Page 22 of The Game Is Afoot

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“It’s also very important for us to acknowledge that we are currently on insert name of tribe—oops!” Her blond, curly head flies up, and she mimes wiping sweat off her brow. “I saw this. IknowI did. Maybe in the index?” She flips forward in the binder, holding up a finger. “Give me just a moment.”

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“…think that’s how you say it—Mavis?”

I realize I’m standing up. How long have I been standing up?

“Mavis?” Rose repeats, eyes narrowed in concern. “Did you just say…I quit?”

Did I just say that? I wanted to say that. I’vedreamedabout saying that forever. Seriously, it shows up on the dream roster atleast two nights a week. But did I really, finally say those words out loud?

Next to me, Nelson lets out what sounds like a comically fake sneeze, and Rose looks grateful for the chance to move on.

“Bless you!” she chirps, flipping back to the front of her massive binder. “Now, let’s begin with module one of fourteen: Words Matter. And, you know, this one was really interesting for me because there are even more words than I realized that we need to be careful with now. Like, for example—”

“I quit!”

Knoll Elementary Parents Facebook Group

Della Lively

What problem does Mavis have NOW? I saw her yelling at a new Knoll parent this morning—not to mention cursing? I know she helped out the school in September, but I don’t think that gives her a free pass to act however she wants.

Trisha Holbrook

I mean, we all know she has a flair for the dramatic

Charlie Lee

Oh I hope it’s not the new mom I just met! She’s had a really tough but inspiring journey and I want her to feel welcomed!

Ruth Gentry

I’m not taking Mavis’s side here because she unfairly attacked me the other night tooBut that’s Bethany Bowman and well…let’s just say she’s definitely not some innocent victim. Please DM me if she’s approached you about joining her team because I have a much more lucrative and legitimate business opportunity. Don’t forget—clary sage is still 50% off for new Agape Essentials members in the month of January!

Florence Michaelson

I’m confused??? Mavis is starting a new team? I’m already the Team Mom for the Aquamarine Alligators, and she really should have checked in with me first. This is hurtful

Dyvia Mehta

No. We are not doing this. Please refer to the social media usagepolicy that I sent out at the beginning of my term as PTA president. There are sections on gossip and MLM solicitation if you need a refresher.

Trisha Holbrook

INTERIM president

balancedwithbethany

Some people are just not ready.

We live in a culture that’s addicted to the hustle, and so many find their value in the busyness, their sense of self in the struggle.

So when they see another way, they lash out! What else can they do with that building resentment, when they see others living the authentic, balanced life they wish they had? The only other alternative is really committing to introspection and breaking down the limiting beliefs they have for themselves. And that’s hard

But listen, Balanced With Bethany family, I’m not judging! Many of you know my story and my truth: I used to be that way, too. What my self-care journey has taught me, though, is that if you don’t slow down and do it on your own, well, life will knock you right over and make you take care of yourself! And that can look like a stage four breast cancer diagnosis after a routine mammogram. (Visit the link in my bio to read what I did next!)