Your PRESENCE is the best PRESENT you can offer

How The Window came to bee ~

"Your presence is the best present you can offer..." I shared these words with my yoga class Tuesday evening.  So why am I sharing them here?  Hang tight, it will make sense by the time you finish reading.

I spent the last week or so reflecting and marinating on life while on an adventure in Wyoming with my guy (more on that trip at a later time).  One element I appreciated greatly while away, was how nice it was to not be bothered by my phone in regards to social media.  No worrying about what post to make next for the business, or stressing about how I haven’t posted or shared much about holiday products - there was a complete disconnect, and it was great!  I was fully present, in the moment, enjoying what our adventure had to offer.  And let me tell you what a gift it was to be completely tuned out to the Election Day drama as well!

Over the last year, I've really struggled as a small business owner trying to stay relevant with a social media presence and social media in general - more on that in a moment...

Wood + Honey started because of a dream I had about candles and bees, and it has evolved to become my little offering to the world.  It's deeply rooted in transparent and honest practices, and the intention to provide high quality, non-toxic, all natural beeswax candles, melts, body products and more.  And, to bring awareness to the bees themselves in support of their integral role within our food system, nature, and planet as a whole.  I couldn't be more proud of it, so why wouldn't I take sharing it on social media more seriously?  I mean, it's essentially free advertising right?

My struggle with social media is this:

Some would say a social media presence is a must to stay relevant with competitors these days. Others, might argue that businesses and products will be less accessible and therefore less successful if they don't fully utilize social media.  But is that true?  Can you have a successful business these days, if you don't fully utilize social media?  I honestly don’t know, but I'm hopeful.

I AM NOT the business that posts daily, hell weekly for that matter, on Instagram and Facebook, nor do I check it.  I AM NOT the business that shares fancy stories and reels with everything I do that is Wood + Honey related.  I honestly don’t know how to use social media all that well and really don't care to learn it either.  It takes me forever when I attempt to make a reel/post, let alone add music or get a video to fit the time constraints.  It's a daunting task, and by far the most frustrating aspect to my business.  So even when I want to share something, most of the time, I simply don’t.

What works for some, doesn’t work for all, and I’d rather spend my time creating products, researching better raw ingredients and simply being present in life in the all the ways, rather than on my phone trying to stay “relevant.”  A presence on social media is NOT the presence I’m looking for in life. 

All that said, I DO want to utilize this essentially free form of advertising, BUT in a way that feels authentic and real.  Where I can connect with folks, even if I’m not posting the typical reels, stories or videos.  I don't want to be another business or post that clogs your daily feed and contributes to mindless scrolling.

THAT, my friends has been the struggle - and below, is my solution.

Wood + Honey will continue to use Facebook and Instagram in the minimal ways it always has.  With simple posts when I feel called to do so to announce products, sales and events. 

The practicing yoga teacher in me says, if something doesn’t resonate or bring you joy then “let that shit go.”  If it only brings you frustration and headache, then what purpose and good does it truly serve?  So my new approach is this – you’re reading it right now.

I started writing again.  Which is how The Window - this weekly to bi-weekly blog came to bee.  When a new bit of writing transpires, it can be found right here on the website - and yes...wait for it... I will post about it with the link, to Instagram and Facebook too. 

It's the kind of post I can manage and feel good about.  Allowing for me to remain present on social media as a business, while allowing me to feel like I haven’t lost my presence in life in order to do so.  And I'll be writing again, something I love, but lost for a few years.  I'll send it via email as well to those that are subscribed.  And if you're not, feel free to sign up (you'll receive a 20% off coupon too) through the form below.

So, there ya have it.  Maybe you’ll read and enjoy it, maybe you won’t.  If nothing else, remember this...

Remember what truly matters in this life.  It's not about how many likes you get or followers you acquire - that shit means nothing in the grand scheme of things. Wake up every day with a grateful heart and intention to be the best version of yourself, whatever that entails.  Life is too short to miss the good stuff because we got caught up in the world on our phones.  Do good things, be good people, figure out what makes your heart smile and strive towards that every damn day.    

As I say every Tuesday in my yoga class when I share a reading, “maybe it will resonate and maybe it won’t” but I hope you stick around for what comes next week as I strive to stay present in life while maintaining a presence on social media.

xo, B