What a blessing it is to wake up to a new day and a second chance. I don’t know about you, and I hate to admit this, but I take it all for granted. We like to say we don’t take it for granted, but we do. Every time we put off making tiny steps toward our goals, toward bettering ourselves mentally, physically, and spiritually, every time we put it off for another day, we take it for granted.

This week has been serendipitous and, dare I say, fated. So many reminders to do it scared, to keep showing up even if it feels uncomfortable, uncertain, not perfect. To do it now, while life is this hard.

We walk through this world concerned with or stressed over other people’s thoughts and opinions, holding other people accountable, placing unrealistic expectations on others, and ignoring the underlying reasons behind our triggers. What are the conversations we’re having with ourselves? Are we respecting ourselves? Are we giving ourselves the best chance?

This post may be written while I’m under an influence, but it’s on my heart. I am letting myself down. It genuinely hurts. I truly believe that no one can hurt you the way you can hurt yourself. The strength, stamina, and confidence built from showing up for yourself is indescribable. Is there even a word for this trifecta feeling? What continues to give me hope is knowing that I have overcome this before, in more ways than one, and that I have it in me to completely surrender to myself in the best way. We all do.

On the spookiest day of the year, know that I am scared of letting myself down and waking up one day with no more days to try again. This makes me tear up. (Granted, I’m due for my period soon, so it could just be my hormones.). Nonetheless, there is nothing scarier.

Sometimes, while I type my newsletter or build on an idea, I listen to interviews on YouTube, live show recordings, or other funny or informational videos.

One recent late night, I listened to a not-so-funny but highly informative video by Amanda Seales titled The Power of Media. It’s not the best example of finding humor in politics, but it is a perfect 30-minute summation of where the media in the United States stands right now.

Amanda Seales sometimes sounds like she’s yelling at you, but she always speaks truth to power, and that takes courage. In a world where most people are chasing hype or indoctrination, she chooses to inform. That, to me, is an exemplar of doing it anyway, pushing through your fears and doubts. Whether you agree with her or not, it’s inspiring to see a woman bet herself and figure things out along the way.

Speaking up in this climate, using your voice, and refusing to dilute your message is risky. It’s uncomfortable. It’s necessary.

I haven’t actually watched a horror movie since before pregnancy. Something in my brain must’ve rewired because I can’t even make myself sit through one anymore. Maybe it has something to do with feeling like we’re jumping from one scary movie to another in real life. Only this one doesn’t end in two hours or less.

Kind of like us: scared, broke, exhausted, but showing up anyway.

It feels so good to be back. Thank you for reading. Until next time. - T