Thank you! I'm really trying to have an optimistic attitude. I love watching nature survival shows & I'm always sooo moved by the competitors who maintain a high life force through difficult circumstances. I think of them when I start to get grumpy😅
Such a fun, relatable read. Having the opportunity to free yourself from the depression of solo-entrepreneurship is beautiful. It might look grim, but it might be exactly what the doctor ordered. “Know when to hold them, know when to fold them.”
Thanks for writing this. I strongly relate! I spent three years in business for myself as a massage therapist, and trying to start a coaching practice so I would not have to spend as much time on my feet/ doing physical labor. After 3 years barely pulling in 40k, working my a** off as CEO, admin, web designer, Social media manager. Spokesperson, manager and massage therapist, I decided to scale back and go back to work for someone else. I still work hard and do physical labor. But I work 25 hours a week and last year I pulled 60k net. So it's not all bad. And I have great benefits! Letting go of the business I had worked so hard to build was hard. Feeling like I was a failure was harder. But then I realized that I hadn't failed. I had built my repertoire of experience, and I had succeeded as an LGBTQ , woman-owned, small business owner. And it was immensely satisfying, but ultimately it did not make me any happier than being an employee. And I get to rest a lot more now.
But what I really want to know is: WHAT SHOES DID YOU BUY?
I'm so glad you gave yourself permission to pay it. It's so courageous to know when it's time for a change. The shoes are Hokas. The non slips! I do recommend them (best I've found) but .... my feet still hurt if I'm being honest😩
There are these rubber balls called pinkeys you can get on (gasp) amazon - you place them on the floor, step with one foot and do a nice roll, including as much as possible between your toes. Tons of alternatives I am sure out there and ways to use them.
I love the analogy of the lily pad. I was just talking to my mom yesterday about the idea that there are no steps backward, no such thing as failure. And your essay demonstrates that perfectly, you are where you are meant to be, learning the lessons you are meant to learn, and preparing yourself slowly for whatever other unexpected thing happens next. That’s exactly where I am now and thank you for helping me to not feel so alone
Yes! Exactly that. Knowing that there is such thing as failure is such a empowered way to move through life. Everything is an opportunity for growth & service. You most certainly are NOT alone. With you in the pond of possibilities 🫶🏾
Boy, did I need to read this today. A friend forwarded it to me knowing how much it would hit home for me. So glad she did.
We both loved your lily pad analogy. As someone who has made several jumps, not having yet found a pad that can hold me for as long as I’d like, I’m grateful for your perspective and for sharing so vulnerably.
I find so much strength in your words and relate on so many levels. Thank you for leading by example.
I know we’ve never met, but your writing has always been a balm to my soul and in a way reading this is really refreshing? It’s true, at the end of the day we are all spiritual beings having a human experience here on earth, for the time being. And there’s something I just really admire in a writer I adore being honest and saying, sh- is hard right now and we’re all trying our best! I know your life right now isn’t what you expected it to be when you imagined your life at 36, but I’m proud of you and honored to see your journey
Maryam, thank you for this generous message. It warms my heart and makes me feel so proud and grateful to know that my words have reached you in a healing way. In it with you🫶🏾
I have always looked up to you as someone living the dream of manifesting a life where you can do what you want and get paid more than a livable wage. Now I look up to you still. There are more options open to me than the most profitable or social media postable ones. I never knew that. You've made surviving look sexy, relatable, empowering.
If I had more money, I'd def hire you to redesign my space with colors and plants. Maybe one day.
Oh wow, thank you so much for this comment, it means a lot to know this! And yessss to this vision! I'd love to support you making your home a sanctuary 💚🥰🪴
This hit hard. Thanks for your honesty. I'm not where I want to be, and it just helps reading this. I'm currently working at two grocery stores while getting my writing and art up and running. I'm going to be 37 on Monday, and sometimes, I'm like, I shouldn't need to be doing this. I should be further along with my creations. I think to myself what I'm even doing. It's really frustrating, but just even knowing that other people are going through it and working through it, is what's needed, too.
