Experiential stories that revolve around the importance of being authentic to not only yourself but to those around you. After years of never finding the time to ‘stop and smell the roses,’ Jeannette is unearthing many of her passions including writing, fashion, and thrifting through her online blog ‘My Authentic Journey’ (formerly called ‘The Vineyard Life’) – a creative outlet that allows her to share, learn, and grow with others. You can explore more of her stories at @jeannettepdardenne on Instagram or www.myauthenticjournal.com.

By Jeannette Dardenne

Is it wrong to want more out of life than just working, taking kids to and from various activities, and running the homestead?

I have these moments when I find myself exhausted from life – tired, worn out, and plain frustrated.

My next move is to “pick up” the phone and reach out to a friend. Texting tends to be the communication preference for most of us these days – easy and quick.

But here is what often happens next. The receiving party is also super busy – “sure I am free in 2-3 weeks …”

Wait … WHAT?

So between today and 3 weeks, you don’t have a single solitary free moment? I am not asking for a 4-hour window, just a walk around the park, a casual conversation, maybe a glass of wine.

What is life turning into that we can’t even find time for ourselves, nor the ones around us?

What is everyone working on … did I miss the memo?

Is social media taking over our very precious free minutes – so much so that we can’t step away?

I have heard friends talk about the importance of self-care. Taking fitness classes, maybe a spa day, catching up with a good book … but what about activities that involve others in a safe capacity? Have we actually lost ourselves in 2020 and now finding it hard to relate to others?

So what say you and you and you?

Jeannette Punsoni Dardenne is an entrepreneur who started the popular Facebook group @eatinconnecticut – a community forum that connects foodies and the food and beverage industry for delicious conversations. She and her business partner now together run @eatinconnecticut and INGroup Creative – a public relations and marketing company that helps small businesses thrive. Jeannette is also a business advisor at the University of Hartford Entrepreneur Center & Women’s Business Center. When she isn’t helping others, she enjoys exploring the state and beyond with her husband and two children.

Like what you see here? Click here to subscribe to We-Ha’s newsletter so you’ll always be in the know about what’s happening in West Hartford! Click the blue button below to become a supporter of We-Ha.com and our efforts to continue producing quality journalism.