Looking for a rental home should be exciting—a fresh start, a new chapter—but sometimes it feels like navigating an impossible maze. Right now, that’s where I’m at: searching for a rental in San Antonio that fits my family’s needs and my budget. Spoiler alert: it’s been a wild ride, and not the fun kind.

First, there’s the sticker shock. Rent prices are outrageous. Finding a place in a safe neighborhood, with good schools nearby, where I don’t have to worry about my two little ones being outside—that feels like asking for the moon. Add to that the recent discovery of pet fees—monthly, no less—and I’m left staring at my realtor like, “Wait, so now my pets have rent too?” I get it—pets can cause wear and tear, and I completely get the nonrefundable pet fee that comes in addition to the deposit but a whole monthly fee? It’s a money grab, plain and simple.

I’ve caught myself wondering: Am I crazy for thinking this is unreasonable? Is this just the cost of living now, or has it truly gotten out of hand? But then I remind myself: this isn’t about giving up or giving in. It’s about staying resilient.

Here’s the motivation I’m holding on to today: every hurdle, every frustration, every “this is too much” moment is part of the process of finding something worthwhile. Somewhere out there is the right home for my family—a place that feels safe, nurturing, and just right for all of us, pets included.

If you’re in a similar place—feeling like life is tossing roadblocks your way—know this: you’re not alone. Keep advocating for yourself. Don’t let the stress take away your voice, your power, or your vision of what you deserve. Because even in the mess of it all, you’ll find a way through. I believe that. I have to believe that.

Here’s to another week of figuring it out, one step at a time. Let’s keep going. ✨