Well, I’ve delayed this long enough. Although this is probably bigger news for me, it has been a major factor in my life for the past few months and is something I need to share with you. I just feel telling you is necessary as I move forward with my life, career, and this blog. After much thought (I’m talkin’ like six months here, people), I have made the incredibly tough decision to close the doors of my little inn. As of January 1, 2013, I stopped taking guests in my house. What the what? Yeah, I know. As I said, I didn’t come to this decision quickly or easily, but after much soul searching, I decided this was the best and right thing to do. I’m going to try and be as brief as possible, but I feel I owe you an explanation. So, here goes.
Living. It sounds romantic and wonderful to own a Bed and Breakfast, but it is life consuming. As much as I enjoyed running my inn, I really didn’t do much other than that. I forgot to live, or didn’t have time to live rather. There were months and months I went without a day off, without the phone ringing, etc. You get it, right? I could go on, but I’ll stop there.
Space. I needed my own space. Again, I love interacting with people and making new friends. I couldn’t imagine a career without some aspect of that interaction. As much as I loved that, after five years, the constant presence of people in my home took its toll on me. I mean, sometimes you just want to walk around in your pjs (or less) and leave a few dirty dishes in the sink. As some of you may have already guessed, I have already completely taken over the main house and made it my own. Remember how I created a living room. Well, spoiler alert, it’s all for me. Selfish as it sounds, I can’t tell you how happy I am about that. I will get some more pictures and explanations on the blog this week or next week as to how I am now using the space. I’ve been so excited to share this with you.
Dreams. Ever since high school I have dreamed of owning a Bed and Breakfast. Thankfully, at the green young age of 25 I had the opportunity to buy one and I successfully ran it for almost five years. In my book, that’s pretty amazing. I’m not closing my doors because the business failed or didn’t prosper, I’m closing Old Charm B & B because I chose to. Did you ever dream of doing something, going to a particular place, or trying a certain food, and even though it was amazing, it wasn’t exactly what you thought it would be? Well that happens. Dreams aren’t always what you think they will be. Dreams change, and that’s okay.
Money. “Dude, if you are not running your little inn, how are you going to make a living?” I debated whether to address this question because how someone makes money or what someone chooses to do with money is really no one else’s business. At least that’s what my grandma says. To keep this explanation simple, this little blog (thanks to all of you!) is doing wonderfully. I’m also writing blog posts for some amazing companies, and my gift shoppe (inside my house) will remain open. In addition, I have a few other projects / opportunities that are on the down-low at the moment. So hopefully, that answers that question.
Future. Beyond my dream of owning a Bed and Breakfast, I have a lot of other things I want to do. I want to design products, write a book, and create, I want to see more of the world. Making this change allows me the chance to pursue some new and very exciting dreams. At this point, the world is my oyster. I’m open to new opportunities and challenges until that “one” comes along that fits.
And yes, I know that over the years many of you have expressed interest in staying here, meeting me, and eating my pancakes. Don’t worry. For now, I’m staying right here. Maybe we can work something out. Plus, not being so tied down gives me the opportunity to come visit you, right? There are a lot of other details and things that go into this story, but I’ve shared the ones that affected my decision the most. If you have questions, you’re welcome to ask them in the comments, and I’ll do my best to answer them.
Thank you so much for your continued support and love throughout these years. Without all of you, this move and change would not be possible. In fact, many of your emails, comments, and words of support helped make this decision a whole lot easier So again, thank you.
Here’s to new and exciting adventures together!
Life is meant, in my opinion, to be lived as an adventure. You’ve done wonderfully thus far, Michael, in living your B&B dream and now it’s time to move on. I wish you all the luck – may you continue to thrive in your adventures, always landing on your feet and amid friends. I love to read you and hope to continue doing so for a long time.
Yes – I promise to stay here. Thank you for your beautiful words and support!
I haven’t been following your blog for long…but really enjoy it. YAY! to you for realizing when your dreams are changing and for having enough courage to move forward rather than being/staying a slave to something that is no longer working for you! I look forward to reading about what you do next…
Time is irrelevant – I’m just happy to have you following along. Thanks for your kind comment. 🙂
Michael,
I don’t personally know you and have never had the pleasure of visiting your bed and breakfast. I “know” you through Pinterest! I found your blog through your pins and I have been drawn in! Reading your New Year’s post as well as this one has brought tears to my eyes and wanting you to be happy and wanting you to accomplish all the things you set out to do and feel accomplishment in the things you have already achieved! I am amazed by the internet how you can be complete strangers and feel connected with a person not even having one conversation! I love the pictures and quotes in this post. I think it captures well what you are saying. Many blessings to you and the future steps you take as you make new and exciting choices for yourself. I look forward to reading more about your journey! This is exciting and many people are getting an opportunity to see it all unfold! Thanks for your willingness to share!