You are so not alone. It can be a bummer to not be where you wanna be. I get it. So many people are also going through similar struggles. Here's to the next lilypad🤎
Definitely a relatable read for me! I trust we all will find ourselves leaping towards another Lilly pad soon, in the meantime, when things look dim or dark, readings like this will always draw me back to the light. I’m inspired! Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your journey! God bless you!
I very much believe that action begets action ... and change and a break has the potential to open entirely new doors... that you will be poised to walk through when you and your nervous system are ready.
Your courage, tenacity and wisdom are inspiring. Thank you.
44-year-old server/author here. I know you didn’t ask for a shoe rec, but T.U.K. Creepers are cute and cozy and I sometimes work doubles in them. They aren’t slip-proof, but they go with almost any outfit.
After I published my book, a guest came in to the restaurant and said, “What are you still doing here?”
Most people don’t realize they’re a crisis or two away from starting over. 💓
Your bemused acceptance of your current situation seems healthy! And—speaking to myself here too—don’t sell yourself short. Having done all those roles for yourself, you could do them for someone / something else too. (Without the strain on your body!)
Whew! Felt … on so many levels. Life really is an adventure. We have no idea where it’s all going. No matter what you do/choose— there is still uncertainty; all we can do is keep choosing and heading on! Sending you some love. Excited to see where this pivot is leading you to. Maybe there is someone you’re meant to meet that will only happen by getting outdoors in the workforce! Maybe the opportunity is somewhere within the path … there are so many possibilities. I’m excited for you. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Sh*t be feeling “REAL” real (although we’re Spirits in this human body ☺️) 💗🫂
I kept thinking about that! Like am I gonna find my next best friend here?? 🥹 It helps me stay open hearted. Thank you for this comment and for reading my words 🤎
In your corner. This is the kind of attitude that gets you places. This is A stop on your "hero's journey." TRUST. Keep going!
Thank you! I'm really trying to have an optimistic attitude. I love watching nature survival shows & I'm always sooo moved by the competitors who maintain a high life force through difficult circumstances. I think of them when I start to get grumpy😅
That's a fantastic way to think about it- survival. As someone in midlife, what I can say is that it won't be this way forever.
Such a fun, relatable read. Having the opportunity to free yourself from the depression of solo-entrepreneurship is beautiful. It might look grim, but it might be exactly what the doctor ordered. “Know when to hold them, know when to fold them.”
That! Thank you friend
Thanks for writing this. I strongly relate! I spent three years in business for myself as a massage therapist, and trying to start a coaching practice so I would not have to spend as much time on my feet/ doing physical labor. After 3 years barely pulling in 40k, working my a** off as CEO, admin, web designer, Social media manager. Spokesperson, manager and massage therapist, I decided to scale back and go back to work for someone else. I still work hard and do physical labor. But I work 25 hours a week and last year I pulled 60k net. So it's not all bad. And I have great benefits! Letting go of the business I had worked so hard to build was hard. Feeling like I was a failure was harder. But then I realized that I hadn't failed. I had built my repertoire of experience, and I had succeeded as an LGBTQ , woman-owned, small business owner. And it was immensely satisfying, but ultimately it did not make me any happier than being an employee. And I get to rest a lot more now.
But what I really want to know is: WHAT SHOES DID YOU BUY?
I'm so glad you gave yourself permission to pay it. It's so courageous to know when it's time for a change. The shoes are Hokas. The non slips! I do recommend them (best I've found) but .... my feet still hurt if I'm being honest😩
There are these rubber balls called pinkeys you can get on (gasp) amazon - you place them on the floor, step with one foot and do a nice roll, including as much as possible between your toes. Tons of alternatives I am sure out there and ways to use them.
I love the analogy of the lily pad. I was just talking to my mom yesterday about the idea that there are no steps backward, no such thing as failure. And your essay demonstrates that perfectly, you are where you are meant to be, learning the lessons you are meant to learn, and preparing yourself slowly for whatever other unexpected thing happens next. That’s exactly where I am now and thank you for helping me to not feel so alone
Yes! Exactly that. Knowing that there is such thing as failure is such a empowered way to move through life. Everything is an opportunity for growth & service. You most certainly are NOT alone. With you in the pond of possibilities 🫶🏾
💛💛💛
Boy, did I need to read this today. A friend forwarded it to me knowing how much it would hit home for me. So glad she did.
