfect headline!
@SimonWoods got it, I'm with you. Any examples you have would be helpful, Aaron at amaiken dot com will do the trick.
I did record audio of the entry last night after drafting it, I do that sometimes as a part of my proof-read process and never do anything with the audio. Part of it naturally includes me going way off script and jabbering on about something related but not actually in the post itself :-) maybe there's a use for that somewhere.
I appreciate your insight!
@dvdlite Appreciated :-) this year has been an absolute roller coaster with Etsy. Building up other areas is critical for moving forward.
@SimonWoods That's the bourbon talking, just following the brain where it leads.
re using the post in marketing...I'm terrible at this part of things. How does one go about doing this?
@sarcassem Yep, I actually run my main website through Shopify and send all of my invoices from there as-well. No complaints with Shopify whatsoever, highly recommend using it for e-commerce needs.
Personally I always feel slightly boxed in though, which is why my Strathmere products are all built out using Jekyll then hosted using Github Pages...love the freedom offered through just managing things via a code editor (Nova, in my case) and organized pushes up to 'main'.
Plus, doing things that way opened my mind up (back) to the simple thing of connecting with customers one-on-one via email (or phone, etc) to discuss all order details and then invoice for payment. Something about receiving orders "blind" from strangers who I haven't even had a chance to say 'hi' to has always just felt kind of off to me. I get the appeal, the making money while you sleep concept, but hasn't ever really sat right with me.
Anyways :-)
@jeremycherfas writing always offers a bit of steam off, plus helps me to process through things, especially next steps.
@dwalbert Love the Autumn/Winter vibe!
@dwalbert At this point, unfortunately, I can't recommend it. It was good when it was good, but the bad is pretty darn bad. Focus elsewhere.
@ericmwalk clink clink
@rscottjones it was a good one!
@dwalbert sounds good! And I hear you :-) hope you have a good Q4!
@jabel thank you!
@chrisheck thanks! It’s good! And I’m definitely a sucker for good can design :-)