On Your Own... On Your Own Terms

When I went to the hospital to have my son, I had a few rules. 
I didn’t allow any visitors; I didn’t want a lot hospital staff in and out; and I didn’t want anyone to share the news of my new baby because I didn’t want a lot of phone calls to my room. 
My family thought I had lost my mind. 

And just to give you a little context. My big family is usually like a TV sitcom family, congregating, crowding, and celebrating in the waiting room while the newest family member is being born down the hall. 
I couldn't bear having any of that. I wanted quality time with my new baby. 
I wanted to love on him uninterrupted without the opinion and recommendations of others. 
I didn’t want to engage with company, chat with well-wishers, or clean up for onlookers. 
It was just mom and baby (Ok, dad was there too).
And after a less than pleasant pregnancy, I had the post-delivery experience that I wanted. 
On my own terms.
 It may seem a little selfish and finicky,
(no one has a picture of me in the hospital and my baby wasn’t taken for those newborn pictures), 
but there are few times when you can be selfish and it’s alright. 
When you sacrifice yourself for another's life, that counts as one of those times. 

Another time is when you create your own business. 
Some of you have one of your own. It is your baby. 
You decide the rules. You decide with whom you will engage. 
You decide your limits. 
For most, it is a lonely endeavor.
It should be on your own terms. 

Summer of Inspiration: Today's Action Steps
1. Describe what “on your own terms” means for you. What are the terms for your life? What are the vision and rules for your business? 
2. Determine your ideal client & business relationships. What type of people/businesses do you want to engage with? What type of values do they have?
3. Recognize what meaningless ideals you can give up for real meaning. Consider what you are willing to give up in order to have your terms met. 
Live life on your own terms!