Are You Buying the Tupperware Without the Lid?

I was at the Dollar Tree recently, checking out with the manager on duty because the line was long. The cashier next to us was checking out a lady who had found some Tupperware she liked, but there were no lids for the size she wanted.

The lady asked if she could get a discount since the set was incomplete. The cashier asked the manager, and the manager said no. The lady started complaining, and the cashier—clearly just trying to do her job—said, “I’m sorry, I’m just a cashier.” The lady snapped back, “I know it’s not your fault. It’s his fault,” and pointed right at the manager. She proceeded to announce that she’d be going to a different Dollar Tree in the future... and then she bought the lidless Tupperware anyway, at full price.

I worked in retail for many years, and I know how it goes. It’s always unfortunate when people take their anger out on folks just following guidelines. But it brought me to a bigger point: Why did she buy something at full price that she wasn’t happy with? Personally, I wouldn’t have bought it. I spent my time earning that money, so I’m going to spend it in a way that actually makes me happy.

The Frustration of the Lidless Life

Thinking about that Tupperware made me think about my time and my life. I’ve started limiting the time I spend with people I don’t really care for. These past few years, I’ve needed to be alone more to gain awareness of who I actually am.

I am tired of living with the Tupperware but no lid.

It can be frustrating going around with no lid. The contents just spill over and you are constantly trying to be careful. That is no way to live. Feeling incomplete brings up anger—I know it did for me. When we settle, we end up tiptoeing around ourselves and we aren't being who we really are.

You without the lid are not you. It is the "you" that you have to be just to survive. That is what keeps us stuck. It keeps us from believing we are worthy of anything good because we didn't even realize we were "buying" a life without a lid. That is how some of us are brought up, generation after generation. Mine stops now. I don't care if what I want seems "delusional" to other people; it is in my heart and my soul to share and to love.

My Valentine’s Gift: Self-Love and Vision

With so much loss happening lately, it has hit me that I need to live my life to the fullest. I’m done with the fear, shame, guilt, and judgment. This past Saturday, I made a vision board. It was my Valentine’s Day gift to myself. I have four major visions in motion right now:

This Blog: Growing this audience and sharing these truths.

Creativity: Making a crocheting and clothing line.

Writing: Finishing my second poetry book.

The Marathon: Training for a race in October.

The Road to October: Doing it for the Right Reasons

I wanted to do a marathon ten years ago, but life got in the way. I tried again in late 2022, but my knees couldn’t take it. Looking back, I believe I did too much too fast because I figured my body could handle it. At the time, I was also going through a separation and divorce. I thought running would help, but I was under too much emotional and mental stress.

This time is different. It’s not about maintaining weight after a job change or running away from stress. It’s about the goal itself.

I’m making sure I have good shoes. I’m eating better and sleeping more. I’m drinking more water. And I’m done with the scale. I don’t own one and I never will again. Feeling good is not a weight. I’m running because I want to feel healthy, not because I'm chasing a number.

I’m going to make a dedicated tab on the blog just for marathon training. I’ll share how I’m feeling, what I’m wearing, and my mileage. I’m out of shape right now, but I’ve already done my first run.

Listening to the Body

Some days it’s hard to find time. I still work a "day job," I’m a mom, and my youngest just had knee surgery. I’m making it work because I know the potential on the other side.

But I’m not "working hard" in the way that burns you out. I don't force it. I write when the perspective is fresh. With the marathon, I’m listening to my body. If my schedule says "run" but my body says "rest," I’m going to listen. I’m not going against my own needs anymore.

What About Your Lid?

I’m sharing this because it’s never too late to pursue a dream. If you need a cheerleader, email me. I truly want you to succeed.

Are you living your best life? Are you settling for the Tupperware without the lid? If the answer is no, how can you change that? If the answer is yes, find a way to share that light with someone else. We need to help each other.

I love you.

This is Love