I started the race full of energy, determination coursing through my veins. The crowd was a blur, the starting line already behind me. My focus was sharp, my steps measured. I was running, moving with purpose, and every stride felt like progress. My breathing was steady, my pace balanced. I was in control.

Ahead of me, I saw my opponent—a shadowy figure running with equal determination. They seemed almost ethereal, moving with such grace that it made me question my own rhythm. Still, I pushed forward, locking my eyes on the finish line. I was so close. I could almost taste victory.

But something shifted. As I neared the final stretch, my pace wavered. I began to overly exert myself, desperate to keep up. My heart pounded wildly in my chest, a frantic rhythm I couldn’t steady. Sweat poured down my face, blurring my vision. My legs screamed for relief, each step heavier than the last. Still, I pushed, clinging to the hope of winning.

My opponent was relentless. They moved effortlessly, their strides powerful and unwavering. How had they caught up to me? I had been ahead, in control, but now it felt impossible to match their pace. I wanted to win so badly. I had worked tirelessly to get here, sacrificed so much to reach this moment.

Then, it happened. The finish line came into view. My opponent crossed it first, their silhouette triumphant, and I followed, collapsing just past the line. I had given everything I had, and yet...I lost.

In the silence that followed, my mind raced. I replayed every moment, every misstep. I questioned why I had faltered, why I had fallen behind. And then, like a whisper carried on in the wind, the truth settled over me: my opponent had never been someone else.

It had been me.

The race I was running wasn’t against anyone else. It was against a version of myself I thought I needed to be—an ideal I had chased without question. I had pushed myself beyond my limits, not to reach my own goals, but to compete with an illusion. I had been so focused on winning, on proving my worth, that I didn’t see the real victory was in the steps I had already taken.

The truth is, the moment I started running, I had already won. Every step forward was a victory. The race wasn’t about the finish line; it was about the journey. It was about becoming, evolving, and moving in the direction of my own path—not someone else’s.

Moral of the Story:
Life’s race isn’t about beating others or meeting impossible standards. It’s about staying true to your path and appreciating the progress you’ve made. You win every time you move forward, no matter how fast or slow. The only competitor that matters is the one within you—and even then, it’s not about defeating them, but understanding and growing with them.

“The race you think you’ve lost is often the race you’ve already won. Every step you take on your path is a victory—because the finish line isn’t ahead of you; it’s within you.”

— Quiana Brown

It's such a beautiful day. Waking up with a sense of gratitude, you feel the warmth of the sun streaming through the window. The bed feels amazing, but you know it’s time to get up. "Let’s go!" you think, ready to seize the day.

Then, your phone rings. It’s your brother, spontaneously asking if you want to hang out. Without hesitation, you accept. Spending time with family is always worth it, and the thought of your brother coming to pick you up fills you with a humble joy. Throughout the morning, you exchange check-in texts with friends, feeling connected and appreciated. You’ve spent the most amazing day with your best friend and the memory you just captured will never be lost. This was one of the best days of your life.

But then, there's another kind of morning.

The alarm goes off, and despite the beautiful sunshine, it feels too bright, too harsh. The clock might as well read "I don’t feel like getting up o’ 30 (thirty)." You roll over, telling yourself, "I’m not doing this today." Three hours pass, and you’re still in bed. You need to use the bathroom, but the thought of getting up feels overwhelming. You stay put, trapped by a sense of inertia.

Two more hours go by, and you’re still fighting the urge to face the day. Eventually, you get up, use the bathroom, and go right back to bed. The phone rings, but you ignore it, setting your phone to Do Not Disturb. Three more hours pass. You shift your position in bed, but nothing changes—physically or mentally. The phone lights up again, but you still ignore it. You don’t feel like being bothered.

This cycle continues, and before you know it, the entire day has slipped away. You’ve spent it fighting a battle with yourself—a battle you were never meant to win.

The Fight You Can’t Win

Here’s the truth: You fought the wrong fight today. The struggle wasn’t with the world outside, but with the thoughts inside your own mind. Those thoughts told you that staying in bed was easier, that you didn’t have the energy to face the day, and that avoiding everything was the best option. But here’s the tough love—you’ll never win that fight by giving in to it.

