Squeaky Wheel Syndrome

Let’s talk about the squeaky wheel for a minute.
We all know the saying: “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” But let’s be real—sometimes, the squeaky wheel just gets exhausting. Whether we’re speaking metaphorically or literally, that constant noise eventually becomes just that: noise.

And speaking of noise… I’ve been struggling to stay motivated—to keep posting, to keep searching.

Life today feels loud and scattered. Attention spans are shrinking, and if something doesn’t entertain us immediately, we’re quick to move on.

So let’s take a moment to re-center.
Let’s filter out the noise. Let’s find the voices that inspire us, and quiet the ones that don’t help us grow.

Seek out content that feeds your mind, soul, and spirit. Read something long-form. Watch a documentary that challenges you. Go outside. Take a walk.

I originally wrote these thoughts a few months ago when I was hyper-focused on job hunting. But they feel relevant all over again now.

For those who don’t know (hopefully most of the internet—no offense), I took a trip to Oregon last week to visit my friend Whitney. While I was there, we ended up taking an impromptu trip to Seattle. It wasn’t supposed to be me going with her… but life had other plans.

While we were there, I fell off a scooter and broke my ankle.

That alone would be enough of a challenge. But to make things even more complicated, I also found out the same day that my hours were being cut at work. And with a broken ankle, I can’t work my second job either. It’s been a wave of unexpected hits, all at once.

Which brings me back to that squeaky wheel.
I’ve never been someone who advocates for herself easily. I’m the one who usually steps in for others—cheers them on, defends them, helps them first. But this time… I had to speak up for me.

I’ve had to call doctors and hospitals—on repeat—just to get answers, appointments, or even a call back. But finally, I’m starting to feel heard.

So here’s to being your own advocate, even when it’s uncomfortable.
Here’s to filtering out the noise, and turning up the volume on what truly matters.