How can I put this? My body was screaming for rest!
Being an Art-preneur (Music Artist and Entrepreneur) has its moments!
You are in charge of everything. I am so blessed to have a tea business that is still standing, but it definitely has its challenging moments.
Let me break it down for you! I am the founder, the owner, the one who hand-blends the tea, the manager, the operating manager, the assistant, the marketer—EVERYTHING! And I still have a personal life! I have to remember to work out, pray, spend time with friends and family, get my rest, and make sure to get to work on time. Oh yes, I have a 9-to-5 job while doing all this! It’s a lot!
The beginning of the year was very challenging for me—personally, health-wise, and career-wise—but I still had a business to run! Every quarter, I set my quarterly goals, but this time, it felt different. I am usually excited about it, but this time, it honestly stressed me out. But I pushed through.
So here I am in my living room. I have my notebook out, my sticky notes, my pens, and markers ready to write down my quarterly goals for Q1. And when I do this, I usually break it down into three categories:
1.Taomi Tea N Treats
2. Music
3.Personal
As I was writing my goals down for each category, I found myself stressed and overwhelmed—to the point of tears!
I looked at my paper and saw that Taomi Tea N Treats had a long list of things I had to do. My music had a medium-sized list, and when it came to personal goals, the list was so small.
While I sat in the living room, I said to myself, “I don’t think I can do this anymore.” All of a sudden, questions flooded my mind. Should I quit this tea business and just work a full-time job? Should I just take a break? Should I sell the business? Should I just stop? I was overwhelmed!
After I calmed down, my body literally told me, “I need rest,” and then my mind said, “Me too.” We all need rest!
After carefully listening to the needs of my mental and physical health, I said yes to rest! I told my body I would take Q1 off—I would still take orders, but I wouldn’t do too much.
The following week, I grabbed a piece of paper and added to the Personal category in my Q1 goals. I listed all the things I wanted to do, including all the massages I wanted to try. Even though I was resting, there were still some things I really needed to do… drum roll please—TAXES!
Hahaha, oh yes, taxes! I had to compile everything I gained and lost in 2024 for Taomi Tea N Treats. I told myself, “Okay, Tamika, even though this is your rest quarter, there are still some high-priority items you need to handle.” I even promised myself that once tax season was over, I could fully take May off to truly rest!
What I’ve Learned in My Rest Era
Now that we’re in March—the last month of this quarter—I’ve reflected on what I’ve learned and what I’ve been doing.
Here are a few things:
- Working on weekends is not for me! I am always on the computer Monday–Friday, and even when I try to open my laptop on the weekends, my body and mind just want time for me. So, I’ve been using my weekends to be with friends.
- I’ve been having fun! I love dancing, so I’ve been going out, dancing, smiling, and enjoying life.
- I finally did cold plunges! I tried it three times and really liked it.
- I got a lymphatic massage! My body was screaming, “Thank you!”
- I’ve been exploring new tea blends from a new supplier, and I can’t wait for you all to try them.
- I’ve been healing. I went through a breakup that really hurt, so I’ve been using this time to heal my heart and learn more about myself.
- I turned 40 on February 13! I celebrated with a full spa day and a luxurious dinner!
- I’ve been reading the Bible more and getting closer to God.
- I started reading a book called, "Atomic Habits"—wow! The first two chapters are mind-blowing.
- I cleaned out my closet—and plan on doing it again!
- I’ve been working out, but not overdoing it because I realized certain workouts were causing more joint pain.
- I’ve been seeing my doctors to understand my health better.
- I’ve been learning more about tea blends.
- I’ve been replacing some wine nights with hibiscus tea.
- Some nights, I turn on Netflix, indulge in a Taomi Tea blend, and just relax.
- I started a healthy morning routine called POWER:
Prayer
Organize my day
Word (reading scripture)
Exercise
Read and write
- I’ve been sleeping 8–9 hours a night—and it feels amazing!
- Bubble baths. Enough said.
I could go on and on, but these are just a few things I’ve been doing for myself. Now, I’m in the process of planning my summer plans! I want to go to Hawaii again or maybe try a different spot—Belize?
Let’s Keep the Conversation Going!
Have you been resting? If not, why? And if so, what have you been doing in your rest era?
Let’s chat! ❤️
🍃 Tamika J.