There’s nothing quite like a box fan to save your sanity on a hot night. Between the glorious breeze and the white noise drowning out the chaos of life, it’s basically my soulmate. But then one night, betrayal struck. My trusty fan started squeaking. Not a cute, bird-chirping kind of squeak. No, this was the kind of relentless squeak that makes you question your life choices at 2 a.m.

Determined to fix it (because that’s what we do, right? Fix ALL the things), I went down the YouTube rabbit hole. I learned how to take the fan apart and grease the bearings. Who knew bearings even needed grease? 🤷🏻♀️ But I rolled up my sleeves, disassembled the fan like I was on an HGTV special, greased it up, and put it back together.
EPIC...FAIL...
The squeak was worse than before! 😫
Determined to earn my place on HGTV and preserve at least some of my dignity, I unplugged the fan and got to work taking it apart again. After taking it apart again, BINGO! I found there was a crevice that I hadn't noticed the first time I took it apart. I greased it and put that thing back together like a pro!
Plugged it in and...squeakkkkk...*sigh*
BUT...it was less of a life questioning squeak and was leaning more towards a cute bird chirping squeak so encouraged by the progress I was making, I told myself, just one more time. By this point, I was essentially a box fan mechanic. Round 3 —with a side of EXTRA grease...
And... VICTORY! 🎉 It worked. I basked in the quiet hum of my success.
The fan hummed beautifully for one magical night. And then... you guessed it. By night two, that squeak was back like a toddler refusing bedtime.
When You Realize the Problem Isn’t the Grease
Here’s the thing: I tried. I really, really tried. But some things just aren’t meant to last. No amount of grease, effort, or late-night cursing was going to save that fan. So, I bought a new one. And let me tell you, the sweet sound of a perfectly functioning fan with zero squeaks? Bliss.
The Bigger Lesson Here
That whole ordeal got me thinking about life. The squeaky fan wasn’t just a squeaky fan. It was a metaphor for all those lessons we think we’ve already learned—the ones we’ve “fixed” but somehow keep coming back, squeaking at us when we least expect it.
You know the ones. Like finally standing up for yourself in meetings, only to find you’re still saying “sure, I can handle that” to a ridiculous deadline. Or working through your childhood stuff, only to get triggered by a snarky comment at Thanksgiving dinner.
Sometimes, the universe (or your fan) forces you to revisit old lessons because there’s a deeper layer you didn’t realize needed healing. And let me tell you, revisiting that stuff can feel just as exhausting as taking apart a fan three times.
And Then, There’s the Full-On System Upgrade for Personal Growth
But sometimes? Sometimes you don’t need another round of grease. Sometimes, the system itself is shot, and the best thing you can do is let it go. Maybe that means walking away from a draining friendship, rethinking your career path, or (hear me out) throwing out the squeaky fan that’s been holding you hostage.
What I Learned
Life’s squeaks aren’t failures—they’re reminders. Reminders to keep learning, to dig deeper, and sometimes, to know when to stop fighting and make the upgrade.
And while I may never moonlight as a fan repair technician, I did learn a few things: persistence is great, grease can only do so much, and sometimes, you’ve just got to embrace the peace of starting fresh and see how a system upgrade for personal growth can feel like freedom.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to bask in the silent hum of my new fan.
Ready to Break the Cycle (and Stop the Squeak)?
Are you stuck in a loop of quick fixes that never seem to stick? You know, like greasing the bearings of a squeaky box fan for the third time, hoping this will be the time it finally works? Life’s challenges can feel the same way—constant squeaks of overwhelm, burnout, and frustration that just won’t quit, no matter how many late-night self-help rabbit holes you dive into.
But what if you didn’t have to live in “fix-it mode”? What if, instead of patching things up with temporary solutions, you could finally address the root cause, create real transformation, and start living with intention?
That’s what UNLEASHED Essentials is all about.
It’s my membership program designed to help you dig deeper, break the cycle of quick fixes, and create a life that feels aligned, empowered, and joyful. Think of it as your roadmap for moving past burnout and finally silencing those inner “squeaks” of stress and self-doubt.
This is your chance to stop bandaid-fixing your challenges and start upgrading your life with clarity, focus, and purpose.
How to Join:
Visit UNLEASHED Essentials.
Start transforming your life today.
Let’s make this the moment you stop patching up the old system and embrace the exhilaration of a full upgrade. The transformation you’ve been waiting for is just one decision away. Will you take that step?
Let’s get to work—minus the squeaks.
P.S. Want to see a sneak peak of what's waiting for you on the other side of saying yes to choosing you for only less than 10 minutes a day?
About the Author

Hi, I’m Phallyn—a corporate veteran turned entrepreneur, certified Feng Shui & hypnotherapy expert, and working mom with over a decade of experience navigating high-pressure environments. After experiencing burnout and anxiety firsthand, I transformed my life using holistic practices and a commitment to intentional living. Now, I’m passionate about helping women, especially working moms in male-dominated industries, overcome stress and create balanced, fulfilling lives. Through humor, honesty, and actionable insights, I aim to empower others to stop surviving and start thriving.
Let’s create a life that feels as good as it looks! 🥂
Thank you for reading! If this post resonated with you, let’s stay connected:
🌟 Join UNLEASHED Essentials: Get exclusive resources and support. Join here.
📧 Subscribe: Sign up for my newsletter to get tips, insights, and a little working mom humor straight to your inbox.
📲 Follow Me: Let’s connect on LinkedIn and Facebook for more inspiration and behind-the-scenes moments.
Remember: You don’t have to do it all alone—invest in yourself and start living intentionally today! 🌿
Comments