My heart is soooo happy for you…and what exciting adventures you have ahead of you to live and blog about! BTW…this post and the way you used the pics with quotes gets an A+ in my book!
I’m a fairly new follower to your blog, but just wanted to chime in with my support. I have a little note to myself in a frame on my desk that says simply, “Live your own truth. Life is really short.” Good luck, Michael!
Well good for you! I found your blog when it was just “taking off” and so I have watched it- and you- grow. I wish you well as your life takes new turns and I’ll stay tuned to see where the adventure leads you. I love to see what you have to share with us next. God bless you!
Thanks for sharing your Courage! Just don’t leave me…I mean…the blog 🙂
Love Linds-
Michael- It takes courage and strength to listen to your dreams! Congrats on your new adventure. We often think its the destination which is the prize…its the journey. Know you will enjoy the journey. Know you have believed enough to do what you feel. Keep believing!
Maybe a year ago (?) you opened up your comments section for any questions we might have for you. I asked a bunch of questions about what your typical day was like at the inn and if you ever got a day off, etc…It does seem like a romantic notion to run an inn, but I suspected it must have been a 24/7 type of job. That’s hard to do all on your own. Listen I can barely keep my own home clean and cook for my family on a regular basis much less for guests-lol! It’s amazing that you’ve been so creative while juggling so many other things. You’re a rockstar! Can’t wait to see how your new dreams shape up. Best of luck 🙂
I am also at a crossroads in my career – congratulations on following your heart – you’re an inspiration in so many ways!
Sounds like a great plan Michael! Sometimes after following your dreams, you’ve got to make a turn and follow your gut (but keep the dreams too). I know you’ll be successful in whatever road you take. Have a peaceful week!
Denise
The hardest part (the decision) is over… now it’s just working out the details. It’s a very liberating feeling, isn’t it?
So often we think of how much of ourselves (time, money, emotional “heart”) we’ve invested in something and how substantive that “something” is, and it becomes larger than life and very formidable. We feel small against the idea of undoing it all. It takes courage to lay it down and move on – to see a vision of another life.
Cheers to your courage, and to the bright and shiny “next chapter”. Like many others, I am new to following you – but sincerely wish you all the best.
Michael,
Your news today brought calm to my heart. I am on a new dream path also and will know the direction it takes on Monday. The beautiful photos and script will be held in my hand whatever the results are for me. Thank you for sharing, and at a time I needed this inspiration. Sending you joy, bliss an success along your new path.
Michael,
Your news today brought calm to my heart. I am on a new dream path also and will know the direction it takes on Monday. The beautiful photos and script will be held in my hand whatever the results are for me. Thank you for sharing, and at a time I needed this inspiration. Sending you joy, bliss an success along your new path.
I’m glad to read that you made the right choice for you!
Having run a B&B since 2000, last year I made the choice to close one of the rooms AND book time off for us. We actually had a 2 week road trip vacation in our 5th wheel in August! Unheard of in the B&B biz! 🙂 This June it’s an Alaska cruise plus another road trip!
Enjoy your new chosen path and having your home to yourself! I wish you the very best!
We all have choices, sometimes we just forget that we do! Enjoy it all; choose to change what you don’t enjoy! Life’s too short to be miserable, really! You go, Michael!
Ps. Any chance you could pin that last quote/pic about not obsessing…my 11 year old is so struggling with that…just tonight! Amazing how things come just when you need them! Thx!
Congratulations on choosing yourself over a business that does not define you! My husband and I made a very similar decision 3 years ago, and I cannot tell you how much happier we are. Good luck on your journey!
Good for you Michael! I am so happy for you and can’t wait to see where you take us all next. Much like you, I collect quotes that speak to me – I keep them in a leather notebook by my desk. It’s a total modge podge of things that have spoken to to me through various experiences and times. I tried to find just the perfect one for you now but it was too hard to choose just one. Quotes, just like life, offer so many options it’s hard to just choose one. What is really cool is that you are taking your life in hand & going after your dreams. So I will leave you with this quote by Mary Kay Ash…”Idea’s are a dime a dozen. People who implement them are priceless.” You make me smile every day – thank you 🙂
I’m rather new here, and yes I was trying to orchestrate a visit to your Inn in the future, but I’m glad to have read todays blog – glad for you to be able to do what you feel, and inspired by your ‘orchid sayings’. Bottom line, please come visit Akron, Ohio. I am launching a business this Spring – Everyday Pontoon Charters. I’ll show you and your friends the beautiful and historic Portage Lakes region – and welcome your input on how to improve a fledgling business. Good luck to you.
Wishing you all the best things in the next chapter of your life. Go for it, Michael!