Life isn’t meant to be easy; it’s meant to be lived. Sometimes, it’s happy; other times, rough…But every up and down brings lessons that make you strong.
Unknown
Through my business, I saw countries and cities many only dreamed of, like Paris, France, Tokyo, Japan, Melbourne, Australia, and New York City.
I traveled and worked so much that I hardly had time for myself.
My days were filled with taking orders, RSVPing invitations to fashion shows, rejecting others, scheduling travel arrangements, buying outfits, and personally delivering. I needed help, so I hired two professional buyers to help lessen my load. This created a problem I had not anticipated. My clients wanted me, not “some substitute,” as they called those I hired.
I introduced them and shared their professional backgrounds to ease the client’s concerns. Each had more than ten years of experience as a buyer for esteemed department stores such as Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Saks Fifth Avenue.
As my load lightened, I shifted my focus to opening a chic boutique named Tiffany’s Armoire. My investors thought it was a great idea—a place where they could try on beautiful clothes while sipping champagne.
Once word spread that my boutique was opening, new designers contacted me to see if they could use it to test their designs and see how well they would sell. Now, clients would be able to try on new and unique creations.
In addition, I commissioned other jewelers to showcase their designs.
Once the boutique was opened, we worked hard and had great success. I hired a marketing company that put the boutique on the map. People traveled far and wide to purchase unique designer creations.
I now have accountants, web workers, sales personnel, and additional buyers.
So, why do I feel like something is missing? This is a dream come true. I should feel fulfilled, but I don’t.
Traveling at clients’ request has become a nightmare due to airport and plane restrictions. When negotiating with designers, you must stick to your budget; otherwise, they will charge outrageous amounts for their designs.
I was beginning to feel burnt out, and there was no one I could tell who would understand. My life looked glamorous. I travel the world, live in a fine home, and schmooze with the rich and famous. I have a life most dream of. My parents are definitely proud of my achievements. My sister felt I was self-absorbed.
As I get older, I think more about settling down and having a family, which is crazy because no special someone exists. Who has time to date?
I do love what I do, but I need more.
My mom had asked me to write a book about our ancestors. Researching our history has been fun, but my time to concentrate on the project has been limited.
I watch along with the angel all that was before me and say, “No wonder my head exploded.” There was no response from the angel.
But I’ve noticed that throughout my life, the angel has been quietly watching over and protecting me from danger and even from myself while building my career.
The times when I wanted to fall into a state of depression from exhaustion or frustration, I realized he was the one who calmed me down by whispering in my ear, reminding me of the days when I was hindered by it.
I have walked in the light and on the dark side. I’ve been trying to live this life in my strength, which has now taken its toll as I think of my body lying in the hospital.
I look at the angel and ask if I have to give all this up to be happy. He doesn’t answer, so I say I am ready to return to the hospital.
We arrive in time to hear the doctor tell my family not to get too excited, but I moved my hand earlier in the day. The Glasgow test was done, and everything looks wonderful. There is a possibility that I will wake up soon. Anita started jumping up and down, and my mom began to cry tears of joy. My dad is cool, but you can tell he is thrilled.
The doctor assures them that they will continue monitoring my progress.
As they discuss my progress and pray for my continued recovery, I look at the angel, who looks pleased.
It amuses me that I was never really here when my family visited.
I wonder if they would believe me if I told them about my adventures as I fell asleep. Probably not.