Melissa's Memo: Some Personal News

When speaking, one of my favorite topics to talk about is self-care. When living my life, one of my hardest lessons to learn and relearn is the importance of self-care.

Ironically and despite our best intentions, we don’t always practice what we preach.

So, I did a thing. It’s a big thing. It took bravery, trust, boldness, preparation, and a lot of determination.

I fear that you might think, “That’s not that big of a deal,” or even worse, “Wow, (insert eye roll) so self-indulgent.” But this mountain in front of me is one I’ve so far been unable to climb.

I talked to the core team a few days ago, and I told them I needed to take a bit of a leave of absence. A sabbatical if you will. Some time to totally disconnect.

See, in 2024 Oh My Cupcakes! turns 15 years old. (Yay!!! That IS super exciting!)

But for the last 15 years, I’ve been “in it.” My brain has been trained to obsess over every customer detail, every order, every single message that comes in via Facebook, or Instagram, or email, or through my personal Facebook or Instagram or my personal email or text or LinkedIn or . . . I think you’re starting to understand.

I counted it up, and between Oh My Cupcakes! and Sweet Cream Candle Company and Melissa J Creative and plain ol’ Melissa, there are 14 means of contacting me?

Yep. That’s a lot for a brain. And even if they are messages for other people, I feel compelled to pass them onto the right people or do my best to manage them.

So, I find myself awake at 3 a.m. many days obsessing over all those details and all those interactions and it's become seemingly impossible to turn my brain off.

And you know what? The team is INCREDIBLE. This is in no way a reflection of them.

As T Swifty says, “It’s me. Hi. I’m the problem, it’s me.”

There are many times I’ve swooped in, thinking I’m saving the day for someone, only to find that a thing is already handled or managed. Again, it’s me, not them.

Ok, but here’s where I’m going to do my best to lay down my incessant need to explain things and just let it be.

Maybe you’re reading this and thinking, “Yes girl, I get it.” Maybe not. It’s likely a far bigger deal for me than it is for anyone else, but I can tell you it’s HUGE for me.

As we set out into this New Year, I’m excited at the prospect of going “Marie Kondo” on my brain a little bit and resetting my heart and soul.

And I’m so excited for all that’s ahead for the team at Oh My Cupcakes! You’ve always been a big part of that, so THANK YOU!