Avoiding Comes at a Cost

Hi everyone,

Last week, I shared how I canceled two appointments because my anxiety and nerves made me physically sick. Even though I canceled them, that entire week felt like a loss, consumed by stress and guilt.

This past week, I tried to get back on track, especially with the exercises I’m supposed to keep up with. I felt a bit brighter, but the guilt from canceling those obligations has been hanging over me like a dark cloud.

Now, with the holidays approaching, it’s bringing even more anxiety. This year has been particularly rough because I’ve mismanaged my funds and ended up in deep debt. I’m not able to do anything for the holidays, and it’s the worst I’ve ever felt as a provider and father.

Earlier this year, I spent on what I thought were necessary tools for our business—kilns, forges, ring-bending tools, coin ring-making supplies, Cricut machines, a 3D printer, CNC router, laser printer, and more. I still believe we’ll need these items once we gear up fully, but right now, it feels overwhelming. At 60, I felt I had to take one last shot at helping my wife own her dream business.

So here I am this week, stuck between trying to figure out how to boost sales for our store and feeling awful about the lack of presents under the tree. My family understands, but it frustrates me that I put us in this position.

If you’re reading this, I would truly appreciate it if you could check out our store at devilndove.online. Any feedback on what we could do to improve and make some sales would mean the world to me.

Thank you for taking the time, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.
Until next weekend,
Jack