Monday Musings: Getting Back To a New Grind

The 2021-22 school year is a few weeks in. I returned in full educator mode in August on my own terms.

Right before the school year began, I had to go to the dermatologist. I was unsatisfied with my last dermatolgist and sought out a new one, so I had to fill out all those forms. When it came to employment, I proudly wrote self-employed, and it felt so good to write this. Because I was getting back to the grind in a new compacity, I wanted to make sure I was okay.

Earlier this year, I started shedding a lot of hair. It was enough hair that my husband brought it to my attention on multiple occasions. I was worried that something was wrong, and I also thought a scar from a cyst removal I had in March was starting to turn into a keloid. The doctor asked me if I had a surgery recently or any traumatic event. I mentioned my hysterectomy and the death of my father. After a thorough examination of my hair, I learned my hair was not thinning and it was healthy. My hair shedding was a trauma response. It amazes me the many ways our bodies respond to trauma. The shedding started to decrease a lot about a month ago, but I wanted to be sure.

I also got around to working on a project I was avoiding. After my dad died, I ended up with some of his stuff. My house is filled with items from loved ones that have passed. I still wear a night gown that belonged to my maternal grandmother, so I knew I was going to have some of my dad’s items in my home too. One item I wanted was one of his side tables. He stored his National Geographic magazines in the bottom of the table and he had a picture of my sisters and me on it. Last, this table sat directly across his seat in the family room. The table was green … and it didn’t match my color scheme in my home. I rolled up my sleeves and got to work. It had a lamp on it and I figured out how to detach it which is why there is a hole in the back. Now, it is in my family room with a picture of him, my father-in-law, and my boys on top.

I know some of you are wondering. Why is this table being mentioned in the middle of this blog post? I’m glad you were thinking this. Had I still had my old job, this still would have not been done. Since I started working for myself, I have accomplished so many tasks that I needed to do a while ago. All of my purses (all five … not really a purse person but alas they are handy) were damaged. I finally bought a new purse. My socks were beat up. I finally got rid of my old stretched out socks with holes and bought new ones. I scheduled health appointments for myself. Later this week I am seeing a podiatrist. Last, I scheduled a hair love lesson at KurlyKoils, a salon that specializes in curly hair, to learn how to bring out my natural curls. The left side is the professional. The right is when I tried the method at home. This may all seem small but I make my own schedule now which allows me to prioritize more of what I need to do.

Don’t get me wrong. Working for yourself is hard, but it is soooooooo worth it.

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