The realness of your business anxiety in late-stage capitalism.

I was talking to the owner of a local brunch spot today, and without saying many words, we definitely understood the small business woes. The uncertainty. But mostly, we understood the anxiety of owning a business right now.

Many people shy away from being real about how emotionally challenging this season has been.

Sure, some people talk about numbers and strategy. But so few people truly talk about the anxiety of not knowing if you're going to go bankrupt, whether you're going to be able to make your estimated tax payments, or whether this solid month will actually carry over into the next one.

And then there's the anxiety that comes from needing to work more because health care and childcare in this country are, like, in the thousands. The chronic anxiety becomes chronic stress, and it seeps its way into every part of our lives. 

And then we make decisions from a place of trauma… Which is real, and which likely help keep you alive. A gentle reminder that sometimes the thing that kept us safe isn't necessarily the thing that needs to be driving the car while you listen to that unhinged playlist you made in 2020 or in 2010… But who am I? Only your chaotic double gemini who is probably in the passenger seat next to you eating gummy bears, lol.

If this reaches you and you've been feeling anxious, you're part of a community.

I can't say this for certain, but it seems like at least half of the people reading this might also have some... business anxiety. Considering it's related to our survival, that would make a lot of sense. But no one can support you if you don't ask for it. No one can know how scared you truly are if you don't tell them.

It can feel embarrassing to talk about your financial woes and fears. But more of us are working class than not. More of us know what it feels like to hustle, and have been hustling, even if we're tired of hustling.

So send that email asking for a reminder.

Ask your peers to share your work.

Show up to that monthly meeting. (And join The Spiral Collective if you haven't.)

Capitalism flourishes when we don't talk about what's truly happening. And so do our trauma responses. When we're left alone with all of it, our minds can take us to dark and lonely places.

And we don't need any more of that right now.

We need more people lifting each other up. More reminders that your work matters. More reminders that what you're building, making, offering, and creating has value, especially in a time when it feels like all you're doing is throwing spaghetti at walls. And, just because something isn't financially bringing in the big bucks doesn't mean it isn't worth pursuing… It just means you might have to be creative with work until it gets you back on your sparkly toes! 

That's all, my loves. 

Let's keep taking care of each other. Let's keep asking for help when we need it. Let's keep reminding each other that we don't have to figure everything out alone.

We aren't alone in this.

xoxoxox,