Like a Car Crash… Literally

To say this past week was brutal would be a massive understatement. Along with the stress of doctor appointments and coping with potential health diagnoses, our vehicle was hit by a drunk driver on a golf cart. Thankfully, no one was in the parked vehicle and the truck is still drivable, but we’ve been trying to sell it so I can have my dream car again (RIP my Acura RDX), and this damage will not work in my favor. I’ve been struggling to manage all of this, and my body has let me know. Lately it feels like one thing after the next.

I only worked a half-day this week before getting sick again during my shift, and ended up confined to my bed. I’m was barely able to accomplish the minimal amount of chores I do daily throughout this whole week. Unfortunately, feeling so unwell has made it difficult to progress on the small business, and I’ve been extremely frustrated. Multiple packages have come in during this week and have yet to be unpacked and put away. Opening supplies packages has always been something I look forward to, so I’m really bummed I haven’t had the energy to get into them and get more things ready for opening.

Numerous times now, I find myself stressing and second-guessing myself about our small business success if we cannot open before Christmas, but I’m trying to keep my head held high. Using coping skills has been a lifesaver in getting through these past few days. I’ve been avoiding things that cause stress, minimizing activities to avoid over-exerting myself and using the time off to get the rest I need. I know I have a tremendous support system that will stand by me through the trials of my health and the progress of the small business.

To make matters worse, my first sale turned out to be my first scam. Shortly after posting our update on Instagram, we had MULTIPLE messages flooding in requesting to buy up to as many as six pens! I was so proud after feeling like I was going to fail, or worrying the business wouldn’t be successful, that I put on the blinders to major warning signs. The “customer” feigned care and helpfulness in trying to get a Zelle set up for the shop, and I played right into it. In hindsight, I should have known better. After a difficult day and feeling excited about making my first sale, it was easy to overlook the red flags. Though it’s been a long week of trials and tribulations, I’m not going to lose hope.

Being worked up into a stressed ball of energy, I had a burst of creativity and got to work on more goodies for Self Help Happy Shop. I got to work making tons of pens and putting together self care kits, which I think y’all will love! Each kit is a little different, with various goodies to promote better mental health and elevate your well-being. We have been hard at work researching the goodies y’all enjoy, finding things we believe improve our health and wellness, and making exciting products to ensure we provide the best for your Self Help Happy Journey!

The new car I’ve been wanting will have to wait unfortunately, but I know I will check that off my bucket list soon. The holiday will be a little thin from the hectic and unexpected series of events this week, but the most important thing is spending time with loved ones. I know in my heart our business will be successful and this hiccup will not hold us back’

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