A Secret to Success This New Year: Become Committed and Resilient

Mom and son celebrating the new year in the Bahamas in 2025! "Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." – Confucius Greetings from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania ! Things have been busy. I am still a working mom of three , working full time who is trying to make a difference. I do a lot of things and try to be present so that I can learn from them. I share them on this blog so that we can learn together. Below are some thoughts, hacks, and/or lessons that I have learned from navigating my world. 2025 was intense. I faced a convergence of pressures: the stress of navigating life as a single mom while paying considerable  alimony ,  an intensifying family situation since we lost my beloved aunt, my dad, and my cousin’s mom—work related stress—learning a new job after an imposed job change, all while navigating the rapid pace of raising my kids and trying to maintain a standard of living for them with fewer resources. Together, these factor...

A view into Chaton's World



As it says in my profile, I live in Pittsburgh. However, I am not a 'Burgher. I have only lived here since November of 2004. A 'Burgher is someone who was born and raised in Pittsburgh. Someone who understands that it's OK, and sometimes preferable to have French Fries on a salad. And someone who has eaten a sandwich at Primanti Brothers complete with Sauerkraut and more French Fries!

Pittsburgh is a city of opportunity. There are many opportunities for young people to get involved in everything from politics (the mayor is 27) to philanthropy.



While Pittsburgh has come a long way, certain things remain the same. Football is the religion of choice and the Steelers are gods. Don't get any ideas about coming to Pittsburgh for a game though. The games have been completely sold out for the past 30 years. You may be able to buy tickets from a scalper, or be the guest of a corporate sponsor, but there are no individual tickets to be purchased.



What Pittsburgh lacks in nightlife, it makes up for in charm. As everyone will tell you, in Pittsburgh, it's all about the neighborhoods. I live on the North Side. I have a great town home that is within walking distance of downtown, near PNC Park (where the Pirates play) and near Heinz Field (where the Steelers play). My community is close to the National Aviary and the Children's Museum.


In other cities, this home would have been outside of my price range, but in Pittsburgh nearly anything is possible.


If you are open minded, up for a challenge, and looking for a new opportunity, Pittsburgh may just be the place for you. Consider this an invitation into Chaton's World!

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