You win by getting up. You win by deciding to take that first step, even when it feels impossible. You win by refusing to let your thoughts dictate your actions. It’s not about feeling motivated every day; it’s about choosing to act despite how you feel. You have the power to change the narrative, to turn a lost day into a victory, simply by getting out of bed and engaging with life.

The longer you stay in that bed, the stronger those defeating thoughts become. But the moment you get up, you start to weaken their grip. Each small action you take—getting out of bed, answering the phone, stepping outside—brings you closer to winning the fight that truly matters: the fight for your life, your energy, and your purpose.

Wake Up, Get Up, Live

You can’t win the fight by staying down. The victory is in getting up, in facing the day, no matter how daunting it seems. Stop allowing your thoughts to win. Don’t let them keep you in bed, away from the world, away from the opportunities that await you.

As author Hal Elrod once said, “The moment you accept responsibility for everything in your life is the moment you gain the power to change anything in your life.” It’s time to take responsibility. It’s time to get up, to wake up, and to live the life you’re meant to live.

So ask yourself, what will you choose today? Will you stay in bed, fighting the wrong fight, or will you get up and start winning the battle that truly matters?

Remember, the only fight worth fighting is the one that moves you forward. Get up. Wake up. The world is waiting for you.

I love chocolate cookies. I mean, really love them. Soft, chewy, crunchy, gluten-free, hard-baked—doesn’t matter. Throw in some minis, sprinkle in a few pecans, and I’m a happy camper. One day, I found myself passing by a bakery that specialized in only one thing: cookies. Now, if you’ve ever walked by a bakery, you know that smell, right? The aroma of freshly baked goods drifting through the air is pure magic. It’s what I like to call a “Foodgasm.”!! 

As I got closer to the bakery, the smell was so divine I could practically taste the cookies already. Inside, there were cookies of every flavor imaginable. But my eyes quickly locked on to one—a massive chocolate cookie, easily the size of my face. It was a no-brainer. I had to have it.

But as soon as I held that giant cookie in my hands, reality hit me. “How on earth am I going to eat this overwhelming cookie?” I wondered. It seemed impossible, almost comical, to even attempt it.

Then it clicked! One small, manageable piece at a time. And so, I started breaking off little chunks, savoring each bite. It took me a few days to finish, but, before I knew it, I was halfway through. The cookie, once a daunting challenge, was suddenly manageable. I finished it with a smile, completely satisfied.

The Lesson in The Big Bite

Life, much like that giant cookie, often comes at us in big, overwhelming chunks. We face huge obstacles, unexpected challenges, and long lists of tasks that seem impossible to conquer. And when we try to tackle them all at once, it feels like we’re trying to swallow that cookie whole—impossible, and more than a little bit painful.

But here’s the secret: Break it down. Take your challenges one small, manageable piece at a time. Bite-sized goals are easier to digest. When we break down our tasks, obstacles, or goals into smaller, actionable steps, they become far less intimidating and more achievable.

Instead of being paralyzed by the enormity of what lies ahead, we find ourselves making steady progress. Each small victory builds confidence and momentum, and before we know it, we’ve accomplished more than we ever thought possible.

The Bigger Picture

This is especially relevant for those of us in our 30s, 40s, and 50s, when life’s demands seem to grow exponentially. Work, family, health, personal goals—all these responsibilities can feel like a huge cookie we don’t know how to tackle. But if we learn to break it down into smaller, more manageable pieces, we reduce our stress and find clarity.

The Real Moral of The Story

Don’t let the size of the challenge stop you from enjoying the experience. Whether it’s a massive cookie or a massive to-do list, remember that you don’t have to finish it all in one sitting. Small bites lead to big results. Progress is progress, no matter how small.

So the next time life throws you a “Big Bite,” remember: break it down, savor the journey, and enjoy each piece. Before you know it, you’ll be looking back, surprised at how much you’ve accomplished.

And now, with a full heart and a satisfied stomach, I leave you with this: 

“The Big Bite”—because sometimes, the sweetest victories come from the smallest bites.

In life, we often encounter moments where we find ourselves lingering in the past, holding on to memories, habits, or even regrets. We hold onto relationships that have long since sailed, jobs that no longer serve us, or beliefs that were passed down through generations, rooted in history. Yet, when we look closely, everything around us teaches us a powerful lesson: life is designed to move forward.

