“Breaking Point Survival
Overwhelming is the word of the week. Busy is an understatement and sleep has taken on a deeper meaning. The dreaded alarm waits in the distance while the search for a personal chef continues. However, a new trend has begun.
I am telling people young and old alike how to avoid annoying me. It is not rude or disrespectful to explain your boundaries to people. They may not be aware of how annoying they are and need to be told. Otherwise, the problem persists and you are the one with the pain in your neck because of your body clenching whenever they approach.
When spending my hard earned money on items, I am requesting the full extent of assistance. A designer made changes to a skirt and delivered it to my home this week because I did not have time to return to the store. Her partner has a blouse that I want. I asked if I could pay extra for shipping. The Zelle request is sitting in my inbox.
My personal favorite is the follow up. Don’t do it and don’t allow it to kill you. If someone wants something from you, they will go through the process of communicating with you. You do not have to inquire about anything. That responsibility falls on them. The only way that perhaps this should be flexible is when there is money involved for your pocket. All of us are busy beings. It is too draining to try and accommodate everyone and everything. This is especially important because most people are unable to make sense of their own inadequacy to form basic requests in a timely fashion without interrupting your flow.
Although I won’t receive flowers or chocolate tomorrow, I will be content. The best present right now would be for me to wake up and have absolutely nothing to do. A catered lunch with sparkling lemonade would send me over the full moon…..”

Tired
After a long hard day of work, my bed consumes me whole. Another couple has started their new life together after dining on a seven course meal. I have just finished my third bowl of popcorn and wish that a coke would fall from the sky.
There are different tweaks in my life now. There is a new flow. A store has an outfit waiting for me because I called ahead with specifications. The salon doesn’t see me on the weekends. Monday is much more my speed because it is completely empty. Nails? Well, once I return…she is by appointment only.
A new assistant joined my mission this week. However, as days go by, I am realizing that I need one for my personal life as well. Can someone bring me the popcorn and coke from the kitchen? That is too much of a task for me while laying in bed. Maybe she could also make that phone call that I keep putting off.
It is true. Sheer exhaustion makes me feel sorry for myself. As a child, my mother was obligated to keep me going. As an adult, I am obligated to keep me going. Between the demands of work and work, sometimes that is an impossible feat.
How exactly am I supposed to face another day of challenges and to do lists? My skin has to remain moisturized and a proper diet should be in place too?
Perhaps the worst part is that all of us feel like this in some way shape or form. Unfortunately, because we are caught in our own chaos, we do not bond anymore. Live conversation has been replaced with text messages. You learn about a dear friend’s accomplishment via a fb post. I have had to tell some of you to call me before I see you with a ring on your finger on a screen.
There used to be drum circles on the beach. My sister and I would dance all night under the full moon. Impromptu happy hours, Starbucks runs, and dinner at the now defunct Soyka. There was the now legendary night that I kissed the chef….
Life will never cease with her twists and turns. Some days are slow while other phases are intense without any cool air or even a drop of cool water for your face. Keep going. You got this. Remember to breathe. Pause to reflect. Adjust that crown, and push forward.

The Niche: Why It Is Special
There is one area where you excel. You are known for doing it and people seek you out as an expert. It could be cooking. Others are exemplary mothers. Some people handle money with finesses while others yet can help people better understand themselves. You may even have complimentary areas that are awesome that support this one area where you are the absolute epitome of perfection. This is your nice.
It is special because you are the one doing it. Your niche brings you money and supports your entire life. It is not your side hustle; it is your 24/7 grind. You live it as a life. The very air alone brings in new ideas to enhance this specialty that just does it for you.
Time and a decent mentor can show you how to work it. Do you want to improve your skills? Call your mentor for a session. Travel to that conference in Washington state. Schedule a lunch with a colleague and chat about everything and nothing. My best professional development was held this morning talking to a colleague while driving to work.
Customized apparel can help you bring attention to your business while capturing yourself as well. You have to do everything possible to help you think about improving upon yourself. It is a daily agenda. Some days will be better than others. Productivity is not a daily necessity. I said that aloud. You are supposed to crash once or twice a week just to maintain your mental sanity. Self care is not a new term to be splashed around by middle class America. It is an actual thing that everyone is supposed to do in some way shape or form everyday. You want to be able to start with a fresh foundation in order to fully embrace the life that you call your own.
Now that I have said all of that, what is your niche? Where do you fit? Where are you going? Maybe you are standing still. Some of you are standing still trying to figure out where to go. All of these positions are valid. However, as a woman in a society that is tearing down the antiquated ways of the patriarchy, reach out and touch a resource to help you along your way.

It’s Time to Remove My Bra
It is merely the second day of the week, and the bed has engulfed my body. My body screams from symptoms of stress while silently praying for an immediate detox. Personal space is invaded daily with the understanding that I am simply another link in a very long chain. This game will never change.
As the bed settles just a little more, my mind races across goals that should be set and lists that should be written. Tea has been scheduled and my eyes have settled on a new jumper that shall make its debut tomorrow. The grandmother look simply doesn’t suit me and the quest to break out of the nursing home look has been ignited. Where am I going to? Do I like the things that life is showing me?
Arguments rage on over the Super Bowl halftime show while I still make pennies every hour. There is someone that needs a kind word. There is a hug that should be had, and the wish of a vacation. No one in the world can move me quite like this journey of mine. Rocky? Yes. Conventional? No.
Owls now keep me company and there isn’t a daughter or husband in sight. My existence is still valid. My voice is still clear. Unwavering and firm. Forward shall I go into the great unknown. Wednesday beckons unto me.