08/20/2026
Today’s word of the day is gratitude.
I posted something that was a little raw the other day. A little look behind the curtain. Somewhat outside the norm of what is generally on our social media.
I was a little sad that day, a little overwhelmed, a little tired. The cup was empty so to speak. A feeling that is common among business owners and also common among all people.
BUT I was met with so much kindness, love and understanding from people both publicly and privately. I’m crying as I write this feeling so overwhelmed with gratitude. Sometimes the negativity can be so loud it’s hard to hear all of the good. And I could have been met with negativity but I wasn’t, and for that I am so grateful. I am thankful to each and every person that showed their support for us. I will hold on tight to the kindness I was shown for the hard days. Because there will be hard days.
There was something else that did happen though. A lot of my fellow business owners responded either publicly or privately kind of echoing similar feelings about certain things. So, as our business moves forward I am going to start supporting other local businesses in ways that I can. Trying to show more of the same love that was shown to me. We have a few machines inside the arcade that give away gift cards as prizes so I will be stocking them with some local favorites. Coffee shops, bakeries and other locally owned places that like me, notice a $50 sale.
I see people locally lining up by the 100’s for a Crumbl cookie when they do a popup. Do you know what it would mean for one of our local bakeries if we showed that kind of support?? It would probably move that business owner to tears they would be so happy.
I see people showing up at Dutch Bros at 5am to get a free lanyard for heaven’s sake. Lines out the parking lot for a lanyard. A lanyard. I beg of you, just give our local places a shot. Just give them half the loyalty you’re providing these mega corporations. Because we notice. Those big guys are counting stacks of 100 dollar bills like Scrooge Mcduck and us small businesses are trying to figure out how to save money on napkins. We notice you’re there.
So, if you have a business you love, love, LOVE please drop them in the comments so I can grab a few gift cards from them in the coming weeks to put in the arcade.
Side note I hit up Bungalow Market for my sandwich Monday and it was 100/10 so. Good. and 350 Degrees for some sweet treats yesterday and their chocolate chip M&M cookie was the best one I have EVER had 🍪
