My boomer neighbor asked why I don't just 'work harder' to afford a house.

I told him I'm currently working three jobs, and I just learned to braid my bootstraps.

My boss asked for our "personal growth goals" this quarter.

I told him mine was successfully ignoring all LinkedIn articles about "crushing it."

My parents told me to 'just pull myself up by my bootstraps.'

My boots are from Target and the straps broke two months ago.

I've been trying to practice self-care by journaling my emotions,

but mostly I just write 'same' every day.