When Your Body Says Nope: A Day of Rest-ish and Getting Things Done

Yesterday, I worked a shift at the clinic and started feeling like something was trying to grab hold of me. Enter the lovely, wicked weather change and the cold that apparently decided it wanted to join the party. My bones were aching like I'd worked out for HOURS, my throat was sore, I had a slight cough, and random rib pains were making themselves known.

Fast-forward to this morning, when I woke up feeling like all of the above had been turned up a notch. My immediate thought? "Oh shit, I don't have time for this crap!"

Well, apparently, my body had other plans. It basically told me to LAY DOWN and take a damn nap, and for once, I actually listened.

Do I feel refreshed? Not really. Let's not get carried away here. 

BUT I did manage to accomplish a few things! I started posting stock on Vinted and actually sold TWO things before I was even finished posting everything. Now that's the kind of motivation I can appreciate!

Oh, and I took a Dayquil. This girl cannot take NyQuil unless she's prepared to be out of commission for HOURS. Seriously, I will be GONE. So, Dayquil it is!

I also tackled some laundry because, unfortunately, the clothes aren't going to wash themselves. Wouldn't that be nice, though?

Apparently, I Got More Done Than I Thought!

Now that I've actually stopped and thought about everything I managed to do today, I realize I accomplished quite a bit considering how I've been feeling.

Here's the rundown:

• Laundry (because it never ends).

• Dishes (because apparently we need those).

• Sweeping and basic cleanup.

• Posted more stock on Vinted.

• Crocheted on a blanket that currently has no known home. 

• Made dinner: TACO SALAD!

Honestly, not too shabby for someone whose body was trying to shut everything down.

I'm learning that sometimes we get so caught up in what we didn't accomplish that we completely overlook everything we actually managed to get done. Today was a good reminder of that.

My Husband Said WHAT?!

Now, let's talk about a moment that had me looking at my husband like he'd suddenly started speaking another language. He came downstairs and said he was just going to go to the courthouse.

I looked at him completely confused.

WHY? WHAT DO YOU NEED TO GO TO THE COURTHOUSE FOR?!

Now, had he mentioned the ballots first, my brain probably would have connected the dots a little faster. But nooooo. My mind went straight to questioning why on earth he needed to go to the courthouse.

Mind you, I was doing something else when he started talking, so I was only half paying attention. LOL.

Sometimes, I swear, my brain has about seventeen tabs open, and none of them are loading properly.

What's on the Agenda for Tomorrow?

Tomorrow, I'm thinking I'll be more productive.

Notice how I said THINKING? Because let's be realistic here. It all depends on how I feel when I get up and start moving around.

I'm not about to make a whole list of things to accomplish only to wake up feeling like I've been hit by a truck and decide that list can mind its own business.

One thing I did decide was to go ahead and get Canva Pro so I can work on my products and take advantage of more of the design features available. I want to get more out of my existing templates and create products without constantly running into limitations.

That said, I'm also trying to steer clear of relying too heavily on the AI features. Don't get me wrong, they have their place! I mainly want to use them when I need to make bulk changes to specific elements in my templates or streamline repetitive tasks.

The goal is to work smarter, not harder!

Between my publishing projects, my crochet, getting things listed on Vinted, and keeping up with everyday life, there is always something I could be working on. The trick is figuring out how to make progress without running myself into the ground in the process.

Because, let's be honest, I have things to do, money to make, and a life to live. I just need my body to get with the program! 

For now, I'm going to keep taking things one day at a time, listen to what my body is telling me (even when I don't particularly like what it's saying), and work on making progress where I can.

Tomorrow is another day, and we'll see what kind of shenanigans it brings!

Published Works

I did it! I have published 3 books on Barnes & Noble!!

Shadow, Please!

 Ink & Intention - Light Version

Ink & Intention - Dark Edition

I am going to open a Shopify store and get the links on there with interior visuals.  There are also other planners, journals, projects in the works to be able to get out there.  Feeling accomplished for sure!

Back to Work on Shadow, Please

Back to Work on Shadow, Please!

