Reaching for Real

Welcome back, yall! After an impromptu hiatus, I am returning to the blogging sphere.

To be honest, I needed a break. Each year, I conveniently forget that April 15th is not the end, rather just the beginning. The sales, payroll, and franchise tax deadlines arrive swiftly like a one, two punch, knocking me down for the count. This year was worse because immediately after I finished the deadlines, I transitioned to stealth mode trying to finish as much work as possible before our ten day trip abroad.

After a much needed period of rest and relaxation, I am ready to get back in the saddle with a discussion on reaching for real rather than relatable.

As I tuned into one of my favorite influencer's stories (Brighton Butler) , she shared the concept of how the world wants women to be relatable. The world is happy for us to suceed, but not too much. The world is fine if we are champion for ourselves, but not too loud. Thus, when we reach the next level of success that we work tirelessly for, the world wants us to become small again, as we are no longer relatable. And damn, if it isn't true.

As someone who struggles with feeling enough, I simultaneously struggle with success. Often when I share my achievements with others, I discount them. I opt for tarnishing their sparkle rather than letting them shine. So, today I am going to share a few things about me that make me uncomfortable. These things makes me feel vulnerable and self conscious, and yet they are my reality.

• We have a full time, live in nanny.

• We send our daughter to full time daycare.

• We contract both a lawn and a pool guy.

• We use Shipt + Insta-cart to deliver our groceries.

• We order Uber Eats minimum once a week.

• We hire a babysitter for day or night dates.

• We fly my grandma to our home several times a year for an extra set of hands during deadlines.

These are not to brag, rather they are to be real. I do not do it all. I work very hard, but I have a LOT of help. But, I also thing it is important to share these things. Because there are mamas out there, who are struggling thinking other people have it all together. Been there, thought that.

As I delegated each of the things off of my plate to someone else, I cleared space. Space to work on what I excelled at. Room to dream and grow. And in doing so, I made space for others to do the same. I got to see both of my sister in laws blossom at the office, allowing me to go on a ten day trip without answering emails. (Love you both XO)

Every woman's success should be an inspiration to another. We are strongest when we cheer each other on Serena Williams

So let your sucesses shine. Do not shrink them. Do not discount them. Be proud of who you are and what you achieved, and stop being afraid of how others see you.

Cheering you on always XO--

Tay