Happy Sunday, dear reader. Last week I shared a story that, yes, was more vulnerable and maybe even negative than usual. You know I like to keep to the sunny side of the street. But I felt it was important to let you know that I experience ups and downs just like the rest of you. Sometimes, these ups and downs have led me into an identity crisis and periods of feeling lost, which became the catalyst for my journey of rediscovering myself. My life, while blessed, is not perfect. Today I want to share a new perspective with you. I have had an ah-ha moment and a weight has been lifted.

And, as a special bonus, I’m excited to announce the launch of the Honey Good Boutique. It’s so much more than an online shop. It’s a community-driven space for women to inspire, empower, and find their inner dazzle. Read on and I will tell you all about it. But first, let me share the road that brought me there and inspired me.

A Tornado Spinning Out of Control

As a young mom, I heard what sounded like the roar of a train coming towards our home. I knew the sound. It was a tornado. I grabbed my children’s hands and hurried them into our garage’s crawlspace.

Until a few days ago, I felt like that tornado spinning and roaring out of control. Why? I can best describe the past year plus as a bittersweet journey. I had to learn to deal with an ill husband, a new lifestyle, and my pent-up emotions. After a year of daily worry and grief and new unpleasant experiences, I was spinning out of control. The emotional distress from this period was overwhelming, often leading to moments of self doubt about my ability to cope and move forward.

I felt I had exceeded my limit of what I could swallow due to exhaustion and very little joy; the bitter—while I continued to be passionate about my love for my ultimate concierge and our future, the sweet.

Over the past year plus, I concentrated only on bitter problems and lost my footing on how to live our best life possible.

Notice that I said “our” and not “I.” I am my man’s woman. For 33 years, my man and I were a great team. He was the captain, and I was his first mate, and life was delicious. Like everyone, we faced our tragedies. Unlike some, we could handle ours because he was the yang, and I was his yin. We were a perfectly matched team. And, suddenly, the table turned. I became the captain, and he became the first mate. The external pressures of societal expectations, along with the shifting dynamics in our relationships, made these challenges even more difficult to navigate.

An Ah-Ha Moment

Last week, on a long walk, I had one of my ah-ha moments. It came to me out of nowhere. I must have had subconscious thoughts going on in my mind. By reflecting on my experiences, I gained a clearer understanding of my needs and the direction I wanted to take.

With a sigh of relief, I accepted what I could not change. Embracing change became a necessary part of my journey. I accepted that I had done everything humanly possible for my ultimate concierge and I accepted the fact that it was time to look to our future and plan a charmed lifestyle. It was also time for me to coexist gracefully with the bitter and the sweet.

“I will invite adventure and be a frazzled, always razzled, and dazzled woman.” — Honey Good

Years ago, my ultimate concierge and I were invited, along with three other couples, to the hacienda of our friends in Mexico. At Sunday morning brunch, our host passed out a National Insurance exam. The host was the CEO of an insurance company, and for fun, he gave us the insurance exam to test our personality type. All of the men had Type-A personalities. One of my girlfriends was a Type-C, passive; the rest, including me, were Type B.

So you can understand why I am struggling with my new life. I miss my husband driving our car, so to speak. I depended on him, and now I have no choice but to learn to do what he did for us for 32 years. And it is hard, scary, and, at times, depressing.

I have learned a lot and I have a lot to learn. The best part of this story is that I want to learn. Adopting a growth mindset helps me face new challenges with resilience and enthusiasm.

I am a Whirling Dervish

Though, sometimes, I feel like the whirling dervish I watched dance in a restaurant where my ultimate concierge and I dined in Damascus, Syria. What a wonderful and fascinating evening we enjoyed with each other. The dervish swirled and whirled out of control as he danced among tables. He took my breath away! I was in awe as he danced in his multi-colored outfit. I am that whirling dervish today, though not in complete awe of my dance.

I used to be colorful, like the restaurant’s dervish. Now I have become overly annoyed with juggling doctor appointments, calling for prescriptions, attending doctor appointments, answering emails, dealing with various people, changing our homeowner’s policy. I’m forgetting my girlfriends, running a company, and making so many decisions instead of making plans with friends and giggling during phone conversations. Stepping outside my comfort zone and trying new things can be both challenging and rewarding, but it’s often necessary for personal growth.

