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SELF INVESTMENT = I AIN'T GOT IT


"You ain't got it right now, fam."
-My bank account

Around this time of year, a lot of people tend to stress themselves out. You're sad because you don't have the money to buy gifts for loved ones. You're upset because it's cold outside and it takes 20 minutes for your car to warm up. You're salty because nobody is cuddling you by the Christmas tree. And what's supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year, turns out to be you with an attitude, pushing your shopping cart on the back of people heels in Walmart all season.

That ain't it, fam.

Photo: Yajaira Suriel

Look, I'm going to be transparent with ya'll: I am not where I want to be or where I thought I'd be in life. Especially, on the financial tip. In previous years, I'd get really upset when I wasn't able to get the gifts I wanted my friends and family to have. And sometimes, I'd find myself spending more than I needed, with nearly nothing left over. As I proclaimed at the top of 2018, it is a "YES" year. And that's how I'm going to finish it, saying "yes" to myself. And a huge part of that "yes", is SELF INVESTMENT. Which is the gift I'm giving to myself this Christmas. Here's what I mean by that:

1. Money - Building a brand costs! You need the right equipment, a working computer for starters. Mine so old and tired, it grabs me when I try to open it. Business cards, gas money for networking events and some hair money so I don't look a mess at these auditions.

2. Energy - Listen man, I wish ya'll knew how exhausted I was right now, as I write this post. Everyday when I get off of work and sometimes at work, I am doing something to try and reach my goal of being a working actress/artist. If it costs too much or it's not convenient for me at the moment, I'm not doing it. That includes texting ya'll trash sons back. I'm tired.

3. Time - You know, people tend to think that because you don't have kids or a relationship, your time isn't valuable. I got sh** to do  just like you. Don't play with me.

Family, the moral of the story is, it's okay to unapologetically put yourself first. I had to come to the realization that I can not help anyone until I help myself. Your heart may be in the right place but unfortunately, your pockets are not. Take a chill pill this holiday season. Enjoy the festivities that Christmas brings. Tell your people you ain't got it. But you got lights on in your house and you got a new business, brand, project or whatever on the horizon. SELF INVESTMENT is self care.

Happy Holidays

-BRIT


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