Charlie’s Journey (1): Finding Balance Amongst Chaos
Balancing Act: Nurturing Business Ambitions and Relationships While Cherishing Precious Moments with Charlie
Last October, in the midst of discussing grant writing with a friend and client, I found myself articulating a clear vision for the future of my business. In 2024, I declared, would be the year where I'd focus on expanding my services to include Companion Animal End of Life Doula Services, Pet Memorial Services, Private Grief Rituals and Tributes, and Memorial Services for animal families in my community. This vision, alongside maintaining my pet sitting business and building a team to share responsibilities, filled me with excitement and determination.
As I embarked on hiring and training new pet sitters, I became deeply immersed in the operational aspects of my company. The relentless demands of running a business consumed my attention—legal, compliance, accounting, systems development, you name it. I meticulously crafted an Employee Handbook and even outlined a grand marketing plan and calendar for 2024. My focus was unwavering as I pushed forward, intent on realizing the more practical aspects of my vision before delving into the more delicate services I aspired to offer.
But then, amidst the hustle and bustle of business, Charlie, my beloved Siamese companion cat, delicately intervened. It started innocuously enough—a visit to the vet for a seemingly minor skin irritation and itching. Little did I know, this routine checkup would escalate and reshape my world. The diagnosis: metastatic lung cancer.
The news hit me like a stampede. How could Charlie, who appeared healthy and vibrant on the surface, be terminally ill? For more than two months, we've grappled with the reality of his diagnosis, navigating the delicate balance between cherishing every moment with him and fulfilling our daily obligations. It's a juggling act—prioritizing precious time with Charlie while managing work commitments and our own well-being.
Finding Solace in Balance
I am fortunate to adjust my work schedule when possible, and Gunther and I made a conscious choice to forego our annual trip to Crested Butte in March. We see this precious time as a gift, and our bond is strengthened through our love and care of Charlie. Having difficult conversations brings us closer, and monitoring, discussing, and accepting small changes in his daily health allows us to be vulnerable and open our hearts to one another. While a vacation to “get away from it all” would be nice, being home with the ones who matter most fills our buckets—in a different way.
In the midst of this turmoil, I am seeking solace in the concept of balance. Last year, I took a symbolic step towards equilibrium by getting my first two tattoos, each representing a facet of my quest for balance in life. It was my “theme” for 2023, and I did a lot to try to achieve said balance, though I rarely lived within it. Little did I know then how profoundly relevant this theme would become in 2024.
As I reflect on the journey ahead, I'm reminded that amidst the chaos of business and the heartache of personal challenges, finding balance is not just a goal—it's a necessity. So, as I navigate the year ahead, I'll strive to honor my vision for my business while treasuring every moment we’re honored to have with Charlie at home, embracing the delicate dance of life's ebbs and flows.
In the end, for me, it's not just about building a successful business or taking an epic vacation—it's about nurturing the bonds that truly matter and finding harmony amidst life's myriad complexities. And for that, I'm eternally grateful to Charlie for reminding me of what truly counts.
This article is brought to you by The Empowered Companion, a platform dedicated to enriching family life through mindful and compassionate practices with our animal friends. The ‘Charlie’s Journey’ series contain the personal reflections of founder, Jaime Kuhn, and is intended to extend a hand of companionship to those traversing the often tumultuous terrain of pet loss. In doing so, we believe we can find solace and connection in our shared humanity.