Instead of going to the theater and events with my ultimate concierge, traveling to a foreign country to learn new customs and meet people, having romantic dates at our favorite restaurant with my hubby, and making all of our decisions together, I feel I am going it alone. It’s natural to feel uncomfortable during such transitions, but this discomfort can lead to growth and self-discovery.

There are no more dinner dates with friends, no more exotic travel at the drop of a hat, no more stimulating conversations between us, no more desire to shop till I drop, and my lists go on and on. I know I sound spoiled, but trust me when I tell you I was grateful when life was grand. Today, I am grateful for daily blessings, especially for having my husband. Exploring creative outlets, like painting or writing, can help me reconnect with myself and rediscover joy.

Our lifestyle has pivoted, and I will find our place in this new, unexpected adventure. Yes, I call it an adventure because life is what you decide to make it. I want us to survive in the best manner possible.

Lean Into Your Circumstances

Regardless of age, many of you have periods that tip your sweet apple cart, too. Please wear your survival gear as you learn to walk your new path. One day, your goal, like mine, is to march like the buoyant drummer!

Sweet reader, examine your circumstances. Yours will be different from mine, but regardless, decide what to do slowly and methodically, and over time, you will have your ah-ha moment. As you reflect, notice patterns in your thoughts and behaviors, as these can reveal important insights about your self discovery journey. Setting meaningful personal goals can guide you through this process and help you align with your authentic self. Circumstances are never the same, but the action to survive with a positive outlook is.

I have been learning, without realizing it, to pivot into a new type of world with my ultimate concierge. It has taken me over a year to find myself, and this process helps me grow and adapt.

Don’t Let Caregiving Dim Your Light: Discover Your Path to Renewed Happiness

My Answer Came to Me

Not long ago, I taxied over to my physical therapy haunt. After my session, I walked home—two and a half miles and 5,000+ steps. The morning sun and light breeze accompanied me.

I asked myself, “Why do I feel like a whirling dervish and a swirling tornado? Why am I overly annoyed and out of sorts?”

From out of nowhere, my answer came to me. I have spent over a year constantly dwelling over my husband’s illness. I have spent a year without expressing my pent-up feelings. And, I had been hoping, praying, and dreaming for over a year that my ultimate concierge would recover better than was expected. Ultimately, I put every resource as his disposal.

That morning, on my long walk home, I finally accepted reality. As I reflected on my past experiences, I realized how writing about these moments has helped me process my emotions and gain perspective. My ultimate concierge will not get better. On that lovely day, out of nowhere, I left grief and entered the phase of acceptance. My new hope is that he will remain stable.

Tears poured from my eyes like a downpour, and people stared. As I recognized these bodily experiences—my racing heart, trembling hands, and the release of tears—I understood they were part of my healing process. Acceptance began to set in on my walk, allowing me to think of our future and stop dwelling on his progress.

As the tears drenched my face, I felt a thousand-pound weight lift off my shoulders. I was about to enter a new chapter in our lives based on truth. From here on out, I will give up our mountain of the past and concentrate on a new type of scene. No more pretending, no more lying to myself. A calmness I had not felt in over a year returned. With acceptance, I gained new insights that challenged what I had previously thought about our journey and my own resilience.

This process has brought me greater clarity about my emotions, my hopes, and the path forward.

Self Discovery Journey

Last week, I texted my grandson, “Do what your heart tells you. You will be fine.”

I will do what my heart says, and I will be fine.

Over the past year, I lost sight of my needs and concentrated on my hubby’s. I am glad I did. It was my choice.

It is time to conserve my energy and factor in some downtime so I will not become overly annoyed. I will live our life in divine chapters, breathe, have fewer discomforts, prosper with new passions. As I move forward, I am practicing self love and self compassion, reconnecting with my true self and true values. I will be true to myself, accept certain things as they are, always be grateful for my blessings, continue to raise my awe and wonder, ask for what I want, and enlarge my world. This is a deeply personal journey toward a fulfilling life. Always, I will invite adventure and be a frazzled, always razzled, and dazzled woman!

After accepting this new chapter, I feel better equipped to focus on our positives. I feel empowered and uplifted. I will become a strong Type-A while keeping true to my Type-B qualities. And, I hope my choices will be uplifting because I have learned that worry and desperation hold women back. Once a woman accepts what she cannot change, she will be able to shift and focus on the positives. Even without a clear roadmap, personal development and setting meaningful goals are guiding me forward.

