Well, what a couple of days it's been. I've managed to remain calm and positive through the last couple of weeks, even prior to hearing there is to be some support for small businesses. I am thankful for my understanding and practice of meditation and mindset right now (I can't stress the importance of focusing on your wellbeing in such times).
I felt fine arriving to work Friday, until we were all chatting about everything that's going on and one of the team said to me, 'I really feel for you right now', and that kind of took the wind from my sails. Emotion hit. How a member of the team could think about the effects everything could have on the business and I, and the difficult decisions that were needing to be made, at a time when they were potentially also facing being laid off for an unknown period of time.
I've said it before, and I have to say it again... I couldn't be more grateful for the team I have. Everyone has pulled together, been supportive, understanding, and helpful, even when they faced the unknown themselves. We still managed smiles, and we got through each day together. Girls, I thank you so much, from the bottom of my heart for all you do and all you are.❤️
We found out late Friday night, from the PM announcement, that the immediate closures included our business. To be honest, even if it didn't, we were getting very close to making that difficult decision for ourselves. As much worry as there is on how much this could affect businesses across the world, nothing is more important than health and life.
I felt ok. I informed the team that night and called some clients who were in first thing Saturday. Then manager, Alex, and I arranged to go in Saturday morning to cancel everyone else for the rest of the day and the foreseeable future. We thought we'd be in for a couple of hours, but spent 5 hours calling people and telling them of the news that right now, we were closed and their booking was sadly cancelled. You may have been one of those people.
I again felt fine, until a client called back to purchase a voucher, saying they were spending the money they would've spent on their appointment anyway on a voucher to support us and help see us through, and to enjoy once we were back. Wow, that got me right in the feels, and again, the emotion was felt. Clients were wishing us good luck, asking if we were ok and needed anything, saying they were sorry to hear, and saying they'll be waiting for us when we're back.
The kindness that's been shown has meant so much. We always knew we were so blessed having you as such amazing clients, and we've always appreciated the love and support you bring to our family business. The reminder today was of how you are a part of that family too. Thank you for that.❤️
I don't want to bring sadness, I want to greatly appreciate everyone who is a part of The Reef. So many people are going through this right now, we are no different. It might not be a forever goodbye, but even a temporary one can feel hard. We all face such uncertain times, who knows what's to come, and that can be an uneasy feeling. Potentially like a rollercoaster of emotions at times. That's to be expected.
More than anything, I'm so pleased our team and clients are all safe and healthy and hopefully will continue to be. Please look after yourself, and please stay home where you can.
Now the available time is here, it's time to stop where we can. It's time to read, write, relax, be creative, enjoy the simple moments, see the beauty in our surroundings, see love in (and feel love for) other people, and it's time to go back to taking it a day at a time in this current situation.
To anyone else going through a difficult time, I feel it. Breathe. We will all get through together.
One blessing this time gives me is time to share more meditations and mindset online, and never has there been a more important time for that than now. Again, we had a lovely client ask when we cancelled their appointment if we'd be doing this as it was so needed for all right now. Never has it been more needed. Please feel free to follow me Clare Cockell - www.clarecockell.com (@clarecockell on instagram) if you would like to feel the calm amongst the storm in these times.🙏
We will keep you updated with business goings on any time we know more, and we hope to welcome you back in again very soon.
You can also join our Reef online community here https://www.thereefspa.com/the-reef-online-community and we'll always be available here on message.
Thank you again, so much. This quote seemed relevant, 'how lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard'. What a great position that is to be in.
For now, so much love is sent your way. 💗💗💗
Clare
P.S: The whole of The Reef team send their love and best wishes to you. xxx