Imagine a vehicle in motion. The engine’s purpose is to propel it onward, its wheels turning in harmony with the road beneath. If it tried to move in reverse for too long, it would break down or get stuck. Much like the vehicle, we too are designed to move forward.

Consider a boat that sets sail on the open sea. The winds may change direction, the waves may be turbulent, but the boat’s purpose is to keep sailing, to reach new shores. If it remains anchored too long in familiar waters, it will miss the discovery of what lies beyond the horizon.

A baby, upon discovering the ability to crawl, is filled with wonder and curiosity. This simple act of movement becomes a gateway to their next stages of growth. If they remained stationary, clutching the comfort of being held, they’d never know the joy of walking, running, or exploring the world.

Reading an interesting book opens new ideas and possibilities. With each page, the story unfolds, and we gain new insights. But if we were to keep re-reading the same chapters, the wisdom and growth waiting for us in the next section would remain unknown.

Even something as simple as taking a walk encourages forward motion. One step after another brings us closer to a destination, to discovery, to change. Stopping to look back may feel comforting, but it prevents us from moving ahead into the new, the unknown, and the growth that awaits.

Consider dough rising before it is baked. It swells, expands, and transforms into something far greater than its initial state. If we left it to sit without baking, it would deflate, losing the potential of becoming something fulfilling. Our lives are much like that dough—we are constantly in a state of rising, expanding with every opportunity. But if we cling to where we were, we lose the chance to transform.

Society, too, teaches us this lesson. Our values, our history, and our traditions are the roots from which we grow, but they are not the future. History holds lessons, but progress is about moving forward. As society evolves, so do we. We are not bound to the past; we are here to advance.

Yet, many of us struggle with letting go, with embracing change. We often hold onto what we know, afraid that what’s ahead might not be as familiar or as comfortable. But like the vehicle, the boat, the baby, the book, the walk, and the dough—we are meant to move forward. Holding onto the past, looking back for too long, keeps us stuck in place, robbing us of the future’s possibilities.

The truth is, we cannot fully grow if we are constantly holding on to what once was. Growth happens when we learn to let go, to trust in the process of moving forward, even when the next step feels uncertain. Life is a journey, not meant to be lived in reverse, but to be embraced in its forward momentum.

We must remind ourselves that the future holds more for us than the past ever could. When we look back, we are tethering ourselves to a version of life that no longer exists. The real magic happens when we dare to look ahead, to step into what’s waiting for us with confidence and hope.

“Don’t look back. You’re not going that way.”

— Unknown

This quote reminds us that while the past may have shaped us, it is the future that beckons us to keep moving forward. It’s time to let go and step boldly into what lies ahead.

We’ve all heard the saying, "The grass is always greener on the other side." But is it really? Let's take a deep dive into this age-old belief. Whether your life seems to be picture-perfect or filled with constant battles, this saying might hold a deeper meaning for us all.

Imagine this scenario:

You’ve figured out the solutions to your problems. You've even helped your family and friends through their life struggles. Your career is on track, your relationship with your spouse or significant other is going well, and your finances are flawlessly stable.

But something still feels off. You wake up with an inexplicable sense of stress, anxiety, fatigue, and an internal darkness that looms over you. Despite everything appearing perfect on the outside, there's a nagging feeling inside that something is missing.

Or, perhaps your life looks like this:

You’re constantly battling to solve your problems. You reach out to friends and family for advice, but their answers aren’t resourceful. You’re unsatisfied with your career, unsure of your purpose, and feel like you’re drifting without direction. Home isn’t the happiest place, and the relationship with your spouse or significant other feels like a constant struggle. Your finances are shaky, and you’re barely keeping everything afloat.

In this state, you find yourself avoiding your hardship by putting on a facade, pretending as if life couldn’t be better. But deep down, you know the truth — the struggle is real, and it’s exhausting.

Is Your Grass Really Greener?

The truth is, whether your life appears to be perfectly polished or a series of never-ending challenges, the grass on the other side will always seem greener because we are constantly comparing ourselves to others. Social media, societal expectations, and even casual conversations can make us feel that others are living better, happier, and more successful lives than we are.

