I lived a whole lifetime today.

I heard this audio and it hit me. I was reminded just how much life is packed into these seemingly eternal days, even though somehow another year has zoomed right past.

I feel like I’m under the weight of water searching for the surface right now. In between my daughter leaving the only school she’s ever known and starting kindergarten at another. Her birthday party in between. Gifts to buy for her, for her teachers, for her friends.

Visits with my mom where I’m starting to see the loss of recognition that everyone always asks about when you mention your family member has dementia. “Does she still know who you are?” I’m pretty sure the answer has recently switched from yes to no, but I don’t give her the opportunity to say so. I don’t hesitate long enough to let her question who I am. I know that she is confused enough as it is. How cruel it would be to let her wonder who her own daughter is. As soon as I walk up I immediately say “hey mama” and give her a hug, for a split second pretending I’m the one being cared for. Then again, with that hug, maybe I am.

I literally stopped typing this to text my financial advisor about those long term insurance quotes she was working on for me, because that feels pressing right now. I used ChatGPT this week to prepare a grocery list, recipes, and batch prep tips for meals that align with the MIND diet in a grasping effort to delay/prevent this cruel disease that I have now watched take hold of my grandmother (who lived with us), my aunt (for whom I was guardian), and my mom.

In addition to caretaking, I’m serving women business owners in a part-time job, gearing up to teach another 5-week entrepreneurial course, maintaining a rental property, and holding client sessions as I try to organically grow this business. So many roles, cobbled together, and still stretching to make ends meet. But how fortunate I am to have each role!

I know - I’m “supposed” to just talk style on here. I’m “supposed” to be building my reputation as an authority on the matter. But honestly, I tell women all the time to stop dressing the way they think they are “supposed” to. To hell with those confines. The reason I started this business was only partially about style. My main focus was on empowering other women. Meeting them in a season of life where things might feel heavy or challenging - or even lighter, but different. It was to learn about you, hear your stories, and truly see you. I think so many of us need that right now. Bonus, I can offer some styling advice that will help you want to fully be seen. Watching a client of mine literally strut through the halls of our office today was magical! And watching others take notice and celebrate the transformation was so rewarding.

So, here I am letting you see me. I’m trying to build this business, yes. And I’m not going anywhere. Seeing more women gain that strut is of utmost importance to me. But so is spending this fleeting time with my mom, with my daughter, with my husband, and with my friends - the ones who also fiercely support this business dream of mine. So yes, I’ll continue to post about style, but I’m interrupting that message to say that things feel a little “extra” right now.

If you’re also feeling like life is a lot - between back to school, the ever evolving political climate, the economy, and your daily duties that don’t subside. I’m with you. I see you. And you got this.

If you’re going through some *stuff* and are ready to spend a little time on yourself in the midst of taking care of everyone around you, I’m here to support you in that. If you need a different kind of support right now, I’m rooting for you to seek that out too.

I know for many of us who were raised to take care of others it can be hard to ask for help (let alone identify HOW someone could potentially help us) or to invest time, money, and energy in our own self-care (not just talking about an occasional bubble bath or everything shower here), but I’m here to remind you that no one will do it for you and it’s imperative to your health, your happiness, and making the most of this one precious life that we are given. No matter how long the days feel, we know the years will be gone all at once.