Making Cent$ is a monthly newsletter by Mira Katz dedicated to the taboo topics that affect creatives in business, with a focus in female founders, but still applicable for everyone. Best enjoyed with a cup of ☕️ and a 🥐.
OH HI DECEMBER. I can’t believe you’re here. December is my birthday month and boasts many a holiday. If you’ve been reading along, you know I love to celebrate so in true form I am planning a million things this month. My plans include a birthday adventure, tree decorating party, Christmas dinner, and a New Year’s Eve trip with a bunch of friends.
December is also a month of consuming. We eat. We shop. We give. We receive. It can be a lot. But what happens when it’s too much? What happens when we focus on what we need to buy vs. what we already have? Have we forgotten to talk about the concept of “enough”?
The Limit Does Not Exist
We can always have more. The universe is unlimited, and according to the smart people who study it, apparently it’s constantly expanding at an accelerated pace. So yeah, the universe believes in “more”. And honestly, so do I. More is MORE.
I believe in more love, more fun, more hugs, more adventures, more color, more joy, more dancing, more flowers, more outfits, more snacks… more more more.
Abundance is all around us, and it’s an energy we can tap into and it’s also a state of mind as well as a lifestyle. However, the concept of more has a shadow side that I’m sure you know well - dissatisfaction and craving. Uh oh.
Enough of That
Enough. If you use the word alone, it translates to “stop, it’s too much now”. I want to explore the magical space between “I want more” and “that’s too much” … the ENOUGH zone.
Enough is beautiful. It feels satisfying and full but not uncomfortable. It’s the feeling of having had just enough bites at dinner. It’s the feeling of leaving the party knowing you danced your heart out and now you’re ready to go home and sleep it off. It’s putting the final touch on your outfit and giving yourself a wink of approval in the mirror.
Enough is not mystical or theoretical - it’s very real.
What's Enough?
To be honest, I struggle with this in many areas of my life. In my home, I can’t decide at what point I’m done, or if everything needs to be redecorated on a regular basis. My fridge is a sticky point too… enough is actually when I can’t physically fit anything else in there. My closet has also been a point of contention. I’ve decided enough is when I’ve used up all my hangers and when I feel prepared for any occasion. Yes, I’m constantly buying new hangers.
I’m not a minimalist. I love stuff actually. But I also don’t like clutter so enough is when my belongings all spark joy without overwhelming me.
In the world of business, my biggest lesson this year has been that enough exists there too. Listen up.
Enough Work
I’m about to introduce a rebellious concept… so hear me out.
Life is better when you don’t work too much. THERE, I SAID IT.
Hard work is good, and important in certain phases and seasons. But we are not designed to hustle non-stop. We are not destined to say yes to every opportunity. We are not meant to take on as much as possible at all times.
Peace can be found in the moment you say “I have enough going on but I’ll get back to you when some space opens up”. Wow, imagine that.
Peace can be found in the moment you say “I’m going to stick with this right now but I love that new idea and let’s see when things align to make it happen”.
I’m one of the most ambitious people I know, and embracing the concept of enough has brought me so much more joy than accomplishments ever have.
Healing Powers of Gratitude
Even if there are still things on the wish list, we have access to gratitude and the feeling of enough at all times. There can be space for more, yet there can already be enough. Two things can be true at the same time.
Some of the most successful people I know are plagued by restlessness, wondering what else, or what next, or what more. But some of the most satisfied people I know actually have much less, they’re just more focused on enjoying what they do have rather than what else they could have.
I work with very successful people, and their drive does not diminish with growth. Expansion is part of their nature. It’s a creative process, and an act of self-expression. But they have to constantly self-monitor to make sure they’re not overdoing it or burning out. Sometimes my clients and I actually take intentional pauses and slow things down ON PURPOSE.
These pauses are a beautiful moment to actively tap into gratitude. To take stock of the present moment.
Enough is Right Now
Are you feeling restless? Try this: Take a deep breath and feel your body. Remember that you’re alive, and that in itself is a gift of massive proportions and is a miracle against all odds. If you’re reading this, you probably have a roof over your head and food to eat and money in your bank account.
Think of the people who love you. Think of the people you love. I hope that the version of reality you’re living today is one that your past self (maybe from when you were a child) always dreamed of.
Actually, this moment is enough. This right here is the cake. Everything else is the icing. The cherry on top.
But yes, we do love icing and cherries so bring it on!!!!
Enough of the Holidays
The holidays can have lots of expectations around them, and unfortunately the human condition can set us up with ideas in our mind and then lead to disappointment. To battle that, let’s commit to staying present. Enjoying all that the moment has to offer. Let’s laugh at the surprises. Let’s shake off the stress as we feel it creeping in, and choose to laugh instead.
We’re here. We made it. Together. That’s enough.
I hope this makes sense.
With love,
Mira
