Embracing Challenges: The Journey of Growth and Family Bonds
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Chapter 1: A Breakfast of Ideas
I was genuinely looking forward to breakfast, which is quite unusual for me, as I often skip this meal (a habit I know isn’t great). Today was different, though; I had an important morning meeting planned.
I met up with a childhood friend at a top local brunch spot. She is one of my favorite people, sharing a similar upbringing since our parents were friends during childhood. We both have developed unique entrepreneurial interests, making her one of the few individuals with whom I can freely share my ideas and receive insightful feedback.
Midway through our meal, I excitedly shared my newfound passion for writing on Medium. To my surprise, she suddenly looked away and began to laugh quietly. I was puzzled by her reaction but pressed on, trusting that she would eventually explain.
Section 1.1: The Weight of Writing
“Mia, here I am trying to figure out how to offload writing ten newsletters this month, and you’re diving headfirst into that very challenge,” she said, laughter still dancing in her eyes.
She and her husband run their own businesses, with her focusing on carving out a niche in commercial real estate while supporting his investment ventures. She explained that writing feels burdensome, stealing time from her efforts to gain expertise through training. Although they’ve hired writers, the content never quite matched their style.
Most people think I’m a bit eccentric for pursuing pain—writing, studying, marketing, and delving into technology.
My inclination toward knowledge is my strength, but it can also be a double-edged sword. I tend to take on too much. Here's a snapshot of my current commitments:
- I work as a commercial insurance underwriter, managing significant accounts and collaborating closely with our CEO, dealing with millions in premiums.
- I hold a real estate license mainly for personal investment and to satisfy my passion for the field. I invest time and resources into education while staying active on my personal Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
- I write daily, a passion that brings me immense joy.
- Additionally, I’m launching a home-based bakery for my mom, who has always been known as “The Cake Lady.” After watching a YouTube video on pricing baked goods, I felt inspired to propose this venture to her.
Video Description: This video emphasizes the importance of confronting challenges directly and not shying away from difficult situations.
Section 1.2: Family and New Ventures
I have never seen my mom so enthusiastic. We exchange recipe ideas through text daily, and I make it a point to bake with her two to three times a week. This endeavor seems to be strengthening our bond, which is heartwarming.
I aim to help her launch this baking business with the ultimate goal of expanding into a physical location in the coming years. My son, who is passionate about the food industry, is saving to invest in this “family business” and has expressed that he intends to run it for her, insisting that it should never be sold.
Chapter 2: The Weight of Sacrifice
My mom is nearing sixty and has dedicated the last decade to caring for terminally ill individuals. It may sound grim, but this has been her reality. After my father’s battle with stage three colon cancer, she took care of him for four years, making significant sacrifices. Later, she cared for her father during his terminal illness, and now she is supporting my grandmother, who suffers from Dementia and Parkinson’s disease.
She continues to devote her free time to my grandmother, deserving a fulfilling chapter in her life.
Video Description: This video explores the beauty of embracing pain and suffering as pathways to personal growth and strength.
In a bustling coffee shop, I find solace in my routine—sipping on a sugar-free caramel macchiato while typing away. The barista knows my order and wondered where I had been lately. Despite my packed schedule, I prioritize meaningful connections and always make time for compliments; they brighten people's days.
I focus on family, close friends, and those who share my mindset, declining invitations solely for socializing.
I sense a newfound motivation, but it also leaves me unable to unwind. I worry about offending friends, yet when the atmosphere turns into late-night revelry, I often find myself feeling anxious. I’ll discreetly pull out my phone to work on other projects, read, or research while the festivities continue.
My greatest fear is that everything will collapse around me. I recognize that, eventually, I will need to make tough choices and narrow down my commitments. But for now, I’m determined to face the challenges head-on.
I am committed to sacrificing until I gain clarity on my true passion. Ultimately, I aspire to leverage my Medium audience to create several blogs aimed at enhancing various life aspects.
I value transparency, laying everything out for you, dear reader. Thank you for joining me on this journey!