But here’s the thing — no one’s grass is purely green. Everyone has their own hidden struggles, fears, and doubts. Just because someone’s life looks flawless from the outside doesn’t mean they’re not fighting internal battles, just like you.

The question we should ask isn’t whether the grass is greener on the other side, but whether we are watering our own grass. Instead of comparing ourselves to others, we should focus on nurturing what we have, recognizing the blessings and opportunities in our own lives, and working through the challenges with courage and determination.

The Quote to Remember:

“Comparison is the thief of joy.”

— Theodore Roosevelt

Moral of the story:

Rather than searching for greener grass or blaming external factors for our unhappiness, let’s focus on cultivating our own lives with gratitude, resilience, and inner peace.

What color is your Grass?

The choice is yours. Start by watering the grass where you stand, and you'll discover that it may be greener than you ever imagined.

Let’s take a road trip.

Have you ever found yourself driving down an open road, surrounded by beautiful scenery, not entirely sure where the journey might take you? Imagine for a moment: you’re surrounded by mountains, hills, and endless trees, with the pavement stretching ahead of you. Above, the sky shifts between vibrant hues of blue, guiding you toward a distant horizon. But what lies beyond the mountains? Those hills? You can’t see over them, and maybe, just maybe, that’s the point.

What’s over the mountain is a mystery, something we can’t yet see. That unknown is the future. We don’t control it, and we can’t predict it. All we can do is look at the road in front of us, fully present in each moment. The rearview mirror shows us where we’ve been; our past, a collection of experiences, has already passed us by. But here, in this moment, we’re driving through our now, moving forward with only the road ahead and a limitless sky.

Too often, we get caught up in what lies beyond the next hill or worry about the twists and turns behind us. When we do that, we miss what’s right in front of us: the present, a moment alive with possibility, beauty, and clarity. This road trip of life doesn’t promise what’s around every bend. It could be an awe-inspiring vista, or it could be a roadblock. We just don’t know. And maybe that’s a beautiful thing.

Living in the present isn’t always easy. Life is full of distractions that pull us toward tomorrow’s uncertainties or yesterday’s regrets. But when you allow yourself to focus on the present, to experience life as it unfolds, you find something extraordinary. You give yourself permission to be fully alive, fully aware, and fully present.

Imagine reaching the top of that mountain and finding…something unexpected. Maybe it’s a beautiful rainbow, a symbol of hope and renewal. Maybe it’s simply a quiet valley that whispers peace. A sharp turn. Or maybe a dead end. We just don’t know. And that’s okay. Not knowing can be beautiful. Or maybe, just maybe, it’s a simple road that stretches farther than you ever imagined. But if we focus too much on the future, we let the present slip by, never truly knowing the beauty that exists in the here and now. The present moment becomes a gift. It’s a point where everything else fades, and only the beauty of “now” remains.

Thank you for taking this trip with me. I’ve enjoyed every moment we shared. The present is a breathtaking moment—a gift of life we too often rush past. Allow yourself to pause, to feel, and to live within it. Every now and then, remind yourself to look around and breathe it all in. Let’s appreciate the journey for what it is today, right here and now.

Moral of the Story: The journey of life is unpredictable, filled with both mystery and beauty. Embrace each moment, rather than letting your past or future overshadow the present. The magic of life happens in the here and now.

“Living in the present moment is like savoring the beauty of the road as it unfolds. Each mile is an opportunity to breathe, to be aware, and to feel fully alive. Don’t lose today by longing for tomorrow or clinging to yesterday—just be here.”

— Q Brown

—I Just Don’t Know

Do you remember when you were younger, and you had that one childhood accident? Maybe you fell off your bike, scraped your knee, broke a bone, or sprained an ankle. You cried out, “Mommy! Daddy! Ouch, it hurts!” The pain was sharp, real, and overwhelming in that moment. But after the tears and the hugs, what happened next? You eventually got up. You healed. The scrapes closed up, the bruises faded, and your bones mended. Your body repaired, restored, and rebuilt itself. The scars might still be there, but they serve as reminders that you survived, that you overcame.

