My Biggest Fear Right Now is Financial Security, But Things Are Looking Up
The last time I had a guaranteed paycheck was years ago. Every two weeks, the money would come in like clockwork. Now I am building my own business and some months, the clock stops. The phone is quiet. The calendar is empty. And I have to believe the silence is just the breath before the breakthrough.
My name is Dr. Irene Olonde, and my biggest fear right now is financial security. My business runs on word of mouth. Sometimes it takes me across states, sometimes I wait weeks for the next booking. I am seeing signs it will be successful, but it is not easy to go from certainty to uncertainty.
When I think about America, I think about opportunity. Yes, there is division. Yes, there are belief systems that clash with mine. But there is space for all of us here. And nothing good or bad lasts forever. Change is the only constant.
I was born in Nairobi. Every Sunday after church, my parents took me out for lunch. We would swim, eat French fries and fried chicken, then sit in the sauna and steam room. Back then, I thought everyone did that. As a child, I did not even know money was involved-I just had to show up in my Sunday dress. Now the roles are reversed. I am the one sponsoring brunch. The swimming is rare these days, but the pause to enjoy life-that stayed with me.
Love was my first teacher. My first relationship taught me it is beautiful, but it can wound deeply. My daughter was my second teacher. She showed me that children are mirrors-it is our job to reflect something worth imitating. Having her when I did forced me to grow fast. Today, she is my best friend. We have come full circle.
If I could talk to my younger self, I would say: It will all work out exactly as it should. Dream big. God gave you that vision for a reason. Stress is part of life-wear it like a coat, but know when to take it off. Rest. Then put it back on when you are strong enough to carry it.
May the Day Break!