Hitting the Reset Button

In 2019, I walked away from a career that took 15 years to create.

Since the age of 25, I had opened five brick & mortar stores, had an e-commerce business, a clothing and a beauty brand, franchised a professional commercial dance studio, and chaired several Community Boards.

I created and curated relationships with over 150 employees; formed connections that turned into lifelong friendships. And with a smile on my face every day, I managed to always show up.  

Looking back, I realize now that I was on autopilot. I was no longer present in the moment, no longer productive and worst of all, no longer happy. I was seeking the easiest way to get through my days. And I was tolerating things that I shouldn’t. So much was happening in my journey. But I was just tired. I was no longer fulfilled, and my anxiety was at an all time high. I struggled to get out of bed, stick to lunch dates with friends and even answer simple text conversations. I knew that to be the best mom I could possibly be for my son, I had to show him that I was stronger than this. I needed to lead by example. I needed a fresh start and to change the life that I built for over a decade.

So I decided to walk away from it all. I needed a change of pace, a change of perspective and most importantly; a chance to feel like me again. 

I moved with my son to a new country and I attended a University program in California to refresh my skills after years of just coasting. 

I’ve realized that we tend to build up our identities around careers and relationships.  Although it seemingly offers a sense of security and stability, its easy to lose one’s sense of self. Because there’s a loss that comes when you walk away from it all.  

I’ve entered a new stage and sometimes feel like I have no value, no purpose, and no worth. It’s a struggle to find my place in this world again.

But here I am. Ready.

I accept that I might never get back to the success I once had and have the relationships that I once did. And I’m ok with that. But there’s also a strong possibility that my new path will be even better than it was before.

I no longer feel that I need to list my achievements to prove my worth. I have confidence and a self-awareness I lacked in my twenties. 

I am resilient. I’m ready to start showing up for my life again and decide how I really want to live.

This is my life now.