As kids, our resilience was often physical—our bodies were quick to bounce back. But as we grow older, the falls don’t just happen in the physical sense. Life’s challenges become more complex, more nuanced, and they often hit us in places we can’t see. We fall emotionally when relationships end, or conflicts arise. We fall financially when we lose jobs, face unexpected expenses, or fail at business ventures. We fall mentally when stress or anxiety overwhelms us. And spiritually, we may fall when our faith is shaken, or when we feel disconnected from our sense of purpose.

But just like those childhood injuries, healing is possible.

These types of falls can feel far more devastating than a scraped knee ever did. And unlike when we were kids, it’s often harder to bounce back. The longer we live, the more time we’ve had to accumulate expectations—about ourselves, our lives, and our futures. When we stumble, the weight of those expectations can feel crushing, making it difficult to rise again.

But here’s the truth: It’s okay to fall. It’s okay to feel pain, frustration, or even hopelessness in the moment. Falling is part of life’s natural rhythm. Just as we fall physically, we will fall emotionally, mentally, financially, and spiritually. What matters is not the fall itself, but what comes after.

Think back to those childhood injuries. After the fall, you didn’t stay down forever, right? Eventually, you got up. You healed. You learned to be a bit more careful, a bit more cautious and self-aware the next time. Life is no different now.

When you fall as an adult, it may take longer to get up. The bruises may run deeper, and the process of healing may feel more complex. But you can heal. You can repair, restore, and rebuild what was broken. Every fall is an opportunity to renew yourself, to replenish your energy, your focus, and restart your sense of purpose.

Think of it this way: Failure is a life-builder. Just as muscles grow stronger after being torn down in a workout, our resilience, wisdom, and inner strength grow each time we face adversity. Falling and failing don’t define who you are—they’re just part of the journey. What defines you is your ability to rise again, to move forward, and to learn from experience.

There’s no need to relive your past failures over and over. You don’t have to carry them as burdens. Instead, carry them as lessons, reminders that you’ve already proven your ability to overcome. Yes, it hurt. And yes, it’s going to take time to recover. But the time you spend rebuilding is also the time you spend becoming stronger, more aware, and more capable of facing what’s ahead.

Give yourself grace. We often extend compassion to others when they fall, but when it comes to ourselves, we can be our harshest critics. We replay our mistakes, our shortcomings, and our failures, over and over in our minds. It’s time to break that cycle. Just like you would comfort a friend who’s fallen, comfort yourself. Allow yourself the space to heal without judgment.

You may have fallen mentally. You may have fallen emotionally or spiritually. But you’re still here. That means you have the chance to rise again, stronger than before.

Here’s the key: Don’t let your falls or failures dictate your future. They’re not roadblocks—they’re steppingstones. They’re part of the foundation you’re building to become the person you’re meant to be. Every time you rise, you rise with more strength, more wisdom, and more awareness of who you truly are and what you’re capable of.

The next time you fall, remember that it’s okay to feel the pain. Feel it, learn from it, but don’t stay down. Take a deep breath, rise again, and allow yourself to be rebuilt from the inside out.

“Life’s greatest lessons are born from the hardest falls. Each time you rise, you are rebuilding the most resilient, aware, and powerful version of yourself. Embrace the pain, but don’t let it stop you. Stand tall after every ‘Ouch!’”

— Quiana Brown

The moral of the story is simple but profound: Falling is inevitable, but staying down is a choice. No matter how many times life knocks you down, give yourself the grace, time, and space to rise again. You don’t have to be perfect; you just have to keep moving forward. The strength you need is already within you—you just have to tap into it.

So, when you face life’s inevitable challenges, and you feel that familiar sting of pain, remember: Ouch! It hurts, but it’s also a sign that you’re alive, learning, and growing. Keep rising. Keep rebuilding. You’ve got this.

Is It Worth It?
When you hear the words “assets” and “liabilities,” your mind might jump straight to bank statements, loans, and all things financial.

A Quick Refresher

Assets vs. Liabilities:
To set the stage, let’s define our terms. An asset is something valuable that adds to your life—think of it as a positive force that makes you feel good, brings joy, or adds meaning. A liability is the opposite; it’s something that drains you, causes stress, or holds you back. It’s like carrying a backpack full of rocks uphill—it just makes everything harder.

Let’s pump the brakes for a second—this is NOT a financial crash course! Instead, let’s have a heart-to-heart about something way more important: your life.

