I just returned from two weeks in the deep South, starting in southwestern Florida, up the Gulf Coast, across the panhandle, kissing the southernmost tips of Alabama and Mississippi on my way to New Orleans.

At every turn, I was “Baby’d,” Honey’d,” and “Ma’am’d.” I had many bles’t days.

Everything is sweet there: tea, beignets, pralines. Moving slowly as the South is wont to do, we strolled the mansion district dressage-style, accommodating sidewalks that randomly challenge even the highest stepper, marveling at the live oaks whose massive presence and deep roots do not care about roads and housing foundations. They were there first. Like Tupelo honey, I hear the southern drawl dripping into my speech. It’s a slow realization despite its seemingly sudden onset. It makes me think about how quickly we adapt to new circumstances. How quickly do we take on something that isn’t really ours?

I once left a job because I didn’t know who I was when I was there. The atmosphere was toxic. The boss was the worst of all, and I was starting to get good at playing the game. I needed a job, but not that job. Quitting was both mandatory and healing .

Have you found yourself in a situation where you had to leave your authentic self behind to succeed? It’s important to recognize when you can’t change it. Being disrespected, treated as less than who you are, trying on accents that don’t belong to you? Is it dripping honey on you while chipping away at your sanity?

If you find yourself making excuses about being stuck, it’s probably time for an exit strategy.

Breezing through the deep South for a few weeks is easy: lighten up, enjoy the experience, try it on, and then leave it at the airport when it’s time to come back to self. But, if you’re feeling stuck and want to consider other options, a psychic reading or hypnotherapy session can help you find your way back home.

Let me know if I can help. Meanwhile, have a bles’t day, y’all.

Mary