Behind the Scenes: Creating the Dream Life
From burnout to doubt to building something while going without, I pry myself open a little more about turning most of my survival journey into purpose, success, and something meaningful.
When I first created Hari’s Helping Hands, it wasn’t an official thing. Customers and coworkers at work would vent to me about their lives and experiences. There were days where I didn’t want to hear it, but I made space for them anyway because I knew if I needed them, they’d do the same for me.
After coming back to Dallas, Texas last year on Mother’s Day, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I didn’t know if people wanted to be around me or not. In fact, I thought I was worthless and wasting time being smart. Between going to college and reshaping my writing habits, it didn’t feel like anyone cared to hear what I had to say.
Well…
…God proved me wrong!
I thought I had to do what everyone did here on Substack and Medium. Creating paywalls and building monthly income from it was what I have always wanted. I saw a lot of people earning passive income online through paywalling their content and services. Deep down, I wanted to do the same thing with Hari’s Helping Hands.
When I created my first paywall in August 2025, I thought I finally did it. “Yes,” I said to myself while working an account without phone numbers on it. “When people see my publication, they’ll have to check it out from start to finish. I’ll also start planning my bills around potential orders and subscriptions so I can finally get ahead with everything.”
Spoiler alert, that didn’t work out so well. After October 31st, 2025, my audience and I came to a solid (silent) agreement—stop chasing what everyone else is doing and focus on what you’re actually good at.
Slowly, I turned Hari’s Helping Hands into something I’ve never seen before. I see my newsletter as a physical and online place for folks to gather information they’ve never seen before or should consider digging deeper into for better clarity. I see this not as a project, but as a solid place for ongoing education, emotional intelligence, and practical insight.
Now, while I was at work (before maternity leave), I pulled a unique shift. My supervisor and I helped came up with a solid plan to stay on top of my job so I won’t lose it because of my issues of staying awake (the first trimester is stupid, but I survived). Thanks to her hard work and care, I was able to clock in 30 minutes early just to take an extra 30 minute lunch.
I also juggled my online classes while raising my toddler daughter and staying on top of my prenatal appointments. Some days were super tiresome. I didn’t want to turn in my assignments or make dinner late at night. However, I didn’t have the luxury to slow down. I focused on applying what I learned in class—from organizational psychology, behavioral health and sciences, and emotional wellbeing—so I could figure out what to do with myself after graduation.
Side Note: I know what I’m going to do after getting my bachelor’s in psychology. Here’s a hint, I’m going back to school again, but in a more well-defined degree program.
I’ve learned a lot over the years. After tolerating over 10 years of unhealthy and abusive relationships and friendships, I am walking away and start doing my own thing. My kids deserve a healthier lifestyle, freedom to run and play, and more. I totally deserve something rooted in love, clarity, and structure—without strings attached.
“It’s not perfect, but it is worth it,” I tell myself day in and day out. “I’m done trying to survive everyone’s unnecessary expectations. I refuse to burn myself out because others see me as ‘not good enough’ when I know I’m better than what I give myself credit for.”
And you know, I’m right.
Circling back to why I’m doing this, I guess it’s because I want to do what works for myself and others. I see myself creating something where even if I’m busy or taking a power nap, my presence is well known and people will feel safe at home just by quoting my name or my shared life experiences. Of course, I’m not here to play God or take over Jesus’ spot on the cross.
Oh no.
I want this to be that place where we surround ourselves with people who think deeply, care intentionally, and aren’t afraid to build something meaningful—again, with no strings attached. I see us bonding in ways where if you don’t feel like visiting Hari’s Helping Hands online, you can walk into a physical location and just chill out and be yourself.
Yeah…
That sounds like a doable dream…
Creating something where if you want to log off for the day, but still want to stick around, you can.
For the first time in a long, long time, what we’re talking about feels sooooo aligned.
