My heart is in it

The other day I was interviewed by the local newspaper regarding my small business. "What is it like to be a small business owner in the community?"

My answers started off fairly typical, talking about staffing, taxes, market challenges etc. However, it quickly turned to anecdotal stories of life in the neighborhood.

I shared stories of successes and of the people we see regularly. I noted how important they are to the health and vibrancy of the business. I talked about the babies who have been born and who now join their parents for ice cream treats. I talked about how much I love seeing the kids grow and turn into little people with their own preferences and quirks.

I talked about the seniors who sip their coffees and the teens that bring their dates. It's just what goes on. And to me, it's much more important than the numbers. I really think what we do, in the diner, contributes to the neighborhood. And I think we contribute to the memories people share with their loved ones.

I'm not saying it's not hard. I'm not saying that working 7 days a week doesn't have its drawbacks. Not everything is hearts, flowers and rainbows. It's a business. But it's more, to me, than a job. It's raising my family and contributing to the lives of others too.

That's why I do it. I enjoy it. And they say, "if you're heart's in it, then it's not really work"... is it?