Grief, Bad Wigs, and the Reset to Wash: A Founder’s Podcast Note

There is a specific kind of silence that follows a storm. It isn’t the peaceful silence of a library or the restful hush of a sleeping house. It’s the heavy, ringing silence of the aftermath. In my world, we’ve been talking about the "Reset to Wash", that pivotal moment when you realize the old cycle is finished, the dirt has been agitated, and now, it’s time to rinse, spin, and prepare for something fresh.

But let’s be honest: the "rinse" phase is often the most uncomfortable. It’s cold. It’s turbulent. And sometimes, it feels like you’re just spinning in circles.

I recently sat down to record a new episode of the podcast, and the words that kept coming to me weren't poetic or polished. They were raw. They were a little sharp. They were the kind of words you only find when you’ve been through the wringer and come out the other side wondering where your favorite pair of socks went.

In this episode, we tackle a reality that many of us try to sugarcoat with "live, laugh, love" Pinterest quotes. The reality is this: Grief is a bald-headed monkey in a bad wig. It’s ugly, it’s chaotic, it’s uninvited, and it usually shows up at the worst possible moment.

The Anatomy of the Bad Wig

We’ve all been there. Maybe it’s not grief in the traditional sense; maybe it’s depression. As I mentioned in the podcast, "Depression is a bald-headed ho in a cheap wig." It’s that nagging, persistent shadow that tries to convince you that the "Reset to Wash" is actually just a permanent breakdown.

On May 7th, my personal world shifted on its axis. The loss I experienced wasn't just a quiet departure; it was a void that opened up in the middle of my daily routine. When you lose the things (and the beings) that anchor your day, the "bad wig" starts to look like a permanent fashion choice. It’s lopsided, the lace is lifting, and it just doesn’t fit right.

Healing isn’t about fixing the wig. It’s about having the courage to take the damn thing off, look at the "bald-headed monkey" in the mirror, and say, "Okay, we’re doing this. We’re moving forward anyway."

Persistence isn't about being unafraid. It's about consequence. It’s about understanding that the consequence of stopping is stagnation, and the consequence of moving is life. We choose life.

The Rituals of the Rinse

When you’re in the middle of a "Reset to Wash," rituals are your lifeline. They are the detergent that helps clear out the residue of the past season. In the podcast, I shared a few of the non-negotiables that have kept me grounded as I crawl my way back into the light.

First, there’s the movement. I’ve leaned into seated morning Zumba. It sounds simple, maybe even a little funny, but getting the blood pumping without the pressure of a high-impact gym session is a way of telling my body, "We’re still here. We’re still moving." It’s about rhythm: finding a new cadence when the old one has been silenced.

Then, there’s the nourishment. I’ve been leaning heavily on my "Magic Elixir": a system-flushing herbal tea blend of ginger, rosemary, lemon balm, and basil. It’s a grounded, ancestral practice that reminds me of the Afro-Druid ethos: everything is interconnected. The plants, the earth, and our own healing are part of the same cycle.

But let’s talk about the real MVP of the morning: the coffee.

The Brew That Binds

If you know me, you know that the "Founder’s Note" is never complete without a nod to the beans. This week, as I navigated the "bad wig" days, I turned to the Kenya Single Origin from FB Roasters.

There is something about a bright, acidic, and bold Kenyan brew that cuts through the fog of a heavy heart. It’s a coffee that demands your attention. It doesn’t sit quietly in the background; it wakes up your palate and, by extension, your spirit. I may or may not have made it a little too strong a few times this week (as I confessed in the episode), but honestly, sometimes you need that extra kick to remind you that you’re awake and the world is still turning.

For those who are just starting their own "Reset to Wash," I highly recommend the FB Roasters Sample Packs. It’s a way to explore different "moods" of coffee until you find the one that speaks to your current season.

Nourishing the Mind: Far From Beale Street

You can’t heal the heart without feeding the mind. Part of my reset has been a return to deep, intentional reading. Through Far From Beale Street, our online bookstore, I’ve been curating a list of titles that don't just provide "escapism," but offer a mirror to the soul.

Whether it’s exploring ancestral practices or diving into the "Valley of the Soul" reading list, there is a profound power in words. When your own words fail you: when all you can say is that grief is a monkey in a bad wig: someone else’s words can act as a bridge.

If you’re looking for your next companion on this journey, I invite you to browse our latest selections at Far From Beale Street. Your purchase supports independent bookstores and fuels the very mission of Dale’s Angels Inc.

Soul of the Valley: An Invitation to Quiet

If you find yourself nodding along: if you feel like you’re currently wrestling with a bad wig of your own: I want to invite you to something special.

From July 23rd through July 26th, I am hosting the Soul of the Valley Retreat at the Glamping Collective in Chattanooga. This isn’t a loud, high-energy "hustle" retreat. This is an intimate gathering (only 10 spots) designed for those who need to quiet the noise.

We’ll be engaging in yoga, tai chi, sound baths, and guided meditation. It’s a space to receive life, rather than just performing it. It’s the ultimate "Reset to Wash" in a setting that is as breathtaking as it is restorative.

The valley has a way of putting things in perspective. When you stand on the ridge and look out over the expanse, that "bald-headed monkey" starts to look a lot smaller.

The Persistence of Hope

Grief and depression don't disappear overnight. They just eventually run out of wigs to wear. By showing up every day: with your coffee, your books, your movement, and your community: you are practicing the art of persistence.

You are proving that the consequence of your journey is strength.

Listen to the full episode on Podbean here: Persist and Consequence Shall Induce Itself. Join me as I laugh, cry, and drink way too much French Roast.

If you are ready to plan your next adventure send an email directly to felicia.baxter@fora.travel with Subject HELP I NEED A VACATION.

Digital Realism & Aesthetic Direction. Rendered by our team. Orchestrated by Felicia. Section 31, TN Chapter.

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