Minus One Follower, Still Moving Forward

There’s a quiet kind of tension that comes with trying to grow something meaningful online while also living a full, very real life offline.

This week, that tension looked like late nights, multiple half-finished cans of Diet Coke, and squeezing in work wherever it fit—after practices, after church, after the house finally got quiet. It looked like juggling social media, adding new listings to my Shopify site, and trying to stay consistent in a space that never really pauses.

And if I’m being honest? The results felt… humbling.

After a full week of showing up, I gained 6 new followers.

…and lost 7.

Net gain: -1.

There’s something about that number that stings more than just “no growth.” It feels like moving backward. Like proof that maybe all the effort isn’t working the way I hoped it would.  And I don't have what it takes to make it. 

But numbers don’t always tell the full story.

Because behind the scenes, something is happening.

I’m learning how to show up more consistently.

I’m getting clearer on what I actually want to say.

I’m building out my shop, one listing at a time.

I’m still creating—still making things that are beautiful and special for someone else.

And I’m proud of that.

Even if the algorithm doesn’t clap for it.

At the same time, life isn’t slowing down to make room for this goal. Our days are full—kids’ sports schedules, church, family responsibilities—and those are things I WILL NOT sideline just to keep up online.

So the balance becomes the real challenge:

How do I grow something meaningful online without sacrificing what matters most offline?

I don’t have a perfect answer.

Some nights I push a little too late trying to “just finish one more thing.”

Some days I choose my family fully and wonder if I’m falling behind.

Most days, it’s both.

And somewhere in the middle of all that, I decided to add something completely unrelated to my business:

I’m on day 9 of teaching myself French.

It’s random, a little chaotic, and definitely not the most strategic use of time—but it’s also been a reminder that not everything has to be tied to productivity. Some things can just be for me.

Maybe that’s part of the balance too.

Not every effort needs immediate results.

Not every week ends in growth.

Not every follower gained—or lost—defines the bigger picture.

Because while the numbers said “-1,” the reality is this:

I showed up.

I created.

I kept building.

And behind the scenes, I’m still making something meaningful—both in my business and in my life.

So I’ll keep going.

Minus one follower and all.