Note From the Author

A Tale of Boundaries and Blessings

(2 Minute Read)

Hello, dear readers!

These past few weeks have been nothing short of a whirlwind, filled with lessons that I'll carry with me for a lifetime. Life has an uncanny way of bringing us both pain and wisdom, often in the most unexpected of circumstances. Today, I want to share a recent experience that left an indelible mark on my heart—a lesson in helping others, setting boundaries, and listening to that inner voice.

Late last April, I received a phone call from a friend, and her request struck a chord in me. Our mutual friend, someone I had only met twice before, had just been evicted from her apartment. Knowing the feeling of being without a home all too well, I felt compelled to help. With a grateful heart for the blessings I'd received, I readily offered her and her two children a place to stay in the two rooms I had designated for rental properties.

My intention was clear—to provide temporary refuge, a place where they could regroup and save money for a new beginning. I didn't ask for rent, just a little contribution to help with utilities, as I've always been a firm believer in the power of kindness.

What unfolded, however, was a chapter that taught me about boundaries and discernment. Over time, my initial act of kindness transformed into a situation where she slowly took over my entire home, leaving me confined to just two rooms. Living with a neat-freak, she let messiness reign, allowing bugs to invade, and bills to skyrocket. I couldn't help but feel uncomfortable in my own space, all the while questioning my decisions.

Six months later, with more than $10,000 in lost income from rentals, I had to make the difficult decision to evict her. Despite all the help I'd extended, she saw my actions as unjust. It left a bitter taste in my mouth, but it also left me with a profound lesson.

Lesson 1: Discerning the Call to Help - Sometimes, our desire to help can cloud our judgment. It's crucial to be discerning and listen to that inner voice. When the spirit moves you to assist, do it, but do it mindfully.

Lesson 2: Setting Boundaries - Boundaries are essential for maintaining a healthy balance in our lives. While I'll always be willing to help from afar, I've realized the importance of preserving my personal space, both physically and emotionally.

In the end, I don't regret extending a hand to someone in need. But I've learned the significance of striking a balance between compassion and self-preservation. Life is a constant journey of growth and discovery, and I'm grateful to share these experiences with all of you.

Till next time, remember to trust your instincts, maintain your boundaries, and continue to embrace the blessings that life brings our way.

With warmth and life lessons,

Mechel Miller

Hustle and Thrive- The AI Superwomen: How 6 Remarkable Women are Shaping the Future of Work (5 minute read)

Balanced Brew- Finding Balance and Grace: Navigating New Motherhood with a Special Needs Child (4 minute read)

Wanna Be Featured in the Next issue of “Live Out Loud?” Here is how you can do it. (1 minute read)

Hustle and Thrive - The AI Superwomen: How 6 Remarkable Women Pioneering AI at Work

Hey there, tech enthusiasts and curious minds! Welcome back to another exciting edition of our weekly newsletter. Today, we're diving into a fascinating world where women are taking the lead in harnessing the power of Artificial Intelligence to revolutionize the way we work.

Technology is advancing at a pace like never before, and sometimes, it can feel overwhelming. But here's the thing: technology, especially Artificial Intelligence, isn't something to run from; it's something to embrace with open arms and an eager mind.

In a world where AI is no longer just a buzzword but a powerful tool that's transforming industries, these 5 inspiring women are using AI in unique and innovative ways. Whether it's enhancing productivity, making sense of big data, or creating cutting-edge solutions, these AI superwomen are leaving an indelible mark on the workplace.

Let's meet the trailblazers:

1. Sarah Data Scientist - Sarah uses AI to crunch numbers and discover hidden insights for her company. Check out this article on how AI is changing the data science landscape.

2. AI Anne - Anne is a chatbot developer, creating conversational AI solutions that improve customer support. Dive into this article on how chatbots can boost business efficiency.

3. Dr. Tech Health 💊 - Dr. Tech Health uses AI to analyze medical data for better patient care. Learn more about AI in healthcare in this resource.

4. Finance Guru Lisa 💰 - Lisa is an AI-driven financial analyst. Discover how AI is transforming the world of finance in this read.

