Dear Friend,

There’s a saying I heard early in my career: “There are no two good consecutive days in life.” At the time, I thought it was pessimistic. Now I realize it was prophetic. Life doesn’t hand out streaks—it hands out plot twists. And if you’re a working parent, you know those twists come with laundry, deadlines, and a toddler screaming because their banana broke in half. I’ve learned a few things the hard way. And by “hard,” I mean through trial, error, prayer, and the occasional passive-aggressive group text. So here they are—lessons from the trenches, served with dry humor and a splash of grace.

Lesson One: Balance Is a Lie Invented by People Who Don’t Have In-Laws. People love to talk about “balance.” . Emotional balance. Hormonal balance. I’ve searched for it like it’s the Holy Grail. What I’ve found instead is that life is more like a seesaw—one side is always heavier, usually the side labeled “unexpected drama.” You don’t balance it. You survive it. You prioritize, you pivot, and sometimes you hide in the pantry with a bag of gummies and whisper, “Everything is going to be fine.”

Lesson Two: Work With the Season You’re In. I used to fight the season I was in. I wanted spring when it was winter. I wanted harvest when I hadn’t planted a thing. But life doesn’t work that way. A farmer doesn’t yell at the soil. He works with it. He knows timing matters. So, when your coworker lacks integrity and your child thinks bedtime is a suggestion, remember they’re in their own season. Maybe it’s “chaotic toddler spring” or “passive-aggressive coworker fall.” You don’t have to fix them. You just have to know what season you’re in—and act accordingly.

Lesson Three: People Are Weird. Love Them Anyway (From a Safe Distance). Whether it’s your family, your coworkers, or the stranger who just cut you off in traffic while mouthing the lyrics to a worship song—people are complex. They will disappoint you. They will confuse you. They will trigger you with their unsolicited advice and their refusal to use turn signals.

But here’s the twist: they’re not obstacles. They’re mirrors. They show you where you need patience, boundaries, and occasionally, a sense of humor. You don’t have to understand everyone. You just have to meet them where they are—and sometimes, walk away with your peace intact.

Final Thought: You’re Not Losing It. You’re Just Living It. If you feel like your boss couldn’t manage a lemonade stand and your coworker has so much free time, she’s volunteering to do your job (but only the parts that make her look good)—just know you’re exactly where you’re supposed to be.

You’re not crazy. You’re just employed.

This is the sacred space where character is built, patience is tested, and your ability to smile through absurdity becomes a spiritual gift. You’re doing the hard, holy work of showing up in a world full of delegation dodgers and unsolicited helpers. You’re navigating personalities, expectations, and spiritual potholes with grit and grace.

So, take heart. Laugh when you can. Cry when you need to. And remember everything worthwhile is uphill—but you don’t have to carry everyone. Just walk your path, plant your seeds, and trust that the harvest will come.

With love, humor, and gummies in my purse,

Your Friend, Me