The simplest things are always so profound to me. Today's lesson is to exhaust every option. Pastor Sharee Johnson--www.ShareeJohnson.com—mentioned this during one of her virtual bible studies a few weeks back and I had a real life experience today.

Scenario: I've been wanting to get microbraids for quite some time. I finally find a place that's reasonably priced and set an appointment. My appointment was for 2pm today. I get there, see that there are two people working, each with a client in their chair. Neither of the clients are close to being done. Immediately, I'm frustrated. Why can't Black people (Africans included) get their ish together? I inwardly complain. I'm feeling like, hey, I have an appointment; you need to tell one of these kids to give up their seat—Rosa Parks style. Finally, the lady asks me to come back...in 2 1/2 hours. Ma'am, you have my number; you could have called me! Now you've wasted both my time and my gas. I'm furious. Secret about me: I hate inefficiency and poor customer service.

I leave and call every hair braiding result that came up in Google. Unfortunately they weren't offering anything in my price range. I was as the point of saying, "Forget it." Looks like I'll have to suck it up. However, there was one other place I hadn't gone. But after two other places had mentioned something steep I assumed this person would too. Oh, what the hell? It's up the street, I said to myself, might as well check it out. I did. Not only can the lady do my hair in the price range I prefer, it might even be cheaper and she's throwing in a little extra just because.

As I always say, "Peace of mind is priceless." Like me, you don't have to settle. Exhaust every possibility. Don't give up until you get what you want!