From Overwhelm to Opportunity: My First Week Back in Full Business Mode

The Blog Is Still Free!

This blog is still completely free to read, and I’m so glad you’re here. Each week I share my behind-the-scenes reality of running a growing business, raising a baby, and building a home all at once. If you find inspiration or guidance here, consider sharing it with a friend, client, or fellow entrepreneur who might need a reminder that balance is possible, even in chaos.

Back to Business (For Real This Time)

This week was my first official week back in full business mode, and wow, what a whirlwind. From meetings and consults to onboarding new clients, my calendar was bursting at the seams. I also made my return to BNI and jumped right back into networking events like WE Lunch Bunch. It felt amazing to reconnect with my community and get back into that collaborative energy that fills my creative tank.

Maternity leave gave me a slower-paced season, but this week was the reminder that business never really slows down, it just changes shape. And that’s okay. The momentum that came with my return showed me that ABJ Chapman Services is growing faster than ever, and it feels like all the effort from earlier this year is finally paying off.

Looking ahead, this upcoming week already has three consults, multiple client check-ins, and several new projects kicking off. Busy? Absolutely. But it’s the best kind of busy. The kind that comes from doing work you love and seeing your systems actually work.

Quarterly Planning and Big Realizations

We had our Quarterly Planning Day on Saturday, and as always, it was full of clarity, challenges, and a few surprises. The biggest realization? Growth brings problems but they’re the kind of problems worth having.

As we reviewed the quarter, I noticed something wild. In Q3, our VA client base doubled. That means double the deliverables, double the communication, and yes, double the delegation. It’s both exciting and overwhelming because it forces me to step back and evaluate what’s on my plate.

We mapped out my task list during our meeting, and it became clear that if I want to keep scaling, I have to offload more (even after offloading a lot during maternity leave). So, I made a big decision.

I’m officially hiring by the end of Q4.

If you or someone you know has a passion for operations, loves efficiency, and maybe even has an interest in automation or coaching, this could be the perfect opportunity. I’m looking for someone to train as my “second me”. Someone who doesn’t just execute tasks but thinks like a strategist.

Being a VA at ABJ isn’t just about doing work for clients. It’s about guiding them, coaching them, and helping them optimize. I want to teach someone how to think big-picture while still managing the details. If that sounds like you, stay tuned. I’ll be posting more about the position soon on social media.

Reconnecting With My Body and Mind

In more personal news, I finally got cleared by my doctor after my C-section. Recovery has been a long road, but as of this week, I officially got the green light to start working out again.

On Sunday, I did my first workout and it felt incredible. I kept it simple: some squats, light weights, and a few bird dogs with Jett giggling beneath me. There were even some feeding breaks mid-workout, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way.

Movement has always been a big part of my life, and after months of rest, my body was craving it. Within just one workout, I felt like my brain switched back on. I felt clearer, sharper, and more motivated than I’ve been in weeks. It’s amazing how something so small can change your whole mental outlook.

I also started focusing on nutrition again. I had two protein shakes, a balanced high-protein meal, and for the first time in months, I felt in control of my body again. It’s not about “bouncing back". It’s about feeling strong, capable, and centered.

Baby World Updates

Jett is thriving. He has been sleeping through the night (hallelujah!) and eating like a champ. This week he finished his first five-ounce bottle, and I was in complete shock. My tiny newborn suddenly feels like a growing little boy.

He’s also discovered his voice. And by that, I mean his blood-curdling scream whenever his diaper is even slightly wet. I’m talking high-pitched, full-drama, “the world is ending” screams. If any moms out there have tips on how to teach a baby that wet diapers are not emergencies, please let me know!

Every day with him feels like an adventure. Equal parts exhausting and joyful.

Homebuilding Progress

Our house is coming along, though slowly. My dad and husband are finishing up the last two rooms of drywall, and our next house-building weekend is set for November 1st. I plan to go out there and help with floating and taping, which might sound strange, but I absolutely love it.

It’s oddly therapeutic. It reminds me of icing a cake. Smoothing, perfecting, and stepping back to admire the finish. It’s also a good mental break from the day-to-day digital world. My only dilemma is figuring out how to pump and store milk during those long workdays, but I’m determined to make it work.

This Week’s Business Advice

This week’s reminder is simple but powerful: get up and get moving.

Sitting still can drain you far more than movement ever will. That one day I worked out reminded me how connected physical movement and mental clarity are. Whether it’s a 10-minute walk, stretching between meetings, or doing a quick workout during lunch. movement sparks momentum.

So if you’re a business owner who’s feeling mentally stuck, get up. Move your body. You’ll be amazed at how quickly your creativity and focus return.

Looking Ahead

This next week is shaping up to be another packed one filled with consults, onboarding, client updates, and more behind-the-scenes progress for Q4. But I’m walking into it with energy, gratitude, and balance.

If you’ve been thinking about hiring help or becoming a VA, now’s the time. Reach out to me through my website at abjchapmanservices.com/contact or learn more about what we do at abjchapmanservices.com.

Here’s to growth, grit, and the power of movement—both in business and in life.