I’m currently working my way through my Shadow Work Journal, Shadow, Please!, revising and resizing everything so I can get it ready for publication through Barnes & Noble Press. There’s a bit of work involved in getting everything formatted correctly, but I’m determined to get this project across the finish line.

Once I’ve finished making the necessary adjustments, I’ll be reaching out to Barnes & Noble Press customer service with a question about displaying interior pages. From what I can tell, the option to preview interior pages seems to be available for eBooks, but I haven’t found the same option for printed books. I want potential customers to have a better idea of what they’re purchasing, especially when it comes to journals, planners, and workbooks. Being able to see the inside is just as important as liking the cover!

Now, I know I can work around some of this by creating digital versions of my published products. That’s something I want to explore anyway, especially versions that can be used on iPads, tablets, and other compatible devices. Offering both printed and digital options would give customers more flexibility and open up another avenue for myself.

But not being able to show off those beautiful interior pages? A little frustrating, to say the least. I put time and effort into designing these products, and I want people to see more than just the outside.

The Great iPad Debate

Speaking of iPads and tablets, this has me thinking about investing in a portable device that would let me create wherever and whenever inspiration strikes.

Honestly, the biggest benefit would be being able to work on my projects during downtime at the clinic. Instead of just sitting there thinking about all the things I could be working on, I could actually pull out a device and get something done.

Of course, now I’m researching another potential purchase when my whole goal is to start bringing in money from the products I’ve already created.

NOTE TO SELF: Consider this idea... but maybe after the products start making money. LOL!

One thing at a time. One thing at a time.

ADHD, Open Tabs, and Staying on Track

My (self-diagnosed) ADHD has me bouncing between browser tabs like I’m participating in some kind of internet Olympics.

On the bright side, at least I’m still sitting here working on the project instead of wandering off to do something completely unrelated. There’s a small victory in that!

The challenge is keeping myself focused long enough to finish what I started. I have a habit of jumping ahead to the next idea before completing the one in front of me. Sometimes that means I have several projects in progress, a dozen new ideas brewing, and nothing quite ready to launch.

Sound all too familiar?

This time, though, I have a goal: get Shadow, Please! published today.

That is where my attention needs to stay. The other ideas can wait their turn. I have products to finish, a business to build, and money to start making from all this creativity.

The Canva Pro Dilemma

There is one more thing I need to address: my Canva subscription.

I’ll need to reactivate Canva Pro to take advantage of some of the features and options that will help me with my designs and publishing projects. I’ve been hesitant to pay for the subscription again before making any sales, and I still believe in being careful about adding expenses to a business that hasn’t started generating consistent income.

However, I’m also realizing that sometimes you have to invest in the tools that help you move forward.

The trick is knowing which expenses are actually necessary and which ones are just tempting distractions. I don't want to throw money at every shiny new tool or subscription that promises to make life easier. I want to make thoughtful decisions that support the business I'm building.

For me, Canva Pro may be one of those necessary expenses, particularly with the number of journals, planners, and other products I want to publish. If it helps me work more efficiently and gives me access to features I genuinely need, then it's something I'll have to factor into the business budget.

Of course, the goal is to make that investment worthwhile by getting these products finished, published, and in front of potential customers.

One Project at a Time .. sometimes 

Building everything has been a learning experience. There are always new things to research, platforms to explore, designs to improve, and ideas to chase. It's exciting, but it can also be overwhelming when I try to do everything at once.

So, today's mission is simple: finish revising Shadow, Please!, get it ready for Barnes & Noble Press, and take another step toward turning my creative work into something that generates income.

The tablet research can wait. The other projects can wait. And those browser tabs? Well, let's not get too ambitious!

For now, I'm focusing on getting this journal published and continuing to build something I'm proud of.

One finished project is worth more than ten ideas sitting in the planning stage.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I have a journal to finish and a publishing goal to meet!