What’s Your Life’s Net Worth?
Here’s a question worth pondering: What’s your life’s net worth? And no, I’m not asking about your 401(k) or home equity. I’m talking about the true wealth you’ve accumulated in your life. Let’s count your life gains—the things that make life worth living:

• Family: The people who support you, laugh with you, and maybe even keep you humble.

• Friends: The ones who get your jokes and are always up for a chat, whether you’re on top of the world or need a shoulder to cry on.

• Health: The energy and vitality that allow you to chase after dreams (or just chase after your kids).

• Joy: Those little bursts of happiness that come from a great conversation, a favorite hobby, or just a sunny day.

• Peace: The calm that comes when you’ve let go of what you can’t control and focused on what you can.

Other valuable gains might include your passions, personal growth, sense of purpose, creativity, and even your resilience—those moments when life knocks you down, but you get back up stronger.

VS

Liabilities: The Emotional Debts
Now let’s talk about those liabilities, the emotional debts that can really weigh you down. If you’re spending time being:

• Stressed: Constantly feeling overwhelmed by responsibilities, to-dos, and the pressure to be perfect.

• Depressed: Struggling with a persistent low mood, feeling disconnected from the joy in life, and battling inner darkness.

• Doubting: Questioning your abilities, worth, or decisions so much that it paralyzes your progress.

• Guilty: Feeling bad about past actions or even things out of your control, letting it eat away at your peace of mind.

• Anxious: Living in a state of worry about the future, always bracing for the worst, and never feeling fully at ease.

These liabilities can creep up on you, gradually tipping the scales until your life feels out of balance, draining more than it gives.

So, where do you stand? Are your life’s assets outweighing your liabilities, or do you find yourself in the red? The more your assets outweigh your liabilities, the stronger and healthier you’ll be, both mentally and physically. Balance is the key here—focusing on increasing your life gains while minimizing those emotional liabilities.

Take a moment to reflect. Have you gained or lost your life’s worth? If your liabilities have been outweighing your assets lately, it’s not too late to make a change. You have the power to shift the balance, to focus on what truly adds value to your life, and to let go of the things that are holding you back.

To everyone out there in the 30-55 age range, it’s time to understand the real value of your life.. Your worth isn’t measured by material wealth but by the richness of your experiences, relationships, and inner peace.

Life is too short to be bogged down by stress, guilt, or doubt. Instead, invest in your life gains, nurture your relationships, pursue your passions, and protect your peace. The more you focus on what truly matters, the more liberated and fulfilled you’ll feel.

Here’s to living a life where your assets far outweigh your liabilities—because you’re worth it!

Is Your Life an Asset or Liability?

Is it Worth It?

Personal or Just Business? The Debate You Didn’t Know You Needed
Picture this: It’s a Tuesday afternoon, and you’re at your desk, deep in the grind. Your coffee’s gone cold, your inbox is still full, and the clock feels like it’s moving backward. You’re living your own endless episode of “The Office,” just waiting for it to be “It’s time to GO’oclock!” But here’s the million-dollar question: Is this really what life’s about? Are you all business, or is there a little room for, well, you?

Let’s dive into the ultimate debate: Is your mindset Personal or Just Business?

When Life’s Personal
Personal development isn’t just a trendy buzzword. It’s your golden ticket to a more fulfilling, well-rounded life! But what does it actually require? Here’s the lowdown:

• Self-Awareness: Think of this as becoming the Sherlock Holmes of your own mind. Knowing your strengths, weaknesses, values, and goals is like looking in the mirror and saying, “Hey, I know you!”

• Emotional Intelligence: Ever wish you were the Yoda of feelings? Developing empathy, managing your emotions, and building strong relationships can make you that wise, calm presence everyone needs.

• Continuous Learning: So, that ukulele in the corner? Dust it off! Whether it’s learning a new language or finally figuring out how to play a chord, broadening your mind is key.

• Physical Well-Being: Your body is the only place you have to live—treat it like it’s prime real estate. Exercise, eat well, and sleep like you mean it.

• Mindfulness and Stress Management: Life can get hectic. Taking a breather, practicing mindfulness, or even just hitting “refresh” for your brain is essential.

