Stop Resenting the Growing Pains

For the past few weeks Di has felt unsettled. Stuck.

She went to her acupuncturist and told him that she has a constant lump in her throat that makes her feel like she might need to throw up.

He said, “You’re trying so hard you’re creating resistance where there isn’t any. Just stop.”

What is she resisting?

Giving up control.

She’s been shaving back her hours, spending less time behind the chair so she can spend more time behind the scenes, building up the business. And while that’s freakin’ amazing, it’s also scary.

Recently Di answered a call at the studio. A long time client said, “I haven’t seen you in awhile. I’m so glad you picked up. Do you have a minute?”

Di’s stomach dropped. What was this woman going to say?

Only good things, it turned out. She expressed that the girls ran the studio smoothly and professionally. The Thanx experience was still the same, even without Di being physically present.

Which is exactly what Di’s been working towards. Yet there’s still a part of her that feels that she needs to control how the girls act and what they say, even when what she really needs is to continue to step back and get out of her own way.

Her acupuncturist challenged her to think about how she defines success.

Peace. Freedom.

Both of which she’s creating by personally stepping back from her business.

And yet, it can be hard to accept that you’ve done enough. That you are enough, no matter what you’ve done.

Every morning, Di listens to a meditation by Curly Nikki. One morning’s message was, “You have to stop praying for growth but then resenting the growing pains.”

That hit home.

It’s easy to do that in all facets of life. Change can be scary and hard, especially when we aren’t in control.

Recently Di reconnected with an old networking acquaintance at one of her morning paddles. She’s always been a bit intimidated by this woman, who is gorgeous, fit, and healthy, but also down to earth. Lyn moved to State College several years ago and is an HR rep for a property management firm.

“It’s crazy,” Lyn said. “I have so much to do. I can’t hire anyone. There’s no talent up there.”

Di wanted to hop on a soapbox. She doesn’t believe that at all. At Penn State? The largest university in the country, which has graduates at all the highest and most powerful positions in the nation. No talent there, really? 

Di is proud of the youngest members of her tribe. Sure, there are generational changes and challenges. Younger workers who grew up in COVID are demanding shorter days, more vacation, and greater flexibility. But this is exactly the freedom Di is aspiring to. Why begrudge others who are looking for the same thing? Policies may need to adapt, but there is so much talent out there that just needs a leader to hold them accountable with love.

Clearly Di has started to grow and evolve. But she acknowledges that she still has a ways to go!

In this new stage of life and business, Di does miss all the amazing clients she’s had the privilege to build relationships with through the years. She knows it’s a growing pain for many that she’s no longer as available as she used to be. 

Last year she shared her life and her heart through social media videos. Although she hasn’t had much time to post for awhile, she’s found someone to help her with the technical side of social media. She’s excited to refocus on her social channels soon and use them as a way to connect as she continues to grow.

If you want to keep in touch with Diane and see what she’s up to outside the studio, please follow her on Instagram at @dikecklife. Her posts will be shared to Facebook as well. She’d love to see you in her comments. These are personal accounts separate from Thanx’s Instagram, so her posts aren’t all about the hair, though the studio may show up on occasion.

Even though Di is in the studio less, Thanx’s culture remains unchanged, and there are wonderful stylists ready to take great care of you. She hopes you’ll keep visiting Thanx to reset, recharge and leave with beautiful hair and nails. Book an appointment today for a cut or color service or a cute summer manicure.

__

This post was written by Amy Miller, freelance writer and Thanx superfan. You can find out more about her writing services and her personal journey at her blog: A Novelist’s Guide to Rewriting Your Life.