So, do I look tired..?

So last weekend was my brother’s birthday. I took this picture while we were driving on our way to go celebrate with him and the majority of my side of the family.

I took this picture because I almost NEVER take pictures of myself and I want to start documenting what I look like more often. I also want to start posting more on Instagram and really getting myself out there.

When I looked at the pictures and video that I took on my brother’s birthday, I could see just how tired I look. It made me think about what has been going on not just this week or this month, but really the past year and half.

I stepped up into a leadership position at my previous employers at the beginning of 2022. I burned out and had severe family issues in the summer of 2022. I lost my job at the end of October 2022, and I didn’t find a new position until January 2023. And now that I am on the brink of diving in to my voiceover business, Hollywood is on strike! I’ve been building a more soundproof studio for the past month, and it seems like construction will never end.

And to wrap it all up with a bow, I’ve been sleep deprived and continuously gaining weight for like, the last 5 years.

So yes, I know that I am tired. I know that launching a new career by grabbing pockets of time on nights and weekends while also working full time Monday through Friday is going to beat me down. I know that there will be days where there is simply no energy to do anything other than drag myself into bed as soon as the kids are asleep. I know that having so many big plans coinciding will add some stress to my life.

I am just glad that I am doing something truly for me, to bring me some joy.

But damn, I cannot help but think - this particular brand of exhaustion looks good on me.