Dear Reader,

It’s been a few weeks. I know. Did you miss me?

I missed you.

But truthfully...that silence wasn’t planned. And it’s been eating at me. I’ve felt like I failed in my commitment to myself and to you. So instead of pretending everything's fine, I’m gonna do what I’ve always promised in this space: keep it real.

So here’s the truth.

I’ve been overwhelmed. Burnt out. Stressed. My illness has been whoopin’ my ass. And even though I’ve been trying to put on a good face—smile, carry on, post when I can—the reality is, I hit a wall. I’ve been tired. Really tired.

Not the kind of tired a nap fixes. The kind that makes everything feel heavier than it should. The kind that makes you feel ashamed for not being stronger. I don’t talk much about my condition because, honestly, who wants to be the person who burdens others with the not-so-great parts of everyday life?

But it’s real. It’s mine. And I know I’m not the only one.

Some days, running Simply Edyn & Co. feels like that Greek myth. You know the one? Sisyphus. The guy condemned to push a boulder uphill for eternity. Only mine comes with chronic pain, joint flares, mobility issues, and BONUS! a country that’s on fire!

Still. I’m here. Still pushing. Still not ready to wave that white flag. Not yet.

But if I’m honest, I’m definitely in survival mode. Just doing what I can with whatever energy, dignity, softness, and fight I’ve got left.

So if you’ve been waking up feeling like that “dumpster fire rolling down the street” meme… same. And maybe you’ve also been quietly asking yourse;f:

What the hell is happening?

Why does it feel like the end of something?

Am I the only one scared, angry, and still trying to stay soft?

You’re not. You’re just awake.

This Friday, June 14, people across the country and abroad will be watching show up for No Kings Day. And if you’re like me…can’t march, can’t move, can’t have one more performative conversation.

That’s okay.

There are other ways to show up.

Wear it. Pin it. Hang it in your space.

Let the message speak when you’re too damn tired to.

I created The Commons Collection for this exact kind of moment. For the quiet protest. For the worn out warriors. For the folks who are still here but holding on by a thread. The collection features NULLIUS REX (“King of No One”) and other pieces made (hopefully) to suit your kind of crash out. Because sometimes a shirt, coffee mug or a pin really is the thing that helps you feel seen. Even when everything else feels like too much.

🛒 Shop the Collection
📖 Read the story behind it

But, for now…know I’m still here. And if you’re still here too? Thank you.

If you’re tired, rest.
If you’re ready, rise.
And if you’re somewhere in between? That’s more than enough. You belong here too.

With you always,
Tasha
Founder, Simply Edyn & Co. / Editor, The Commons Dispatch

(Sisyphus (Spanish: Sísifo) is an oil on canvas painting by the Venetian master Titian, made in 1548-1549. It is in the collection of the Museo del Prado, in Madrid.)