In 2019, I was in an emotionally abusive marriage with a narcissistic husband who couldn't keep a job and thought the rules didn't apply to him, working a fulltime job, taking care of two small children, four dogs, and four cats, trying to maintain a household, and hiding from bill collectors because I couldn't keep our finances together on one income. On top of all of that, I was diagnosed with anxiety and depression and learning how to manage that with my anxiety-ridden life. I was tired. I was burnt out. I was overwhelmed. I had reached my limit.
I tried everything to get me in a better place - trying to get my husband to help, making lists, prioritizing tasks - but nothing seemed to work. I was ready to give up, but then the unexpected happened.
It all started with a random group invite on Facebook. The group was all about this tiny little thing that flipped my world upside down - What even was dry nail polish?
At first, I wanted nothing to do with it, focused on the already long list of responsibilities I had, and didn't click join group, but then...
Even though I declined the group invite, I was still seeing posts on my feed, and one of the posts was offering a sample of an easy-to-use dry nail polish. On a whim of self-pity, I decided to give it a try and requested one. I was baffled by the words and didn't know what to think, but I decided to give it a try.
The next few weeks were filled with an excitement I hadn't felt within myself in a long time. I experienced emotions I didn't even know were possible for me to feel anymore. I was completely shocked at the instant transformation within me, especially from simply putting nail polish on.
I jumped in feet first and placed two separate orders even though I had been hell bent on not even trying it because I didn't do my nails, and I didn't have time for something else. Why? Because I felt AMAZING! For the first time in a long time, I felt beautiful. I felt confident. I felt like I was on top of the world.
Once my first order arrived, I was so excited and couldn't wait to paint my nails again. I immediately ripped open the package and set out to decide which shade to wear first. In 10 minutes, I felt all those feelings again, and all I wanted to do was run out the door and share my beautiful nails with the world. Everyone had to feel the way I did because it was the best feeling ever. That's where the second order came in - I ordered for my mom and for my niece, as well as a few more for me.
I had finally discovered the secret to overwhelm - self-care. Who knew that setting time aside to take care of yourself would help you take care of others better? It was news to me, but I was so glad I discovered it.
I found the courage to leave my husband, started selling Color Street, and haven't looked back.
I have increased my self-care over the years, incorporating more into my routine. Each time Color Street has released a new product, I embraced it and gave it a try just as I did with dry nail polish, and each time, I felt those feelings all over again.
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