Hi Everyone

[GoldenBunny]

Starting here 'from scratch' ie setting up my profile and information. So here's a short intro.

Have been in business as sole trader for 6 years (the years before that are 'history' 😉

Survived the Covid crisis in 2020 only to lose my beautiful Mum in Oct after a tumultuous year with her health and my own

Came back in 2021 still in the throws of grief and a struggling business. We are implementing a succession plan and a little bit of pivoting to strengthen our business however for various reasons we are not growing beyond break even (and sometimes less)

Very thankful for Covid19 resources and funding and suspect the Beyond Blue resources will also be right where I need them at this stage of 'almost giving up' on my vision/s. I continue to reflect and use my support networks but sometimes it's nice to be anonymous and 'say it how it is' especially when on the downslide.

Look forward to using these forums, hopefully for a mutually supportive experience. Take care everyone

[Sophie_M]

Hi GoldenBunny,

Welcome to the forums. It sounds like an incredibly tumultuous few years, and we really appreciate your openness in sharing this with us here. This is a really kind, caring community, so we think it’s a really good step.

We’re sorry for your loss, and hope you know that the Beyond Blue counsellors are here for you if you ever want to talk. There’s also our amazing friends over at Griefline, who can talkit through and also help to provide you with some of the tools and coping strategies to support you during the healing of your grief and loss. They’re on 1300 845 745, and are available 6am to midnight (AEDT), 7 days a week.

We’re sure some of the other community members will pop into say hi at some point, but in the meantime, here’s a few things we thought you might find useful:

• Beyond Blue’s NewAccess for Small Business Owners – a mental health coaching program designed to hel...
• Griefline’s resources – tips tools and articles relating to grief and loss. (We especially like the EAST method of supporting wellbeing through grief.)
• Our thread on MixedEmotions – where community members are invited to share their own mix of post-pan...

Thanks again for joining us here, GoldenBunny.

Kind regards,

Sophie M

[quirkywords]

Golden bunny,

welcome tour forum.

Sophie has given you many useful resources. I am sorry for the loss of your mum and the difficulties with your business.

I used to be a sole reader but lost my home and business due to the fires.

If there had not been fires I would be facing the loss of my shop as most shops in my old town are struggling.
Being a sole trader takes courage and vision and you have both.

On top that you are grieving for your mum and you have not been healthy.

The small business owners resources on BB are helpful .

I look forward to continuing this chat.

[Learn to Fly]

Hi GoldenBunny

A very warm welcome to the forum. Your effort and courage to reach out will not go unnoticed.

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your beautiful Mum. You must’ve been pretty close.
I am also sorry to hear about your struggle with your own health as well as your business. Recent two years have been so extremely unpredictable and testing for so many.
Hiw are you coping these days?

[Kally_jo]

I’m sorry to hear about the loss of your mum. Covid has been difficult for everyone. It has also caused me a few issues with anxiety but hang in there and stay strong

[Mk2692]

Hi GoldenBunny,

Welcome to the forums and thanks for reaching out. Sorry to hear that you have been through a tough time especially due to COVID. I hope that things turn out better for you and your dreams do come true. I'm glad you are using resources here and that you are finding them helpful throughout tough times. Hope you find the forums welcoming and that you make new friends. Wishing you all the best.