Read the fine print ....

( Fine Print - Descriptions, Parts , Dimensions - How much weight does it hold?)

I recall the many years of Black Friday traditions, running out at midnight on Thanksgiving to purchase TVs that I wanted, furniture and clothes that I did not need and so much more. I recall the year I was after a very special TV stand and two leather chairs in Nashville, TN. I had my then boyfriend divide and conquer with his team to be in two places at once to get these must-have items. The chairs were purchased successfully at an 80 % discount. The TV stand was another story. See before the days of mounted Televisions, brackets and the fancy wall hangings purchasing TV stands were common. There were some that were universal while others could only hold a specific size and/or weight. Well to my surprise the TV stand that I was after above was aesthetically pleasing to the eye, but it could not hold the weight of my newly purchased flat screen TV. The dimensions on the stand were specifically designed to handle a certain capacity, max weight and nothing more. I was slightly disappointed because I just knew it would bring a different vibe to my living space but due to its limitations it was not a good fit. I could have forced it and risked it falling apart but instead I decided to walk away from this beautiful item that I waited all morning to obtain. One may call the moment wasted time and energy but for me I remember this moment as a lesson learned that could spill over into other areas of my life and yours.

How many times do you approach people, places, and things without doing all your research and due diligence? How many times do you decide based on the external aesthetics of a person, place, or thing without getting the dimensions and going beyond the surface to see how sturdy or firm a thing is? How often do we force fit a piece of furniture or article of clothing without knowing if it will truly fit?

I will answer for you, ALL THE TIME!

As I was reflecting on the memory above, I had one of those fun light bulb moments (Everything has meaning with me) and I realized just how important it is to read the description, measure dimensions and understand how much weight a thing can hold before we purchase, buy-in or commit to it! One must take the time to assess How much weight a thing can hold! Without understanding these things, you will find yourself in a cycle of lessons learned and a house full of furniture that you cannot use and a whole myriad of words and commentary that do not apply to YOU. And well those clothes …. No comment!

People hold weight ….

Words hold weight ….

Furniture hold weight….

Names hold weight ……

But the real question is how much weight does it hold, and do you know? I don’t know about you but as I continue to lean into the last 34 days of the year, I know I don’t have the time, energy, or money to waste on things I cannot use right now! This simple analogy blew my mind today because post covid, many of us have found ourselves doing things we have never done including forgetting the real shopping and vetting process! On this money, making Monday let this be your reminder to dig a little deeper, read the labels and fine print and to ensure things are a good fit before committing to it for the long haul. Just because it’s cute and affordable does not always mean it’s FOR YOU! (EVERYBODY) While there is something for everybody, everything ain’t for everybody.

As the internet scholars say, I am not sure who this is for but don’t get caught up or let life rush you into making a permanent purchase or decision without first understanding the description and how it all fits in your world. Rather you are on the cusp of transition, embarking on new beginnings or searching for a sign to move left or right, to walk away or buy this is your reminder that if it can’t hold the weight, you can WAIT a little while longer for a TV stand, person, place, or thing that FITS. I know I know, it’s cute, the package is dope, the salary and benefits are mind blowing I hear you through the keyboard, but does it fit what, where and who you are today? Not tomorrow, TODAY?

Answer that …. honestly and go forth and be great!

NO matter if you are finishing the year soft, strong or at REST I salute you, do your thing and keep doing the best you can with what you GOT!!

Love ya, RR- xoxo