A Little Progress, A Few New Ventures, and Finding My Balance

There has been a lot going on behind the scenes lately! Between designing journals, working on my creative business, clearing out my closet, and still showing up for my clinic shifts, I'm keeping myself busy. I'm making progress, learning as I go, and trying to remember that I don't have to do everything in one day.

Let's catch up!

My First Journal Is Here!

This past week, I received an author copy of a journal I designed, and I had to share it! Seeing something I've created come to life as an actual printed book is such a good feeling. Overall, I absolutely love how it turned out, and now I'm ready to get more of my designs published.

You can check out the journal and my excitement in my TikTok post below.

Unveiling on TikTok

Of course, I'm already looking at what I want to publish next. I started working on another design, but I need to revisit the size requirements for Lulu Self Publishing before I can move forward. Thankfully, it should only take some minor adjustments in Canva to get everything resized.

Believe it or not, publishing a journal takes more than a few clicks! There is a lot of adjusting, checking, and making sure everything looks the way you envisioned before you can finally hit that publish button.

I'm also considering Barnes & Noble Press as another publishing option. I'm comparing the platforms to see which makes the most sense for my planners, journals, notebooks, workbooks, and future projects.

Decisions, decisions! I'll share what I decide once I have everything figured out.

Clearing Out the Closet and Making Extra Money

A few weeks ago, I joined Vinted, and I've already been making sales!

I have another stack of clothes waiting to be added to my shop. I had planned to tackle that today, but it'll have to wait until after my clinic shift tomorrow.

Honestly, selling gently used clothing is a great way to clear out your closet while making a little extra money. Two birds, one stone!

I might even venture into my husband's closet to see what he has that he no longer wears. Of course, I'll be getting his thumbs-up before listing any of his things. I'm trying to make extra money, not start a household debate!

It's one more way I'm working on bringing in income from things I already have instead of constantly spending money to start something new.

If you're cleaning out your own closet, you might want to give it a try!

Visit my Vinted shop: lisaminer

Finally Joining the Amazon Affiliate Program

I also signed up for the Amazon Associates program, and honestly, I wish I had done it sooner.

I can't even count how many times I've recommended products I've purchased, used, or found on Amazon. Your girl has been sharing recommendations without earning a thing from them!

Now, let's be realistic. Signing up doesn't mean money will magically start rolling in. I still need to create useful content, share products that genuinely fit my audience, and be intentional about how I use affiliate links. But since I'm already talking about products I enjoy, it makes sense to explore the opportunity.

I'll be sharing recommendations where they naturally fit into my posts and everyday life. And as always, I want to be honest about what I'm sharing and why.

Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. This means I may earn a commission if you purchase through eligible links, at no additional cost to you.

Giving 3C Champagne Creative Creations Some Attention

I'm also working on revising my Etsy shop, 3C – Champagne Creative Creations, and creating digital versions of the planners, journals, and other products I've been designing.

My goal is to give people more ways to enjoy my work, whether they prefer a physical product or a printable version they can download and use at home.

I'm exploring different ways to make my designs available while being mindful of the costs involved. I want to build a collection that reflects my creativity, serves a purpose, and gives the business room to grow.

There are plenty of ideas floating around in this head of mine, from journals and planners to other creative projects. The trick is figuring out which ones to focus on first instead of trying to do everything at once.

I'm learning that building a business isn't just about creating products. It's also about making thoughtful decisions, finding the right platforms, and figuring out how to turn all those ideas into something sustainable.

Learning to Find My Balance

At this point, I'm trying to find a balance between working at the clinic, building my business, managing everyday life, and actually making time for myself.

I'm grateful that next month I'll be working fewer days at the clinic. I even scheduled a full week of PTO so I can slow down, breathe, and enjoy some much-needed me time.

I have plenty of ideas and projects I want to work on, but I'm reminding myself that I don't have to do everything at once. The goal is to build something sustainable, not run myself into the ground trying to make it happen overnight.

I want to create additional income without constantly adding more hours to my work schedule. I want to enjoy the creative process, see my ideas come to life, and build something that can grow over time.