When It’s Just Business
But let’s be real. Sometimes, life feels more like a boardroom than a playground. Is your mindset stuck in “just business” mode? Here’s how to tell:

• Too Busy to Care About You: If your schedule is packed tighter than a clown car, with no room for self-care or personal pursuits, you might be all business.

• Emotionally Detached: If you’re so laser-focused on hitting professional milestones that your emotional needs are on the back burner, you’re basically a robot with a briefcase.

• Work Over Relationships: Choosing work over spending time with loved ones? You might be the ghost at your own family dinners.

• Ignoring Personal Passions: If that guitar you once loved is now just collecting dust, it’s time to ask yourself why.

• Viewing Rest as Unproductive: If downtime feels like a cardinal sin, you might be stuck in the “just business” mindset.

Finding The Balance
Alright, enough with the extremes. Let’s sprinkle some balance into the mix! Here’s how to shift from a “just business” mindset to one that’s a bit more, well, you:

• Set Boundaries: Draw a line in the sand between work and personal time. “This is my time!” should be your new mantra.

• Prioritize Self-Care: Schedule activities that rejuvenate you. Think of it as a spa day for your soul.

• Celebrate Small Wins: Did you finally figure out that ukulele chord? Celebrate it! Life’s too short not to throw mini parties for yourself.

• Be Present: Practice mindfulness and actually enjoy the present moment. You might just find a little Zen in the process.

• Reflect Regularly: Take some time to check in with your personal goals and aspirations. Don’t let work steal the spotlight in your life’s movie—you’re the director, after all.

The Big Question
So, next time you’re buried in work, ask yourself: Personal or Just Business? The answer might just lead you to a more joyful, balanced life.

Remember, “Life is too short to be living somebody else’s dream.” Don’t get caught up in the rat race and forget to enjoy the cheese. Enjoy the moments that truly matter. Take a moment to watch the sunset, breathe in the fresh air, and savor the little joy. Life isn’t just business; it’s a colorful blend of moments, experiences, and personal growth.

We’ve all had that moment. You go into your closet to pick out a favorite pair of pants, a shirt, a skirt, a dress, shoes, or maybe even a favorite cologne or perfume. As you put that item on, you suddenly realize and say to yourself... "This doesn’t fit!" It’s either too big or too small. Did you decide to keep that too big or too small pair of pants on? Why? Why do we keep things that DON’T FIT?

Why do we try to fit into things that just don't fit?
Look at this another way. Why do we try to fit into that relationship, friendship, work, a group of people, or maybe social media? Why do we try to fit into something that DOESN’T fit YOU? Trying to make it fit, to make it work. By forcing, pulling, and conforming yourself, how does it feel?

When we hold on to things that no longer fit, whether it's clothes or aspects of our lives, we’re essentially forcing ourselves into a mold that wasn’t made for us. This can lead to discomfort, frustration, and even pain. Yet, many of us persist, driven by nostalgia, fear of change, or the hope that things will somehow adjust and become better suited to us.

But let’s be honest. Those pants that are too tight? They aren’t going to stretch to fit you comfortably. That shirt that’s too loose? It won’t suddenly shrink to hug your frame perfectly. Similarly, that job that drains your energy, the friendship that feels one-sided, or the social media persona that feels inauthentic—they won’t magically transform to suit your true self.

Instead of trying to fit into something that doesn’t suit you, why not seek out what does? Why not find the relationship that makes you feel cherished, the job that inspires you, the friends who accept you as you are, and the lifestyle that aligns with your values?

Just as you wouldn't wear uncomfortable clothes, you shouldn't stay in situations that don't feel right. Your worth isn't determined by how well you fit into someone else's world. It's about finding your own perfect fit—a life that feels comfortable, authentic, and fulfilling.

It's time to be self-aware and recognize when something isn’t fitting you. Remember, growth often involves letting go. It's okay to shed what no longer serves you. Embrace the discomfort of change, knowing that on the other side is a life that truly fits. 

"If the shoe doesn’t fit, it's okay to let it go and find one that does."
By making space for what fits perfectly, you allow yourself to grow, thrive, and live a more authentic and fulfilling life. Remember, life is too short to be squeezed into spaces that don’t allow you to breathe and be your true self.

“Life is too short to wear uncomfortable shoes.” – Unknown