Recession

What has the recession meant for you? Well from a SMALL shop keeper it has meant this....

R - Respect. Something you will only have from a few of your most loyal shoppers...
E - Energy. You will need more energy than you have ever had before
C - Creativity. You will not be creative enough no matter how hard you try
E - Everyday. That is how much time you will have to spend at your store.
S - Sale. Did someone say Sale, you will be asked even if they know different
S - Stupid. That is the way you will feel because you cannot find ways to bring customers
I - I, Me. The only person who has to hold the weight of the world. Lonely
O - Overboard. You will either want to jump overboard or you will go overboard trying to fix it
N - Nitwits. You will meet several, who verbally abuse you as you stand there smiling

Kind of a big word with lots of little meanings. Recession started this whole feeling of emptiness and being lonely... feeling like your in this alone and never going to get back to where things were better. One thing you all should know. I didn't buy this business to get rich, (maybe that was my first problem) I bought this business to put my heart and soul into it. To be able to go to work and do something I love, to bring smiles to faces of so many, many people. The problem is..... It was working and well. I could even have some time off in the beginning, Now after 3 years of the dreaded R word.. I work alone alot of the time, just trying to keep my business. What was once one of the great loves of my life has become the biggest nightmare I could ever imagine.... What I am worried about most is that the next 3 years might bring more anxiety, a heart attack and a stroke. To be continued.....