Hello!

Welcome to Authentically Messy!  

I'm going to write this as if people who don't know me may read this....likely not, but one can hope right?  I chose this stock photo because it looks inviting and like I'd want to share a cup of coffee with someone or just be by myself and read....so grab a cup of coffee (or whatever you drink) and let's chat! 

My name is Amber Segroves, I will be 42 in TWO days as I write this post.  The creation of the Authentically Messy brand has been heavy on my mind and heart the past few weeks as I've been doing a lot of internal work.  I want to create a platform for women that is accepting of those who struggle with mental health, burnout from life/work, and just need some positivity in their life.  My hope is to create a following of imperfect people from all walks of life, sharing my story, how I'm trying to live authentically in a chaotic society and find my true self and purpose in life.  Easy peasy right?  HA!

I have been in a professional job for the past 15+ years in corporate America and I'm burned out in a way that I've never been burned out before.  I don't want to get out of bed and go to work each day.  It's not healthy.  But as I ask myself what else I want to do, I've struggled with finding my purpose.  

My husband and I recently graduated our baby from high school.  I know, we aren't the only people in the world that have done this recently.  What this means for me is a whole new way of life.  My daughter is a sophomore in college at the University of Arkansas and living her best life....for real, she is.  I'm jealous and am so dang proud of her!  My son is leaving in 10 days to go to trade school.  It's gettin' real in my house!

Let's take it back to when I was 19 and got married....what was I thinking?  Kidding, we are still married, just celebrated 22 years of marriage, and are excited to navigate the "empty nest life" together.  I had my daughter when I was 22 and my son 4 days shy of my 24th birthday.  I've been raising kids for the past 20 years and have not focused much on myself.  Who is Amber outside of being Jeremy's wife and Sydni and Dylan's mom, or an employee of the companies I've worked for?  I DON'T KNOW.  

Hang on for this ride as I figure that out, normalize not being "okay", get vulnerable in the hopes that it will help someone else the way that social media has helped me not feel so alone with my struggles and diagnosis (more info to come on this).

When I was thinking of starting a podcast or getting my story out there, I couldn't decide what I would name it.  I knew I was on a journey of figuring out who I am and being true to myself (whoever she may be).  I'm a hot mess right now, so I thought Authentically Messy was fitting for the journey I'm embarking on.

I'm excited to have you along for the ride and can't wait to share more with you and grow this platform.  I will be sharing my first podcast sometime this week and posting over on Instagram as well - @authenticallymessy

P.S.  The picture below, that's a portion of my closet.  See, we are getting vulnerable here.  It's been like that for weeks, possibly a few months.  If I could take a picture of my brain, it would look like my closet.  As my story unfolds, I will be referencing this picture and the meaning behind it.....  

-Amber