Fresh when it gets here from
Julie Barrett
Wednesday, August 20, 2025
This morning I was going through my Facebook memories feed and noticing the number of posts going back to at least 2018 about being overworked and underappreciated and spending so much time on unpaid work that I've been neglecting my own business and self-care.
And what do I have to show for it? A damn close health scare, a row of staples in my belly, and a failed business.
This stops. Now.
I have closed my business checking account, my Etsy store, and my Square store. I couldn't see paying fees when I didn't have the spoons to do any work. I have done one art show this year. I did better than expected. However, the second art show I always do fell through. They never responded to me, and when I visited the show I found lots of empty space. Apparently I wasn't the only one who got ghosted. The third I've had to back out of because of my health. The promised panelist invitation to a convention next month also didn't materialize. I've purchased memberships and booked a hotel. I'm considering cutting my losses and not attending. Why go where I'm not wanted?
You see, that's been part of the problem. People want my labor. They want my money. But when it comes to actually participating in a community that I spent years helping to build, I'm left out or grudgingly accepted at best.
It's time to refocus my efforts. I'm taking the time for me, first! I need to get my health back together. Then I'll see if I still want to participate, or if I'm even wanted. Yes, it hurts, but I think they best thing to do is move on and take care of me and my family.