Some days I'll make a lot of progress. Other days, I'll have to adjust my plans and try again tomorrow. That's life, and I'm learning to give myself a little grace along the way.

For now, I'll keep taking things one step at a time, celebrating the little wins, and figuring out what works best for me and my business.

Here's to making progress, creating new opportunities, and remembering to enjoy the life we're working so hard to build.

Thanks for following along on this journey with me. There's more to come, and I'll be sharing the wins, the lessons, and probably a few of the behind-the-scenes hiccups, too!

FRIDAY = TGIF

 Today admittingly I am struggling and I am working on how to manage that in a positive manner.  Being too hard on myself per usual and having to remember to take some of my own advice because things do not happen overnight in any aspect of life.  The pups are being extra vocal which today is really not doing me any good so hoping they get the point when mom is telling them to simply chill out.  Tomorrow I have work and so that will keep me busy and I may do some things on downtime for my own business needs.  Currently I am downloading some templates and reconfiguring them to fit my business needs while doing some research on best place to self publish.  I am probably going to take time to question a few contacts to get their input on that.  Now we know KDP is out of the running but there are other avenues to use.  

Now back to the grind and I think I am also going to listen to a podcaster I recently found that I actually like listening to.  The Goddess Divine Podcast

Early Gifts & Random Shit

 Yesterday I got off of clinic work later than expected which worked out since my daughter needed to grab something from my house.  Bought her the collab set of makeup from Ulta (R.E.M & Ariana Grande) as a Christmas gift and ended up giving it to her early.  I am still waiting to see her TikTok haul about it which I am sure she will soon post.  May it end up reposted on Ariana's page .. would be really cool to see that happen.  Did I mention I also got her an iPad?  Yes, she got that yesterday too.  She is uber creative so giving her the tools to flourish with that.

Coming Along

 I was sitting here thinking I need this, this, and this ... for my business plan.  Yes this girl was OVERTHINKING it all.  Only thing I need is a core plan without all of the fluff.  I have access to templates to use for EVERYTHING and just was trying to reinvent the damn wheel, again.  With that being said I am breaking off the unnecessary fluff and cleaning out my Canva space while listening to whatever is playing on Spotify ... well I was but now I realize I turned it off and forgot to resume when I got back into my office.  Pushed back my chair and move the desk to the standing position to be able to make some headway.  

Today has not gone the way I had planned it to but that seems to be the running theme when it comes to me.  Accomplished a few things in the house and accomplished most of the de-fluffing of the business plan and deleted things that were simply not needed in the Canva space I have.  Whew! I guess I accomplished more than I thought though in hindsight.  

Considering I have a crazy migraine at the moment I do think at some point I may have to just chill and hope this thing goes away.  When will I do that? Who knows lol. Maybe I need to eat something because I am just now realizing it is just after 2pm EST and I haven't ate anything today.  Intentionally? No.  I just forgot to which happens sometimes when I am focused on other things.  

OCD at Its Finest

 Okay so here I am 7 days into the month of October and I have almost got my business plan where I want it.  Granted it went from being a couple of pages to 65 pages long with more detail.  And honestly at this point once I am implementing it and seeing results I may make it into a book to sell on Lulu.  Why? I mean once I prove it works I would like to literally share it .. and make a little profit off of it maybe. 

This weekend I will be opening up my Canva account stuff and reorganizing it as well as building the first master template for my collection. Being able to share what goes on in my head here has helped me kind of declutter some things which helps with the building process.  

Today was another clinic day so I am tired, sore, and ready to go to bed ... in a little while. I guess it doesn't help I fell going up the steps of the front porch yesterday and caught myself with my knee as well as both hands.  Leave it to me to fall going up the freaking stairs BUT thankfully it wasn't going down.  That would not only have been mortifying but also potentially caused more damage.  Leads me to think of a conversation I had with my daughter and she asked "So if you fall will your teeth fall out?" Maybe this is where I mentioned I have full mouth dentures? Yup, true true. You could check out my TikTok and see the proof because in the beginning of the whole journey on that I actually posted quite regularly.  That was a tough journey getting there with how health insurance is here in good ole' America ... note the sarcasm! Worked 15 years in freaking healthcare and paid way too much for my health insurance only to leave so I could work for the county for 6 months.  That six months in gave me insurance that paid $2500 of the $6100 that Affordable Dentures & Implants quoted me.  But then I went back to healthcare? Being a Communications Officer for 911 was tough though.

