As a nearly-always-understaffed entrepreneur, I've gotten used to my schedule being 24/7. I'm thankful that my drive mostly matches my energy level. But after a four-year journey of ups and downs with adrenal burnout recovery and setbacks— facing some of the most challenging external trials — I chose to take a month-long "time-out."

How grateful I am to have the ability to step out of my daily routine and, at least for a time, to do only what I want and feel like doing. For this time away, I replaced all of my "have-to's" with "get-to's."

WOW, did my nervous system need that. I was immediately at ease. Immediately settled. My body immediately released. I spent the first twelve days alone, and it was blissful. As a mother, a wife, and a business owner, I haven't had many stretches of time where my life could revolve only around my own needs. So while this wasn't a usual experience for me, it wasn't one that took time to adjust into. I just owned it instantly.

There were two things I focused my mind on during that time.

One was being very present — not letting my mind wander to past events or future musings, but really being conscious of what I was experiencing in every moment. The other was being present with what I was feeling — consciously intending to experience gratitude for whatever I was observing and sensing.

It's something I try to do at home during my workday, but I tend to live my day-to-day in my logical brain, handling all the admin and technical tasks of the business. So much of the time, logic rules my hours. Focusing instead on sensing — sights, sounds, smells, and touch; the water on my skin, the breeze cooling me down — and simply savouring all of it was exactly what my mind, body, and spirit needed to recalibrate and allow another level of expansion to unlock.

What emerged

What emerged from that stillness was my next step.

As much as I love my business, there are still parts of me that have yet to be expressed. As some of you know, I've hosted two podcast series over the past three years. These were passion projects I fell in love with but operated off the side of my desk — and something I want to pursue more of. I've incorporated Next Ancestors Media Inc. to bring other projects like these to light. More on that soon.

I also want to say this: the products I bring to life through Totem Design House will always be a focus and a priority for me. The inspiration is endless, and I love creating things that are both useful and beautiful. So I'm not only working on new things — I'm also carrying the things I already love with me, everywhere I go.

The one thing I never travel without

On my travels, I always bring one of our fleece blankets. Whether it's a road trip or a trip overseas, I get that cozy, nested feeling the moment I have one with me.

And because of the fibromyalgia I live with, I often work from bed. But here's my little ritual: I sit on top of the covers and use the fleece blanket over me — even while watching TV from bed. Only when it's actually time to sleep do I get under the covers. It's my small way of switching over from "bed as a comfortable place to work and relax" to "strictly sleep." That one soft layer tells my whole body which mode we're in.

One of the most common pieces of feedback we get from customers who buy them is that they come back for more — so that everyone in the family has their own. We know the feeling, because we have the exact same "non-problem" in our house, and every time we travel.

If you don't have yours yet, this is your sign. 🤍

Shop the Ultra Fleece Blankets →

With gratitude,

Erin