Problem: Article: You can use rubber bands to fasten paper towels or a cleaning wipe to a paint roller, which can then be rolled across the fan blades. If you don't have these materials you can use a broom to dust the blades of a ceiling fan. You'll need a broom to sweep wood and tile floors and a vacuum to clean any carpets. You can sweep from end to end, or start along one wall and clean the perimeter of the room, working your way inward. Use a similar method for carpeted rooms. Once you've swept the floors, you may need to mop to clean up any dirt and dust that accumulated over the winter. Fill a bucket with warm water and a cleaning agent like Murphy's Oil or Pinesol. Dip a mop into the bucket, ring it out thoroughly, and work your way across the floor. Start in the corner farthest from the door you'll use to leave the room, so you don't have to walk across a wet floor. Use short strokes and move with the grain of the floor, if the floors are made of wood.
Summary: Dust any ceiling fans. Sweep and vacuum the floors. Mop the floors.

Problem: Article: If you made notes or wrote a letter, keep them with you. Do your best to focus on your personal feelings and experiences. If your mom tries to interrupt you, gently say, "I know you have a lot of feelings and questions, but I need to say this." It's okay if you get emotional, rush your words, or forget something. Even if your words don't come out perfectly, you should still be proud of yourself for speaking your truth. After you finish telling your mom that you're gay, say something like, "I know this is a lot to process. I've spent a long time thinking about it myself. Do you have any questions for me? I'll do my best to answer them." Even if your mom appears angry or sad or confused, commit to sitting there with her, even if it's uncomfortable. In the best-case scenario, your mom will be supportive and loving. Even if this happens, she may still have questions! Be sure to give her time. If your mom says she needs time to process what happened, say, "I totally get it. When you're ready, let me know and we can keep talking." It may be hard, but try to not get defensive, angry, or combative. Some things that are obvious to you may not be that way to your mom. For example, if your mom asks, "Is this my fault?" you may want to scream at her that being gay is not a bad thing. If you can, respond calmly with something like, "You've been a great mom and my being gay is just who I am. It isn't because of anything you did or didn't do." You may feel like you've switched roles with your mom. That's a really common phenomenon when a child comes out to their parent. When and how you come out to others should be your decision, so make sure to talk to your mom about keeping your conversation private until you're ready for others to know. If you aren't ready for your grandparents, cousins, or others to know you're gay, ask your mom to keep your news to herself. Try saying something like, "I haven't come out to very many people yet. It's something I'm still working through. Until I'm ready, I'd appreciate it if you could keep this private between us." If you want help telling someone else that you're gay, say something like, "I haven't told dad that I'm gay yet and I'm nervous. How do you think I should do it?" Regardless of how your mom responded, having this conversation was a hard and brave thing for you to do. It's a huge step in your journey and in owning your sexual identity. If the conversation went badly or not how you wanted, it's also okay and normal to feel upset. Talk with your support system, and try to remember that many parents need time (weeks or even months) before they adapt to this new information.
Summary: Share honestly about your journey to self-discovery. Ask your mom if she has any questions and tell her you're happy to talk. Respond to comments and questions calmly and with confidence. Set up boundaries for who your mom can share this news with. Be proud of yourself for having a difficult conversation with your mom!

Problem: Article: Committing yourself to a fulfilling pursuit means that passion can pick up the slack when you're not feeling especially driven. This doesn't necessarily mean to pursue something you find fun 24/7, but it should be meaningful to you. The effort you exert should be on something that will make you proud in the end. Focus on completing the tasks which will benefit you the most in the long run. Learn to identify the difference between "high-value" tasks (that which will benefit you the most in the long term) versus "low-value" tasks (that which may be easier, but will offer much fewer benefits). Follow through on that which you've begun. Finishing one project will teach you exponentially more than a dozen fizzled-out attempts, even if you never want to look at that project again. Successful innovators are often lauded and idolized, but it can still be terrifying to pursue the unproven idea. Don't be afraid of venturing into the unknowngreat ideas may be a dime a dozen, but actually putting in the work to pursue a great idea can be extremely rewarding. Networking can easily feel mercenary and shallow when advertised too overtly. Understand that networking is crucial to success in most industries, but that you should never forget that you're forging connections with other people. You never know when you might form a true bond on an unexpected occasion, and find your next business partner, investor, or employer. Studies have shown that the most successful business people excel in both cognitive and social skills. Don't neglect your interpersonal skills!
Summary:
Pursue something meaningful to you. Prioritize your tasks. Complete your projects. Introduce the unexpected. Network like a human being.