A Breakup Letter to my Business
Why I closed my very successful multi-six figure wedding photography business...
I broke the “rules.” You don’t just close a business at the top of your game. You don’t close a business when you’re making really good money. You don’t close a business while it’s prospering. But I have. I don’t see it as quitting, but more like it’s completed. It was the most challenging and thrilling time, but this season is over. I’ve gone as far as I wanted to go and I’ve been so incredibly proud, but also so very tired.
I’m resting now. I’m simplifying. I’m contemplating, questioning, softening. I’m letting go of anything that doesn’t feel like me or the life I want to live. I’m restoring my femininity and imagination. I’m smiling in the morning.
It’s been absolutely terrifying letting it go and I’ve gone through an intense inner journey. But goodness, it feels so incredibly blissful to be true to yourself; to live a life that feels authentic and peaceful. You can’t buy the feeling of pure contentment.
My heart is leading me in a new direction and I know it will be beautiful. But for now, I say goodbye to something that meant so much to me. Something I loved, something I will never forget…
Dear Beautiful Business,
You were never just a business, you were a part of my heart. You held me together for so many years, when all I wanted to do was fall apart. You were always there when I needed you, and I gave you my all in return. Sleepless nights and long days, extensive travel, exhausted and weary muscles. I turned to you when I was sad, and counted on you to keep me happy. You brought me gumption and stamina and grit, and I learned so much from you. You taught me to put myself out there and to try new things, even scary things. When I thought I couldn’t do it, you reminded me of all that I am on the inside. I can do hard things, and I can create anything I set my heart upon. You have given me so much confidence in myself and my abilities like nothing else ever has. You have blessed me and my family with overflowing abundance for years. And so I want to say thank you. Thank you for standing by my side and always being there for me. Thank you for providing me with so many opportunities. Seeing my work and my name in so many publications, visiting far off places, and making friends all over the country was such an adventure. I cherish all the friendships I’ve made with photographers, videographers, clients (and their family and friends), and other absolutely wonderful wedding industry vendors. I am so grateful for the people you brought into my life.
When we first started I was so in love. I couldn’t get enough of you. I spent every waking moment with you. It was bliss. I was living high in creativity and wonder. You kept challenging me and I met you there. I never let you down, and neither did you. We were good friends and I will never regret our time together. You were there through my excruciating heartbreaks and breakdowns. You were there when I went through infertility, miscarriages, IVF, and the births of my two beautiful daughters. You never cared what I looked like and you never judged me. I knew I could always depend on you to help get me through. You were the most beautiful distraction from everything that hurt me.
But after many years, something shifted. I can’t put my finger on the exact moment, it was more like a changing of the seasons; I saw the signs. You began to turn on me. The years around Covid brought great drama and the amount of work completely burned me out, after already being burned out. I couldn’t keep up with your demands. I got older and softer. The blissful feelings of our earlier times evolved into feelings of resentment. I no longer felt the lightness of being with you. It got too heavy.
I realized it was never you that brought me true joy, but the spirit within me. You are not the source of my abundance, but God, which means, I can let you go and still live in the flow of abundance and creativity because God is within me and He will never let me fall.
And so old friend, now is the time to let you go. We have just a few more miles to travel together, but I’m unloading unnecessary weight as we go. I will travel light from now on. I’m beginning to walk in a new direction and I can’t take you with me. I can’t care for you any longer. You are not my destiny and we both know it. I’ve outgrown you, and perhaps in a way, you have outgrown me; it’s no longer a fit. We made a great pair while it lasted and I will always look back at our time together as fond memories. But we both know it’s over, and why delay the inevitable? I kiss your hand and you kiss mine, and we embrace. You will go on exactly as you’re supposed to, and I wish you all the best. And as for me, I will spin gold in a new fashion. I will follow the light. I hear the call and I must answer. No holding back, I’m all in. My destiny has lived within me for years now, yearning to break free. It’s time.
Love,
Your Dyanna
Dear friend,
Is there anything in your life you need to break up with? It doesn’t have to be as extreme as a job or a relationship. But perhaps an old mindset, a workout that doesn’t feel joyful, social media, an organization, a piece of clothing, etc. It’s so important to question your life every once and awhile and ask yourself if your life actually feels like you. If there is something that no longer serves who you are now, it might be time to let it go. And while you’re at it, perhaps right a break up letter to whatever it is. It’s incredibly healing. Keep it simple and once it’s written, feel free to store it in a journal or in your bookshelf, or simply burn it up as you say goodbye. Feel free to share what you’re breaking up with in the comments. I’d love to hear!
Start with appreciation and acknowledge what you enjoyed and loved about it.
Clearly state your decision.
Give a few honest reasons for your decision.
Offer a form of respect and closure.
I wish you a life that is truly yours,
Dyanna