Currently my assistant (Maggie aka pawtistic super mutt baby girl) is sleeping AND SNORING on my office floor while I ramble on here.  Oh did I mention I have a few things posted in my online shops? I do have to create a website to consolidate the shops into one because I am creating on Lulu (does not connect to Etsy), Printify (connects to Etsy), then of course ESTY itself.  Truth is I KNOW there has to be an easier way to connect things I just have to figure that out.  It will all come together though, I know that part!  I mean I have the ability to build a website from scratch but also have the ability to use one of the many platforms  but at a cost.  Who knows which route I will go but whatever the case I am going to have to keep a master file of EVERYTHING to simply keep track. Means creating a template of a tracker to track my templates. Try saying that 3x fast lol. 

I am still thinking of doing the handmade items but more curated instead of being the main focus.  I mean honestly making things digitally and being able to get things out logically should be the forefront while also doing the other option. 

To the people who come across this blog feel free to comment and leave your digital footprint.  If you have questions ask them.  The only dumb question is the one that remains unasked after all. 

Well okay it is now approaching close to my bedtime for the 4am wake up I have for clinic duty tomorrow and I still have to prep what I am wearing tomorrow.  Yes I pull it out the night before to prevent looking for it and possibly showing up to work being like "Well shit this wasn't what I wanted to or intended to put on."  Nighty night folks and thanks for reading.  

Building -> Growth -> Me Doing Me

For a long time I had kicked back with that why me attitude and it really hasn't gotten me anywhere but stuck.  Crazy the person that is quick to give advice on how to get unstuck from situations is the same person writing this blog.  I have come to find words come with so much more power than anyone realizes.  If we tell ourselves something enough times our brain will rewire to actually believe that shit (good or bad).  I sit back and look at the last 48 years of my life and can pinpoint where and when I was at highs or lows and recognize how quickly things change.  

With that all being said I have actually been putting my nose to the grind with planning some things and putting things into place.  Now you know my neurospicy self wants the plans to be perfect which is UNREALISTIC as hell.  But I digress ... things are coming together.  

I spoke with a real estate lady that I had been looking into for a little bit.  Her thought process and how she handled our conversation makes me think this is probably who I will go with when the whole housing thing comes into play.  She handles selling but also lease to own homes programs.  Our biggest issue honestly is credit which was basically handled then life happened which is usually how it works, right? 

I sold my second Vinted item a few days ago. WOO HOO!  I don't plan to buy any packing materials until I run through what stock is here at the house thanks to Rikki! Which by the way did I mention I am investing in her and what I think she will be able to do?  I may have bought her an iPad for Christmas!  My girls are really amazingly talented young ladies who can do anything they set their minds to.  

Okay so I wandered off a little bit.  Back to the business plan! I've decided since I love planners, journals, and workbooks that why not make them?  Worse case scenario I make ones I can print for myself and best case scenario is people will love and purchase them.  I had thought about going through Amazon to sell them through KDP but instead have rerouted to self publish which I may still be able to post as a third party seller on Amazon. We shall see about that part.  But I am also thinking a grimoire (a Book of Shadows) with a collection of added items to build a witchy library.  Goal is to do as much of it on my own before googling for images and such. The free stock art could prove useful for enhancements.   

Today was my day off work so I rearranged my living room AGAIN and my hubby came down to it and shook his head.  He has gotten used to my antics ... after all we have been together for 21 years.  He has learned to just let me do me and help when I ask for it, most of the time.  

Oh did I mention I joined the Amazon Affiliate program?  (Here is my LINK!!) That means instead of sending links to people that simply share products I love I can instead send the links and maybe get a little something from the sale.  Already posted about these headphones I bought that I swear by. Now your girl wishes I had thought of this a while ago because the amount of times I recommend something on Amazon is CRAZY!

