Where I've been and where Chic Retreat is going.

Hey guys.

It's been a few weeks since I've posted, and I want to kind of give you an explanation of where I've been and what's next for Chic Retreat. This is going to be a long one, so grab a tea and settle in, folks. We're getting real.

As some of you know, I live with Major Depressive Disorder- I was diagnosed when I was a teenager. It's basically the REALLY bad form of depression - whereas regular depression is usually triggered by something (a death in the family, job loss, etc.), I have the kind that's chronic and will never leave me. I have a literal chemical imbalance in my brain, I am on medication and will be for the rest of my life. I have accepted that this is part of me, and especially being a childhood mental illness case (I began receiving mental health care when I was 11 years old) I've had a long time to learn how to manage it and navigate my "big feelings." I've been in and out of therapist's offices for most of my life, and I have the tools I need. Sometimes, though, I can't manage to lift the storm clouds. This was one of those times.

What I've learned over the years, is to recognize when it's happening and begin to take a proactive approach to prevent it from getting too bad. Part of this is to pause work (if it's possible, like it was in this case) and focus on finding myself again. I spend plenty of time resting, and I do only things I absolutely love to do, like going to the beach or spending time with my friends, family, and pets.

Today, Monday August 14, 2023, I woke up and decided I was done living like this.

Today is my New Years.

Last night I had an everything shower and did my skin and haircare routines, and went to bed feeling like a princess. I woke up without an alarm this morning. drank a huge glass of lemon water, and then had coffee with oat milk instead of cream. I went to the gym and crushed my first 12/3/30 since I had surgery in June. It was excruciating, but I feel awesome now!

I have big, BIG goals for Chic Retreat on the 5-10 year plan. And I realized today that I will never achieve those goals If I sit around and wallow in my depression and sadness. It's time for me to get up and do the work.

I'm sticking to my Monday/Wednesday/Friday posting schedule, but this week is a major reset week. I'm doing some rebranding, revising my strategies, etc. Expect to see me back in full force next week!

Thank you so much for your patience and understanding as I navigate this new lifestyle and my mental health struggles. I appreciate every single one of you who's still reading.

Thank you, I love you, and I'm baaaaaack!