In January this year I closed the doors to my 11 year old design and print business and copy shop/internet cafe and gave the business to my old shop manager. So whilst the copy shop and internet cafe aspects of it no longer exist - the back of house design and production continues. I have continued to check the primary email account on a regular basis and forward all job enquiries through to their new company email. I was the one who used to handle all of that so thought I would leave it operational for about a year after officially closing our doors, so that he didn't miss out on any potential business. When I opened it today and forwarded some queries through to him, I suddenly stopped and thought to myself - SH!T - we are now into the 8th month since we closed our "shop front doors" and we are STILL getting job enquiries. Our rating on Facebook was absolutely FLAWLESS with nothing but five star ratings in 11 years! In fact, this week, we received another 5 star rating and we aren't even trading anymore lol! (well not at that premises anyway, and not under the same name.) When we closed our doors there were literally hundreds of community responses as to the devastation and disappointment.... because we were SO MUCH MORE than just a business! Our customers were like our family. It was an amazing time!

It really got me thinking about what an amazing journey it was over those 11 years - despite the enormous amounts of stress of ALL kinds! I learnt SO much during that time - not only about being a business owner, but the industry, people and life itself. It was a MARVELLOUS teacher and even though I know I NEEDED to walk away from it because it was time for someone ELSE to make it shine... I will always be thankful for the experience.

Many people have asked me why I didn't sell the business but instead just gave it to my manager... well, he devoted 9 years of his life to that business and he was and still IS very passionate about it. He earned it. Simple as that! And you know, it makes my heart SING that he has completely come to the party and is keeping our little legend alive. Also... I played a role in the conceptualisation of their new name and branding, which is very special to me, because it is like a small part of me will always be with it.

Welcome to the #GratitudeTrain No. 39

Today I am grateful that the "little legacy" which I built continues today - even if I am no longer active in it!

What is the purpose of The Gratitude Train?

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I am of the firm belief that the habit of practicing gratitude on a daily basis is the key to shifting our lives in a positive direction. This is not only the expression of gratitude for the positive things in our lives, but also for the challenges which we are often faced with.

But sometimes, we can get wrapped up in our day to day existence and agenda, and it is not that we aren’t grateful, but rather that we simply forget to actually verbalise it or take the time to offer it a moment of dedication even in thought.

It is also true that surrounding yourself with the positive attitudes and mind-set of others, that it has a ripple effect on yours too…

So for ALL of us, including myself, I have decided to start this #gratitudetrain. We all spend a good portion of our lives here browsing through our Steemit feeds, so why not build a positive habit in the process. I think it will be great to share something every day that we are grateful for in our lives, no matter how big or small it may be.

Whether it is a new career path, a new hobby, an achievement of your child, a new relationship, a challenge overcome or simply a new pair of shoes… it doesn’t matter! There is without question… ALWAYS something we can take a moment to be grateful for!

HOW TO PARTICIPATE

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Step 1.
So starting today, in the comments section of #gratitudetrain post No. 1 – write something that you are grateful for in your life and start it with the number… as in if this is the first time you are sharing on the #gratitudetrain, then write the number “1.” And then state what you are grateful for.

Step 2.
Keep a record of your #gratitudetrain expressions shared in the comments somewhere in a word doc or such.

Step 3.
When you reach 30 – then publish a post on your own profile and be sure to use the #gratitudetrain tag or to tag me @jaynie in the post.

As simple as that!

The idea of this being, that not only will you develop a healthy and positive habit but at the end of 30 days when you share your own post, you will be able to reflect back and realise, just how MUCH GOODNESS there is in your life!

Header Image Credit

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Until next time...
Much Love from Cape Town, South Africa xxx

FOUNDER OF THE @STEEMITBLOGGERS

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Oh, and if you wanna meet the
wannabe photographer in me...