5. AI in Education Ella 📚 - Ella uses AI to personalize learning experiences. Uncover the role of AI in education through this article

6. AI Marketing Maven Maria 📢 - Maria uses AI to revolutionize marketing strategies. Learn how AI is shaking up the marketing landscape in this analysis.

Remember, the world of AI is constantly evolving. If you want to stay up-to-date on the latest developments and how AI can be used at work, make sure to subscribe to our newsletter. We're here to keep you in the loop!

So, let's not fear technology; let's embrace it and explore the endless possibilities it offers! Until next week, keep innovating, learning, and using AI to supercharge your work.

Balanced Brew- Finding Balance and Grace: Navigating New Motherhood with a Special Needs Child

How to Ask for Support from Your Husband and Preserve Your Marriage

Becoming a mother is undoubtedly one of life's most profound experiences, but it can be particularly challenging when you're also a business owner and have the added responsibility of caring for a special needs child. In many cases, the burden of this new role can lead to women adopting more masculine traits to fill the void when their husbands are absent. However, there is a way to find balance, grace, and maintain a loving partnership.

Understanding the Challenge

It's essential to acknowledge that many new mothers of special needs children face a unique set of challenges. The emotional and physical demands can be overwhelming, and there is often a sense of isolation and exhaustion. Sometimes, husbands may struggle to fully comprehend the extent of this challenge, and this can lead to an unspoken expectation for new mothers to become the 'alpha' or take on traditionally masculine roles.

Why Asking for Grace is Important

It's not sustainable for new mothers to continuously embrace a masculine role due to the absence or unavailability of their husbands. Over time, it can lead to burnout, resentment, and strained relationships. It's crucial to express your needs to your partner, ask for grace, and work together to create a balanced and harmonious family life.

How to Approach Your Husband

1. Open and Honest Communication: The foundation of any healthy relationship is open and honest communication. Approach your husband in a calm and non-confrontational manner. Express your feelings, concerns, and your need for support and understanding. Let him know you're in this together.

2. Share Responsibilities: Emphasize the importance of sharing responsibilities as parents. Encourage him to actively participate in the care of your special needs child. You are a team, and teamwork is vital.

3. Quality Time: While it's challenging to find time as new parents, it's crucial to carve out moments for each other. Plan quality time together, whether it's a quiet dinner, a walk in the park, or a simple conversation without distractions. Strengthening your emotional connection is vital for a successful partnership.

Seeking Resources and Support

Don't hesitate to seek help and guidance. There are resources available to assist new mothers in navigating these challenges and maintaining a healthy marriage:

1. Parent Support Groups: Joining support groups for parents of special needs children can provide emotional support, shared experiences, and valuable insights on how to balance your roles.

2. Counseling or Therapy: Consider couples' therapy or counseling. A neutral, professional perspective can help both you and your husband communicate effectively and navigate challenges.

3. Family and Friends: Lean on your trusted support network. Sometimes, close friends or family members can offer a helping hand or a listening ear.

4. Self-Care: Don't forget to care for yourself. It's not selfish to prioritize self-care; it's a necessity. By taking care of your own well-being, you'll be better equipped to care for your family.

5. Professional Support: Explore resources like a family counselor, speech therapist, or occupational therapist for your special needs child. These professionals can guide you and provide valuable insights.

Preserving Your Marriage

Remember that a healthy and strong marriage is not only beneficial for you but also for your child. Your partnership is the foundation of your family, and it deserves nurturing and attention.

Approaching your husband with understanding, requesting support, and seeking resources can help create a harmonious family life. By working together, you can navigate the challenges of new motherhood, business ownership, and parenting a special needs child while preserving the love and connection in your marriage.

Find the balance you need, ask for the grace you deserve, and cherish the beautiful journey of motherhood and partnership. Your story is unique, and together, you can overcome any challenge that comes your way.

P.S.- Do you have a story about you, your business, a task, or a project that you were successful at that you want to share with the community? Drop us a line at: [email protected] and a LOL team member will follow-up with you.