{Guest post written by Ellen Atkins of The Suburban Monk. What I love most about Ellen’s story is her courage to step away from 30 years in the corporate world to start a business that revolves around smiling monks! I’ve been lucky enough to be part of the initial steps as one of her advisors. Check out her website to meet “Syd”.}
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I sit here writing this blog, so appreciative of where I have come. I mean, I have a business that feels more like play, a logo that I love and I am even wearing one of my new Suburban Monk tank tops (which I must say is SO cute).
I have a thriving Facebook fan page, a decent size Twitter following, a live website, and the start of a Suburban Monk community where the responses to my posts and blogs warm my heart. I have really cool and talented people working with me and I am making items that I want to buy and have in my home.
How cool is all of this?
But my story wasn’t always pretty.
The inspiration for The Suburban Monk came from a time of major transition in my life. Do you know that place? It’s where the past is gone . . . but we’re not quite sure what the future holds. The void that is so uncomfortable.
I led a “normal” suburban life. I’m married to a great guy who is still my husband 28 years later, had 3 kids and the adorable family dog, Murphy.
The Corporate world was where I lived for 30 years. Yes, the “perfect” job. Great money. Well respected. The day flew by.
So, what turned my perfect life upside down?
For a long time, there was a constant internal nagging. Logically, it felt like this all should be enough. It wasn’t. Conversations constantly played in my head such as, “You can do this job with your eyes closed. Don’t you want to see what else is out there?” When I thought about quitting, what would I do? always popped up. With no answer, I’d get pulled back into the “busy-ness”.
Those voices eventually became shouts, and the day after we took our son to college on August 30, 2007, I finally quit. I still had no explanation for my family and friends.
Well, none that was logical.
I knew it would be hard but never realized how hard. I felt like Alice from Alice in Wonderland falling down the rabbit hole. I tried being the “perfect mom” (oh, that went well. Ha.) I tried yoga, volunteering, organic juicing. You name it.
Eventually, I couldn’t run any longer.
There were no more activities that could keep the waves of despair away. I couldn’t figure it out with my head. What I really needed? To surrender and be still with my sadness.
It was in this stillness, this void, that something magical began to happen.
I had no expectations during this time. I just wanted to feel better. So, I started to notice anything that gave me pleasure: a word, a quote, a picture or color. Anything. I ordered a few Monk statues (the jolly kind with big bellies). They made me laugh and whatever made me laugh, I wanted to surround me.
The Monks became my companions and daily inspiration. I would dress them up. A dishtowel became a shawl, a mop became a hat. It was a new hobby; no, a new passion! I started taking pictures and sent them to friends. The response was amazing. They loved the Monks! Everyone realized how little they laughed. How serious we had all gotten about life.
I put one in the garage that I would see every time I pulled up. It would immediately snap me out of my seriousness as if to say, “Laugh now, feel better — and then we can deal with life’s issues.”
The UPS guy loved seeing the statue(s) on the front porch with various outfits and messages duct-taped to them. The one in my kitchen would have a funny or inspirational message for the day. They were always bringing me back to joy and laughter.
I realized I could be sad and happy at the same time. The monks were helping me feel inspired, creative — and actually happy.
Little did I know this would be the start of a business.
If someone had told me during this dark time, “Oh don’t worry. You will be fine and start a business making Monk statues with outfits and other accessories, plus help people at the same time…” can you imagine what I would have thought?
It was by surrendering, accepting where I was, letting my joy lead me (and not judging it!) — that I was guided to a really amazing place.
I’d love for you to share your story if any of this resonates. Let’s help each other. You too, can create a life that makes sense, feels good and is so much fun to live! I promise.
Live, Laugh, the Magic in the Dark Night of the Soul!