We both loved your lily pad analogy. As someone who has made several jumps, not having yet found a pad that can hold me for as long as I’d like, I’m grateful for your perspective and for sharing so vulnerably.
I find so much strength in your words and relate on so many levels. Thank you for leading by example.
Tara, reading this comment really touched me. I'm cheering you on, from my lilypad to yours 💚
I know we’ve never met, but your writing has always been a balm to my soul and in a way reading this is really refreshing? It’s true, at the end of the day we are all spiritual beings having a human experience here on earth, for the time being. And there’s something I just really admire in a writer I adore being honest and saying, sh- is hard right now and we’re all trying our best! I know your life right now isn’t what you expected it to be when you imagined your life at 36, but I’m proud of you and honored to see your journey
Maryam, thank you for this generous message. It warms my heart and makes me feel so proud and grateful to know that my words have reached you in a healing way. In it with you🫶🏾
It's all very temporary...the highs and the lows...please keep sharing...can't wait to see your journey to the top again...or are you already there? 😊
Haha it's all a matter of perspective, right? I plan to keep sharing, thank you so much for reading. It means the world to me🤎
I have always looked up to you as someone living the dream of manifesting a life where you can do what you want and get paid more than a livable wage. Now I look up to you still. There are more options open to me than the most profitable or social media postable ones. I never knew that. You've made surviving look sexy, relatable, empowering.
If I had more money, I'd def hire you to redesign my space with colors and plants. Maybe one day.
Oh wow, thank you so much for this comment, it means a lot to know this! And yessss to this vision! I'd love to support you making your home a sanctuary 💚🥰🪴
This hit hard. Thanks for your honesty. I'm not where I want to be, and it just helps reading this. I'm currently working at two grocery stores while getting my writing and art up and running. I'm going to be 37 on Monday, and sometimes, I'm like, I shouldn't need to be doing this. I should be further along with my creations. I think to myself what I'm even doing. It's really frustrating, but just even knowing that other people are going through it and working through it, is what's needed, too.
You are so not alone. It can be a bummer to not be where you wanna be. I get it. So many people are also going through similar struggles. Here's to the next lilypad🤎
Definitely a relatable read for me! I trust we all will find ourselves leaping towards another Lilly pad soon, in the meantime, when things look dim or dark, readings like this will always draw me back to the light. I’m inspired! Thank you for being vulnerable and sharing your journey! God bless you!
Thank you so much!!
I very much believe that action begets action ... and change and a break has the potential to open entirely new doors... that you will be poised to walk through when you and your nervous system are ready.
Your courage, tenacity and wisdom are inspiring. Thank you.
thank you so much for this comment
44-year-old server/author here. I know you didn’t ask for a shoe rec, but T.U.K. Creepers are cute and cozy and I sometimes work doubles in them. They aren’t slip-proof, but they go with almost any outfit.
After I published my book, a guest came in to the restaurant and said, “What are you still doing here?”
as if a life is just rise rise rise rise…
Thank you! I got the Hokas :) keep writing!!!!
Most people don’t realize they’re a crisis or two away from starting over. 💓
Your bemused acceptance of your current situation seems healthy! And—speaking to myself here too—don’t sell yourself short. Having done all those roles for yourself, you could do them for someone / something else too. (Without the strain on your body!)
Always cheering for you. Thank you for sharing.
I truly appreciate it. I be needing those cheers sometimes🥹
Whew! Felt … on so many levels. Life really is an adventure. We have no idea where it’s all going. No matter what you do/choose— there is still uncertainty; all we can do is keep choosing and heading on! Sending you some love. Excited to see where this pivot is leading you to. Maybe there is someone you’re meant to meet that will only happen by getting outdoors in the workforce! Maybe the opportunity is somewhere within the path … there are so many possibilities. I’m excited for you. Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Sh*t be feeling “REAL” real (although we’re Spirits in this human body ☺️) 💗🫂
I kept thinking about that! Like am I gonna find my next best friend here?? 🥹 It helps me stay open hearted. Thank you for this comment and for reading my words 🤎
This is real!
Thanks for reading!!