Are you listening?
Maybe the music is up too loud? The noise of friends, family, strangers, or even yourself?
Can you turn it down? Do you even know how?
The last several months I’ve been stressed, there’s no doubt about it. Sure, I’ve been doing what I can to reduce it and starting each morning with workouts that help bring me back down. I’ve learned the appropriate amount of sleep for myself and I’m eating clean, nutritious foods, but it just wasn’t enough. The meltdowns were happening, the lack of motivation (in all aspects of my life) was looming, and I needed to make a change.
Sometimes changes are also sacrifices. A veer from what you originally planned, what was the smart, safe and yet still necessary choice. And then it turns sour and you have to pull an audible.
Are you brave enough to make that decision?
I stared a second job back in February. The plan was to work there for a year or until I got some major bills paid off and felt comfortable with my financial situation again. I was working 10-12 hours a week and while the job wasn’t hard, it filled me with unnecessary stress. It just wasn’t working for me and I knew it was time to make a decision.
The second part of the plan included diving into freelance and get that base setup before I put in notice or left, but then I hit my breaking point and found myself teetering on the edge of meltdown. I took a deep breath, finished my shift, and went home that night with a decision to make. Was I now risking my health? My sanity? All of the good things I had built for myself? It’s not worth it.
When I went in the next day, I put in my 2 weeks notice. It was like an immediate weight lifted from my shoulders and I knew I was making the right decision. Saturday marks my final shift and in the last two weeks, I’ve secured 3 sponsored post opportunities, have another in the works, and have more ideas and plans I’m flushing out myself. Sure things can fall through and blogging is never guaranteed at my level, but it’s felt like reassurance and that’s what matters for me.
I bring this up today because maybe you’ve fallen into the same trap. Maybe not in the same way, with a part time job that is no longer serving you, but with another aspect of your life.
I want you to think about what in your life needs to be evaluated or re-considered? It doesn’t make you a failure, it makes you strong and powerful. And because life is way too freaking short to live a life that isn’t serving you.
What do you need to re-evaluate today? Are you listening to YOU?
So I spend a hour in the AM and a hour in the PM so that I can have some quiet time to myself. I usually workout to some instrumental music or even read. I just need some low-key time before I put on my Mommy hat.
That’s very smart!
That quote is perfect!
Right?!
Talk about a timely post. I just let go of my agent today. It was one of the scariest things I’ve done, because now I’m jumping without a net. But I know it was the right decision for me and my career.
Megan Gonzalez recently posted…So Many Books, So Little Time — 5.26.16
You do YOU, girl!
so proud of you for being able to do that….i have those days but right now, i keep telling myself that its only a matter of time.
dixya @food, pleasure, and health recently posted…Sugar is Sugar BUT…
Thanks, girl! 🙂
I am glad I stumbled upon this today. Meltdown, had enough. I am most definitely there alot. But, I too have found my happy zone. I did make a change that I can live with. You need that obsession with what you do. Find that something and go for it.
Sandy Mangis recently posted…Keys To Building The Best Foundation For A Successful Online Business
It’s just so important!
Changes are always good, but not necessarily easy… Thanks for sharing! 🙂
Changes are usually good… 😉
Sometimes those changes are the hardest to make!
Amberly recently posted…How Important and Intentional is Date Night in Your Marriage?
Agreed!
Way to go, lady! I’e had plenty of instances in my life where I had to close the door on something in order to prioritize my mental health, and I’ve never regretted it. Things always have a way of working out, but we need to be healthy in order for that to happen. Sending lots of good vibes your way 🙂
Amanda @ .running with spoons. recently posted…crazy powders, music feels, & an important question (ToL#184)
Thanks, girl!! 🙂
Goof for you. I’ve been there before where I am trying so hard and just running in circles working 2 jobs and just needing a break. It’s hard to find that balance, just because you can handle something doesn’t mean it’s healthy. I hope your last day is awesome.
Dia All The Things I DO recently posted…2015-2016 Network Predictions A Year Later
As always, balance really is key! Thanks, girlie!
LOVE this. Isn’t it amazing freedom when you can just say, “No,” because you know you don’t need those extra things in your life that are just weighing you down?
Emily recently posted…TOLT: When a Homebody Travels
SO freeing!
This is a really great message! Even if taking charge of your life involves some failures along the way, those are easier to swallow than the regrets of roads not taken. Thanks for sharing. <3
Kathleen recently posted…Suburbia be Damned, My Summer’s Going to Be Bomb.
So true, girl!
Good reminder! My type A personality often means I push myself to continue doing something past the point that I realize the path is not working for me. I’m a bit stubborn. But like you when I finally give myself permission to choose a different path, it is such a relief.
Girl, you and me both!
Great message here and right to the point. Like Gary Vaynerchuk often says: “if you are living for the weekends, you’re [expletive deleted] is messed up.” Find your passion. Find what makes you happy. And work like a crazy person to achieve those goals. It’s only when we break through the noise and listen to what our insides are telling us that we will really see progress towards ultimate happiness. Thanks for sharing!
Pete recently posted…HOW TO: Survive a Playdate
YES!!!
Such a wonderful post! I’m in the middle of some life changes and while it can be scary, I feel so much more alive now! Best of luck to you on your journey!!
I’m so happy to hear that girl! You keep living life and rocking it!
This hits home right now. I need to make a change. Life is tok short to spend it stressed!
Absolutely!
This is so true. We constantly have to reassess our situation to ensure its making us happy and helping us reach our goals
So true!
I’m feeling this right now. I’m feeling unsettled and antsy for a life change. I also feel I may have to wait for a change longer than I thought. I think I need to plan out the best plan of action and not be afraid to dive in to some freelance work. It’s scary, huh?!
Congrats on making that choice! I hope things begin to fall in to place!
Heather @ Polyglot Jot recently posted…TOL: Food Photos & Food as Art
It sure is scary! Good luck to you too, girl!
This was so me a few months ago. I had definitely fallen into a trap of complacency and knowing I needed to change something up. Thank goodness I did!
Susie @ SuzLyfe recently posted…The Best Part of Being Married
Yes, thank goodness!! 🙂 🙂
Such a powerful post! Good for you for making that tough decision! I bet it wasn’t an easy one to make, but in the end it is for the better! The feeling of a weight being off of your shoulders right away is the best proof that you did the right thing! Our health and well-being are the most important aspects of our lives and we need to do whatever we can to protect them!
Hugs and congrats on the sponsored post opportunities xxx
Chrissy recently posted…Things I Am Loving This Month
It’s still not an easy one, but yes, a needed one! Thanks for your support, girl! 🙂