Big Girl Bed Era

Excuse me while I write this through tears. I just put my oldest daughter to bed in her crib for the last time as her "big girl bed" arrives tomorrow. After lifting her into the crib (something I won't miss specifically) for the last time, I gave her a quivery good night and immediately walked out and sobbed - grateful for the hundreds of times I had gotten to lift her into the crib and excited for her Big Girl Bed Era to begin.

And just now as I thought about my email topic for the week (Yes I write these in real-time, I never pre-schedule them!), I realized that my business is also in our Big Girl Bed Era.

• Stepping into a larger world filled with possibilities and exciting challenges

• As we scale and I'm working more ON the business instead of IN the business, I'm having to let go of my comfort zone.

• That big girl bed represents a new level of independence, much like the freedom and responsibility that comes with owning a business

• Moving to a big bed can stir up fears of the dark, kinda like some uncertainties that come with entrepreneurship!

• Kids may find comfort in knowing their parents are nearby during this transition, while business owners often rely on their community, mentors, and networks for support while they venture into new territory (I definitely am grateful to have both my parents AND a great set of mentors close by!)

• Embracing the adventure of growing up—whether it’s in a bed or a business—can be both thrilling and a little daunting, but it’s all part of the journey.

• Dreaming bigger is a good thing. Today I was asked by one of our franchisees if I ever thought of taking the company public. I hadn't before.... but now I think I'll dream about that tonight!