Reconnecting with Nature and Yourself

In the midst of life’s whirlwind, I’ve found that one of the most powerful ways to rediscover my authentic self is by stepping outside and reconnecting with nature. There’s something truly magical about the way a gentle breeze, the rustle of leaves, or the warmth of sunlight can create space for self reflection and deeper self awareness. When I spend time in nature—whether it’s a quiet walk through a leafy park, tending to my garden, or simply sitting beneath a tree—I feel my worries soften and my mind begin to clear.

Nature has a remarkable ability to nurture our mental health and well being. It invites us to slow down, breathe deeply, and listen to the quiet wisdom of our inner self. In these peaceful moments, I often gain clarity about my life choices and reconnect with my core values. The natural world reminds me that growth is a process, and that every season of life brings its own lessons and opportunities for personal growth.

If you’re feeling disconnected or searching for a greater sense of purpose, I encourage you to create space in your daily life to immerse yourself in the beauty of the outdoors. Let the sights, sounds, and scents of nature guide you on your own transformative journey of self discovery. You may be surprised by the valuable insights and renewed sense of self that emerge when you allow yourself this time for self reflection. Remember, the journey to your best self often begins with a single step outside.

The Honey Good Boutique

On another front, the Honey Good team and I have been working on opening the Honey Good Boutique. It began as my staff’s idea. Honestly, at first I was feeling unsure about the idea. Eventually, when the theme behind the boutique had substance, the idea of wearing and owning things with inspiring and empowering quotes, I got excited.

This boutique is for you because everything I do on Honey Good gives back to my community of women. After all, women need women. The boutique is also a place to connect with like minded individuals and share similar journeys, fostering relationships and support among women who are on paths of personal transformation.

I write authentic stories on topics for women. My book was written for grandmothers. My three free private Facebook groups for widows, estranged mothers, grandmothers, and a group to celebrate life are for you. And now, I have an online store for women.

My online store differs from other stores because every item will have an empowering saying. Every saying is a quote of mine, and every quote is with you in mind. My boutique is personal yet it speaks to who we all are. I would love nothing more than for you to feel empowered every time you wear your shirt. To know that each time that you lift your mug to your lips or sling your bag over your shoulder you are affirming who you are: A Queen Bee! I am very excited. Trying a new hobby, like journaling or using a creative item from the boutique, can also support your self discovery and growth.

Behind all of my quotes is a message. My favorite quote is: “I am frazzled, razzled, and dazzled. Why?”

• Opportunity: Don’t miss an opportunity! So many women let their opportunity pass.
• Quality: Quality above quantity. We live in a world of excess. Live a quality life, and you will feel your dazzle.
• Hesitancy: Hesitancy is a no-no. If you have an opportunity that your heart tells you to grab, grab it! And, as I always say, you can figure it out later!
• Freedom: The human spirit of freedom. Do whatever it takes to be free. Pay off the loan. Go back to school. Take that dream trip. Breathe in fresh air and fresh thoughts.
• Bounce back: Everyone falls. Those women who bounce back live their best lives with dazzle.

Women Need Women: Let’s Embrace Our Community of Like Minded Individuals

As I reflect on this journey of self-discovery and resilience, I am filled with a newfound sense of gratitude and purpose. The challenges I’ve faced over the past year have shaped me in profound ways, teaching me the importance of acceptance, hope, and authenticity.

It is through this journey that I’ve realized my passion for creating a space where women can connect, support, and inspire each other. The Honey Good Boutique is more than just a store; it is a community. When you purchase something from my shop, you’re joining a movement of women who are embracing their strengths, overcoming challenges, and finding joy in the journey. By connecting with others, we help each other overcome societal norms and external pressures that can make it difficult to stay true to ourselves.

So, as you embark on your own journey, remember to be kind to yourself, embrace the bittersweet moments, and find strength in your resilience. Building self trust and adopting a growth mindset are essential parts of this process, helping you reframe challenges and grow from every experience. Together, we can navigate life’s challenges with grace and emerge stronger, more empowered, and more connected than ever before.

The grand opening of the Honey Good Boutique is September 30th! However, as you, my dear Sunday Story readers, have been with me through these ups and downs, I am thrilled to offer you a VIP first look and throw open my virtual boutique doors to you. Click here and take a peek at the Honey Good Boutique.

I am smiling.

What would you like to see in my boutique? Please share with me in the comments!

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