Slow Down Summer

“Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished.” Lao Tzu

Hustle culture. It was sold to us as a way to the "American Dream". Work hard, keep striving, press on and maybe one day you can have it all...a fat bank account, nice car, your own home. That might have worked in the past. In today's economy hustle culture feels like a hamster wheel where you can afford groceries, gas for the car, and paying your bills on time but not much else. Many of us work full-time jobs and have additional income streams that somewhere along the way were dubbed "side hustles". But with inflation and the housing market that extra money we thought would get us further ahead is just helping us from falling further behind. Can you relate?

Why am I talking about this on a blog that is normally all about fashion trends? If this is the first time you're reading my blog or have only known me for a short time you might not know that although I am a personal stylist, beauty consultant, and YouTuber I also work a full-time job. I am the Telemedicine coordinator at a local healthcare organization and since I started that job a little over a year and half ago my workload has increased tremendously. Not that I'm complaining. I am so grateful to have a good job and work for an incredible non-profit who is caring for people throughout the Sandhills region of North Carolina.

No one forces me to work multiple jobs. In fact I could quit all of this tomorrow and focus solely on my full-time career. But I love what I do. Fashion, beauty, and all things related have been a passion of mine since I was young. That being said, every time I record or edit a YouTube video, create a post for Instagram, write a blog, or compose an email to my clients I am working at night or on a weekend. And when I do that I am often spending time that otherwise could be spent with friends, family, volunteering, or maybe even dating. I don't often indulge much about my personal life on my business socials but I've been single for about 14 years. And I have been thinking that I'd like to get back out there and start dating again (pray for me lol). With the warmer weather coming I'd love to spend my Saturdays at the pool reading a book instead of in front of my camera. To enjoy a sunny Sunday sipping a cold drink on the patio with friends instead of worrying about what I'm going to type in my next newsletter. Or maybe stepping out on a Friday night for a date instead of editing a video.

“Find a group of people who challenge and inspire you; spend a lot of time with them, and it will change your life.” - Amy Poehler

Do I think any of my clients or followers care? I do, actually. Many won't and that's okay. I follow other women on social media accounts and really enjoy feeling like I have a connection with them even though they might not know me personally. If one of them talks about needing to take a break I completely get it. Whenever I see a content creator post about being close to burnout I can completely relate as I often feel I teeter right on that edge. And a lot of times they get flack for posting about being overwhelmed because a lot of people don't see creating content as a difficult job. It might not be as hard as some other professions, but it's definitely time consuming. I literally have dozens of ideas for videos & posts and just don't ever seem to have enough time to implement all my ideas into reality without working 24/7. And with all the different social media accounts - YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok plus a blog, email list and in-person clients it's very overwhelming to decide what content to even create where. Do people want long form videos on YouTube or those quick one-minute reels? Who even takes time to read a blog or open their email? Does the time I spend creating actually impact people in a positive way? Can I help boost someone's confidence through a video? Does a simple post really educate them on style or skincare? Or are my hours of hard work just another voice that gets lost in the crowd of millions?

Again, why am I sharing this in a blog that would normally include the latest style trends? It's because if you are a regular follower of mine (and if you care), I wanted to let you know that I have decided to slow down the remainder of the spring & summer. That doesn't mean I'm quitting or won't be posting at all. But it does mean that I'm giving myself permission to work less. I will be creating some YouTube videos but it won't be every week. And they might not be posted on my regular day (Fridays at 8pm). I'll try to get a newsletter done each month but will likely not be sending multiple messages per month. My Instagram & Facebook posting will probably be sporadic. So if you're used to those regular videos or check in daily for my Outfit of the Day just know that those things will be trickling in a little slower than before. If you're newer to my YouTube channel I have dozens of videos you can go back and watch in the meantime.

I hope that you are able to do the same this summer. You might not have a side hustle to ease up on but I pray that you're able to spend less time cleaning the house and more time in the sunshine with the ones you love. Let's all vow to lean less into hustle culture and more into ease, relaxation, and contentment.

Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content. 1 Timothy 6:6-8