Taking Flight on a New Norm

On a recent flight, I was glad to be sitting in my preferred seat - near the window. 

As the plane took off and rapidly ascended into the clouds, I began to reflect. Vignettes of my life flashed before me. I began to think of all the myriad of experiences I’ve had so far. Many of these experiences have brought me exhilaration, like the birth of my children. Some of these experiences have made me sad, like the passing of my father, while others have created resilience; like my journey as an entrepreneur.

As diverse as these experiences have been, the one thing they all have in common is that they’re mine! They have shaped and molded me into the person I am today. And, I can honestly say that I wouldn’t change a thing. Naturally, there have been times when I’ve questioned how in the world things are going to work out. But, somehow they always do. 

At various points in life, we also find ourselves embarking on new journeys and experiences. This could be planned. For example, when you go from being single to being married; planned. However, when you get let go from a job; unplanned. There are also times when you feel adventurous and begin to travel to new places. Or, you relocate to another city to be closer to family, friends or just for work. 

At this point in my life, I’m preparing for a new phase; being an “Empty Nester.” I’m grateful to be a mom to two amazing humans. My son, who’s the oldest, is a rising college Junior, while my daughter, who’s the youngest, is headed into her Freshman year of college. I will have to adjust to a life much different from the past 22 years. No more car pools, back-to-school shopping, last minute runs to the store to pick up one thing or another for a class project or any forgotten items for the various extracurricular activities. No more providing three square meals a day and the must-have after school snack. And, my all time favorite, the weekly bedroom check will be no more. I’m convinced that the saying “cleanliness is next to Godliness” meant absolutely nothing to my children!

While I admit I hadn’t given much thought to what becoming an “Empty Nester” would mean to me, those around me seem to be amused at reminding me of my impending reality; it has forced me to think more about what this truly means. For me, it will mean next level moves for building my business, traveling more, having more time for personal development and getting in more reading. 

Don’t get me wrong, I recognize there’s going to be a lot of changes from my current way of life. But, just like I’ve been on a mission to follow my path, I want my son and daughter to do the same. I want them to one day have a moment, looking out of the window of a plane, and reflect on all their wonderfully diverse experiences. That’s what life is all about and I wouldn’t have it any other way! 

Summer is here!

The Summer season is an opportunity for a little fun while promoting time to relax and recharge. I’ve been very busy for the past several months. Whether it's been personal or work-related activities and tasks, there hasn’t been much time for either relaxation, recharging or even fun, but for the next three months, I will be scheduling time for a combination of all! The official start of Summer begins on June 21st with the season lasting through September 23rd this year - who knew the Summer season extended that long?! I was born in July, the 16th to be exact, so I’ve always been partial to this time of the year.

I make it a point to take one or two vacations. I absolutely L-O-V-E the beach; swimming in the ocean with the sand between my toes. I find being near water helps me to unplug. I also tend to get in more leisure reading during this time of the year with my preferences being memoirs and autobiographies. At the pool or beach, you can also find me perusing the pages of my favorite fashion and lifestyle magazines. For me, it’s such a wonderful escape that I find enjoyable and relaxing. During the Summer months, I also tend to cook a lot less. Instead, I’m out of the house enjoying my favorite restaurants or seeking out some new spots to try. Since I live within the city, there is always such variety to choose from. I love all types of food, but find that great pizza, burgers, salads and Mexican food, of all types, are often among my staple meals. 

I believe in balance; so as diligent as I am with my work, the same effort goes into making time for fun and relaxation. I can’t think of a better time than the Summer to do this. I’ve been known to take one or two vacations away this time of year, but a good staycation has also proven to be a great way for me to recharge as well. I’m looking forward to my upcoming plans this season. Here’s to the summer - food, folks, and fun!

Daddy's little girl

My daddy was the first man I ever loved. 

There was not a day that went by that I wasn’t certain of his undeniable love for me. I was the baby girl and the second to youngest out of five siblings. My father affectionately called me “Didums,” which to this day I have no idea where that nickname originated. As I transitioned into my pre-teen years, I asked that my dad no longer call me by this name, and as with most other things, he graciously honored my wish. 

From a very young age, my father and I had a special bond. Though my father was a very hardworking person, and for most of my life worked seven days a week; only transitioning to five days a week the last three years of his professional career, we always found times to connect. Whether, it was when he drove me to elementary, middle, or high school or even when he returned home to play Nerf basketball or any number of video and games, he took precious time with me. Like my father, I was highly competitive, so you could be assured a lively game of Scrabble, Life, Monopoly, Uno, backgammon, or dominoes was always at play. As I got older, I still tried to maintain seeing him once a week, or every other week. 

Then there’s the lessons I learned about money. At the ripe age of seven, my father began to pay me for various task and chores that I’d do. I particularly got great pleasure out of ironing his dress shirts and shining his shoes. As I grew, my tasks did too, and my dad began to trust me with more complex responsibilities. These early experiences helped to shape my appreciation for the value of money and my solid understanding of the importance of good money management. 

On Thursday, May 16, 2019 at 8:20 pm, my beloved father, Dwight Eugene Dixon, passed away in his home surrounded by his family. He lost his battle to a cancer that was internally ravaging his body for months. Though an official diagnosis of stage four cancer was only revealed on April 24th, just two days before his very last day as a manager of the Southlake D&K in Morrow, GA, it was the end of a professional career that extended 30+ years in retail. Additionally, during my father’s professional career, he served as an associate pastor at West Hunter Baptist Church under Reverend Ralph David Abernathy while also working for the City of Atlanta for 18+ years. 

His extraordinary work ethic and eternal passion for what he did is the only reason I can see of how he pressed through this last year, working through what was later learned to be unimaginable pain. Only weeks before his passing did I hear my dad say for the first time ever, “I don’t feel good today.” 

I have a lifetime of wonderful memories with my dad: a Pittsburgh, PA born and raised-Steeler’s fan, that excelled at chess, had a huge heart, a big smile, and truly lived a life of integrity on his own terms. Not only was he an adoring father to me and my siblings, but he was a loving husband to my mother for 45 years and a doting PawPaw of seven grandchildren. Words can’t begin to describe how much I will miss my dad, but I know he’s in a better place and no longer in pain. I’m committed to continuing my father’s legacy of loving people and helping them be and look their best on the inside and out.

Rest in Peace, Daddy. I love you, always. -Didums️