This is not something that I have shared with many people, mostly because it is really a private matter, but 5 years ago I filed for bankruptcy. I don’t usually talk about my finances with a lot of people, just because it doesn’t come up naturally in conversation. And in someways, since it is not something I ever imagined I would have to do, it feels a bit embarrassing. Or at least it did.
But the reason I want to share it with you now is because I just completed 5 years of monthly payments and filing of “operating statements” for my business as a requirement of the terms. April 5th it was complete (or discharged in their language). And I am so grateful!
On one hand it feels like those five years went by really quickly. On the other, it feels like it lasted forever.
And to be clear, I am thankful it is over and the payments are done. But I am also grateful for the many gifts it brought me. It forced me to be even more intimate with my own business. It inspired me to fight for and keep our home. It also allowed me to transition from corporate life to that of a small business owner and entrepreneur.
It was hard at times and always a stretch. And yet there are ways, that now in hindsight, I realize it has helped me to create a new foundation in my life. As a business owner whose business is almost 8 years old, to not have access to investment money or credit, has been a challenging yet beautiful constraint.
There have been so many ways to grow this business that have had to be done slowly and within the limitations of what the business creates on its own. Products, services, inventory expansion and more. I have been forced (and I use that word intentionally) to be a better steward for this business. I have an appreciation for many of the things in my life, that prior to striking out on my own, I took for granted.
Bankruptcy changed everything. Including how I view myself and bankruptcy in general. I now see it as a significant feat of creation and manifestation. Magic, that in part, allowed me to create the life I have today.
I have always believed that things happen for a reason and they are ‘for us’ and not ‘to us’. Bankruptcy happened for me for many reasons and I could not be more grateful.
AND…, I am so happy and relieved it is behind me! I feel like a caged beast that has now been set free to roam the wild! Who knows where we will go from here!
With Light, Love, and Laughter
Charles
Congratulations on overcoming that huge challenge and being able to have gratitude for a difficult situation. I continue to admire you and your business efforts. I miss seeing you and being in Storm Wisdom. I will get our your way one of these days soon. Have GEM of a week ahead.
Thanks Sandy.., that means a lot to me! Maybe you can make it for our Anniversary Party at the end of the month! Whenever it is, it will be great to see you!
Congratulations, Charles. I have a sense of how challenging that was. We’ll have to exchange “war stories”
some day. I wish I could be there at the end of the month, but I’ll see you in September. ❤
Thanks for the support Tricia… I so appreciate it! It will be fun to see you this fall!
Congratulations Charles! I too had a bankruptcy in my first business and I learn soooooo much. I too was embarrassed but then went on to create a much more successful business. It was the wake up call I needed. Out into the wild! Much Love!!
Thanks Donna… it feels good to be on the other side of this and to know it is in the rear view mirror! Sending Love to you too! Keep me informed of where you are in your travels!!
Charles, great story, that will be part of your autobiography on creating a metaphysical “universe.” As a business consultant for all those years, I saw firsthand that your experience is far more common than most people realize because it’s not always talked about, but it’s almost like a rite of passage for entrepreneurs. Now you are in the ‘big leagues” for sure! Nothing will stop you now. It’s all smoother (notice I didn’t say smooth, just smoother) sailing from here on out! YAYYYYY!
Thanks Darla for sharing your expertise and insight… it is actually good to know, cause when you’re in it.., you can feel quite alone. Or at least I did.
and I imagine that is another part of the learning that might in fact be equally important… to know you are NEVER alone… that’s a myth… you know that of course, but it’s unfortunate that you felt that way even for a very short time during your decision-making process… congratulations on completing the process…
Charles, you are an inspiration to all of us. Keep putting one foot in front of the other, even though the test is challenging. I truly enjoy Storm Wisdom. Every,time
I go in, the energy is healing and will be there again soon. Thank you for this beautiful letter from the heart.
Thank you Linda… I love how you relate to and describe Storm Wisdom… it warms my heart!
Charles, thank you for sharing such private information…by doing so you just really helped me…as it looks like I could be taking that step soon and it’s been taking too
much of my energy with fear creeping in…. I LOVE what you experienced that it allowed creation and manifestation.to flow….as hard as taking that step might have been. And I’m so happy Storm Wisdom exists because what you are doing is helping so many people…and giving them a “home” to come to that helps remind them WHO they really are!
THANK YOU!
I am really sorry to hear that you may have to go through something similar Donna. Not because of the bankruptcy, which really was a lifesaver for me… but because of the anxiety of getting to that decision. I held off as long as I could and still struggled with making the decision. If I had known what a blessing it ended up being.., I would have done it sooner. Thank you for being a part of the Storm Wisdom family and your sweet acknowledgement.
Congratulations! I have always loved your store and want to support small businesses ESPECIALLY those who have survived that great challenge. You will be seeing more in the future. Know you are Blessed.
Thank you Janette. It is great having someone in your corner who encourages and supports what you’re doing!
Charles, incredible candor and willingness to open your heart. You are an inspiration to us all.
Thank you Sandy. I appreciate your support!