Promise Letter To Myself -> Full Disclosure for My Readers

Dear Me,

I promise I will not spend the rest of my life simply being useful to everyone else.

For years, I have measured my worth by what I could do, what I could endure, what I could provide, and how many times I could start over when life changed the plans I thought I had. I have worked, cared, created, learned, adapted, loved deeply, and kept moving ... even when moving forward meant rebuilding pieces of myself along the way.

But now, I want something different.

I promise to build a life that feels like mine.

Not a perfect life. Not a life that looks impressive from the outside. A real life. One with creativity, laughter, family, quiet mornings, messy projects, yarn everywhere, unfinished ideas, tea, dogs underfoot, and the freedom to follow a spark simply because it makes me happy.

I promise to stop treating my dreams like things I will get around to someday.

I have spent years imagining what could become possible if I created something of my own. Now I want to give those ideas a chance to become real. I will keep building, even when the first attempt doesn't sell. I will learn when something doesn't work instead of deciding that I don't. I will create things that carry a little piece of me into the world ... whether they are handmade, designed, written, published, or simply dreamed into existence.

I promise to remember that starting over is not failure.

At this stage of my life, I know myself better than I did years ago. I know what drains me. I know what lights me up. I know that creativity isn't something frivolous I do when everything else is finished. It is part of who I am.

I promise to make room for that woman.

I promise to take better care of the person who has carried me through everything: ME.

I will celebrate progress instead of constantly moving the finish line. I will allow myself to be proud of small victories. I will learn without being ashamed that I don't already know. I will spend less time wondering whether I am "too old" to begin something new and more time asking what I can still become.

And I promise that my future will not be built entirely around surviving.

I want to create enough freedom that work becomes a tool for the life I want ... not the thing my entire life revolves around. I want to build income from my creativity and experience. I want to put down roots. I want a home that feels permanent. I want to keep learning, making, laughing, traveling, loving, and discovering new versions of myself.

Most of all, I promise not to abandon myself while trying to build a beautiful life for everyone around me.

There will be days when I doubt myself. There will be ideas that fail.  Fails can be reconfigured into lessons of what to change or simply not do again. There will be seasons when progress feels painfully slow. When those days come, I promise to remember this letter.

I am not behind.

I am not starting from nothing.

I am starting from everything I have learned.

Forty-eight is not the ending of my story. It is a chapter where I finally understand that I don't have to wait for permission to write the next one.

So, Lisa, keep going.

Create the thing.

Learn the thing.

Try the thing.

Change your mind when you need to.

Rest when you need to.

Begin again when necessary.

And when you finally look around at the life you built, I hope you recognize it immediately ... not because it is perfect, but because it feels unmistakably like YOU.

That is my promise.

I will not merely exist through the rest of my life.

I will continuously create it.

With love,
Me

A Little Cinnamon, A Little Chaos & A Lot of Intention

I just got home from a closing shift at the dialysis clinic, and after a long day, I still had a few things I wanted to take care of.

First on the list?

Cinnamon.

It’s the first of the month, after all. 😉

If you’re part of the witchy crowd, you probably already know where I’m going with this. If not, let me introduce you to a little first-of-the-month tradition: the Cinnamon Blowing Abundance Ritual.

The Cinnamon Ritual

The idea is simple.

On the first day of the month, stand outside your front door facing inward. Place a small pinch of ground cinnamon in the palm of your hand, take a moment to set your intention, and blow the cinnamon through the doorway and into your home.

As you do, visualize the things you want to welcome into your space ... abundance, prosperity, good opportunities, good energy, or simply a little more ease.

Some people say an affirmation while they do it, such as:

“When this cinnamon blows, prosperity in this home grows.”

And yes, there are all sorts of variations. Some people leave the cinnamon at the threshold for a while before cleaning it up, while others use alternatives such as basil or mint.

