Navigating Personal Loss: How Do You Run a Creative Business While Grieving?

Running your own business as a creative professional is inherently challenging. The freedom to direct your craft and business comes with its highs and lows—heightened when life presents its most painful trials, such as enduring the loss of loved ones, including family and beloved pets, or managing the complexities of living far from your birth country.

The Unseen Battles

Currently managing a small family while simultaneously facing profound personal losses has made me acutely aware of the complexities these heartaches introduce into both personal and professional life. Each loss feels like a storm, threatening to capsize what might otherwise seem like a steady ship.

I moved to Ireland from Spain over 20 years ago, and logistical challenges add to the emotional burden. I've had to get ‘on the next plane home’ several times during recent family emergencies, postponing jobs more than once over the last few months because of it. Maintaining deadlines while not wanting to disappoint clients and being afraid to take bookings in case I had to travel again added to the anxiety. Then, after returning from Spain, I have had to pick up the pieces at home, rest and recover, while being present and available for my kids, who are entering their teenage years—a challenge on its own.

Too many spinning plates to balance!

Sustaining Creativity in Times of Sorrow

Creativity often thrives in tranquility and joy, but how do you maintain it when grief casts a shadow over your life? The constant worry, fear, grief, and anxiety took a toll on my focus and left my creativity blocked for some time. How can you create when one is stuck in fight-or-flight mode?

Emails and phone calls piled up and finding the mental space to be creative amidst the grief felt like a battle. This is the paradox for creative professionals: the need to continue creating and inspiring despite personal crises.

No headspace for clarity when you are immersed in deep grief

Embracing Courage Over Confidence

In line with my earlier reflections on finding success not through confidence but through courage, navigating ongoing personal grief while running a business calls for that same bravery. It's about continuing to create and embracing vulnerability as a strength rather than a setback.

Currently, I'm trying to figure out how to balance it all while staying true to my craft and my values. Here are some questions that I’m asking myself and how I am approaching them:

How Do I Keep Routine?
A solid routine can be an anchor, but it's challenging to maintain when grief and sorrow are knocking at the door. How do you establish a rhythm that provides structure while allowing space for healing? I often start my day with exercise. It really helps me.

How Can I Lean on My Community?
Support networks are crucial, but reaching out isn’t always easy when you're used to being the strong one. How can I better connect with others and share my burdens without feeling like I’m imposing? In my case, working with a counsellor has been life changing. That way I’m not relying on friends for the heavy lifting and I am getting the support I need.

Is It Okay to Slow Down?
Grieving deserves attention, and it’s normal to feel like you're not at your best. How can I permit myself to slow down without feeling guilty? This is a hard one, because I’m a high-achiever and capable of doing a lot, so slowing down doesn’t sit well with me. But I’m learning!

How Do I Adjust My Expectations?
Life changes quickly and dramatically during challenging periods. How can I redefine success in a way that respects my current reality? This one came easy. After having such a hard time personally, I had to go back to something I heard Víctor Küppers say, quoting Stephen Covey, the main thing is to keep the main thing the main thing.

Finding Strength and Resilience

Despite the challenges, I've realized that finding strength amidst grief is about being compassionate with myself and trusting my ability to figure things out. Tuning in to gratitude and love. Each day brings me closer to balance as I strive to continue delivering high-quality work to my clients.

How can I maintain resilience in the face of grief while running my business? I don't have all the answers yet, but I’m committed to keep putting one foot in front of the other and to do my best, as always.

If this resonated with you, have a look at this article I wrote about lessons of life and business I’m learning while tending to the garden.