When it's time for your next season

Happy Tuesday Friend,

I’m not gonna lie…it’s been an intense week already, and it’s only Tuesday.

In case you missed the memo, yesterday I announced that, after 14 years, I am sunsetting my first-ever brand, Living Well Spending Less.

And even though I know that, from a big-picture perspective, this is the right decision for my business, it’s hard not to be emotional.

But this past weekend I celebrated my birthday, which provided lots of distractions to keep me from dwelling on it. I had the best day on Saturday, shopping with my teenage daughters, who are never sweeter and more agreeable than when we’re at the mall and mom’s credit card is near.

They even agreed to matching pajamas, which totally made my day.

Then Sunday was Easter and my actual birthday, which meant church and then serving in the nursery, followed by brunch at our friends’ Mexican restaurant. It wasn’t actually intended to be a party for me, but since all our friends showed up and they had a DJ and tequila shots, that’s what it ended up being. And it was so fun.

So it wasn’t until late Sunday night that it hit me.

And then it hit me hard.

I was about to close the door on a business that’s been a huge part of my life for the past 14 years.

My original baby.

This little blog I started way back in 2010 as a way to document my own journey of living well on a budget, the place I shared stories about couponing and my kids and the things that were working for me, this little corner of the internet that would eventually grow to reach millions of readers and become something bigger than I could have ever imagined.

And it made me so sad. 

Because without Living Well Spending Less, I wouldn’t be here, writing this letter to you now.

I wouldn’t have written any books.

I wouldn’t have created any products.

I wouldn’t have started a podcast.

I wouldn’t have given a TED talk.

I wouldn’t have become a coach and mentor to thousands of other online business owners.

I wouldn’t have started Thinlicious.

It’s funny how one step in life can lead you to the next.

When I first started my business 14 years ago, I could have never dreamed what it would become, or where it would take me.

But I’m grateful.

So even though I know it’s time to close this chapter, I also know the book is still being written.

And I’m excited for the next chapter, even if it’s bittersweet.

B. Oakman noted that “Every season is one of becoming, but not always one of blooming. Be gracious with your ever-evolving self.” Along those same lines, Barbara De Angelis said, “The moment in between what you once were, and who you are now becoming, is where the dance of life really takes place.”

In other words? It’s okay to change and evolve.

I’m not exactly the same person I was 14 years ago, and I doubt you are either. We all grow. We all evolve. We all change. And that’s allowed.

And so, my challenge for you this week, if you too are in a season of change and evolution, is to embrace it without apology. Allow yourself the space and possibility for something new, without feeling any regret about leaving the past behind. 

You can love something but still let it go.

Thanks for hearing my heart.

Live with purpose, friend, and have an amazing week!

xoxo, Ruth

This week’s podcast episode…

What’s cooking in my kitchen…

Here are the recipes I shared this past week:

The latest from my Instagram…

One of my goals this year is to be more consistent on social media, so I’ve committed to sharing at least one post a day on Instagram. If you’re there, I’d love to connect with you—find me at @RuthSoukup

What’s Happening Around RSO…