Personally, I think the most important part is the intention behind the ritual.

There’s something about physically stopping for a moment and saying, Okay. This is what I am making room for.

And apparently, I’m making room for quite a bit lately.

---

Building Something of My Own

During some downtime today, I printed out the latest version of a business plan I’ve been working on and tweaking, and reworking, and tweaking again for what feels like forever.

I am learning that creating a plan is one thing.

Creating a plan that my brain will actually agree to leave alone?

That’s a completely different adventure.

Let’s just say the ADHD and my tendency to overthink things have had several meetings about this business plan. Every little detail has to feel right. Otherwise, there is always the temptation to scrap it, start over, reorganize it, change the font, move something three or four inches to the left...

You get the idea.

But this time, I think I finally have something that feels doable.

More importantly, it feels like me.

I don't want to become an influencer. I don't need to have my face plastered all over the internet. What I really want to do is create things.

Digital things. Physical things. Handmade things. Written things. Useful things. Pretty things. Maybe even a few slightly weird things because, well... that's just who I am.

The idea is to build several little streams that can eventually work together rather than expecting one thing to magically become the thing.

And I'm keeping it intentionally flexible.

---

One Thing at a Time

One piece of the plan is Vinted, which gives me a place to start with something I already have: stuff sitting around my house.

I've never been particularly good at throwing things away when I know someone else could use them.

So instead of letting things sit in closets and drawers, I'm trying to give them a second life and maybe make a few dollars along the way.

And guess what?

Five days ago, I made my first sale.

Was it a life-changing amount of money?

Nope.

Did I do a little happy dance anyway?

Absolutely.

Because sometimes the first dollar is more exciting than the hundredth.

The first sale tells you that the idea can actually work in the real world.

And that's what I'm looking for right now: little pieces of proof that the bigger picture is possible.

---

Adding Another Piece to the Puzzle

I've also recently started exploring some additional customer-service work that can be done outside of my regular healthcare job.

I connected with Latonya from LATEAM LLC and spent some time learning more about the opportunities available through the Arise platform.

I had heard about the IBO side of things from someone I know, so naturally I wanted to sit in on a Zoom meeting and get a feel for it before jumping in.

Transparency is important to me, especially when I'm deciding where to put my time and energy. I liked being able to see information about the different client opportunities rather than simply being told, “Trust me, this is great.”

Of course, because apparently I can't have a completely smooth beginning to anything...

Arise and I are currently having a small disagreement with technology. 

There's a little login issue keeping me from getting into the part of the account I need in order to officially move forward.

I've cleared things.

I've updated things.

I've tried things.

Technology has basically looked at me and said, “Not today, ma'am.”

So I'm waiting for that little hiccup to be worked out.

---

Learning Along the Way

I've also joined a community on Skool because I know enough to know that I don't know everything.

There are a lot of moving pieces when you're trying to build something beyond your traditional paycheck.

Learning new platforms.

Figuring out what people actually want.

Understanding pricing.

Creating products.

Improving systems.

Finding ways to work smarter instead of simply working more hours.

And that's really what I'm trying to accomplish.

I'm not trying to wake up tomorrow with a six-figure business.

I'm trying to build something sustainable.

Something that can grow.

Something that allows me to create instead of constantly feeling like I'm trading hours for dollars.

And maybe most importantly, something that still leaves room for the rest of my life.

Because I want to crochet.

I want to write.

I want to make things.

I want to spend time with my family.

I want to sit down with a cup of tea or coffee or a drinky drink and work on an idea simply because it sounds fun.

And yes, I want to make money doing it.

So here we are.

A little cinnamon at the front door.

A business plan printed and sitting on my desk.

A first Vinted sale.

A few new opportunities.

A community to learn from.

A couple of technology headaches.

And a whole lot of ideas waiting to become actual things.

Maybe that's what abundance looks like sometimes.

Not a giant overnight transformation.

Just small things beginning to move in the right direction.

And honestly?

I'll take that.

One little step—and one slightly messy, neurodivergent, witchy, creative idea—at a time.