Melissa, I met you at the Ann Arbor public library. I took your card; it went through the laundry and survived! I took it as a sign and looked up your website. I loved that little frog, Hubert, whom I met at the library.
After reading this post, I see why I met you. I have also left the comfort of a place I knew well into the unknown of a future unfolding daily. I am grateful for those who support and surround me. I hear and honor your fear and trepidation. Sometimes "take the leap and the net will appear" is more like "Ummm... how do I know the net will be there?" I admire your bravery and share your fear in the uncertainty of it all.
I look forward to reading more about your life and perhaps we'll met at the library again, after you've published Hubert's story :-)
Since writing this post, I have gone back to work. I’ve been at the new job for a couple of weeks now. It’s not what my heart wants, but it’s what my family needs. I don’t have as much time to devote to my art now, but I’ll never give up on my dream. I am still hopeful that, someday, my art will keep us afloat. I am happy for you for stepping out of your comfort zone. I do hope that it works out for you. Having people support you in this endeavor will help give you the courage to carry on.
Oh yes, I am sure we will meet again and chat about Hubert some more. ☺️
It was so very nice to hear from you, Ashima. I’m so glad that we met and I wish you the very best. 🧡
This is a lovely piece, Melissa. And I salute you for your courage in taking that daunting leap into the unknown. Congratulations. I look forward to reading more of your posts :)
There comes a time when enough is enough and you are ready to pursue your dream.You are ready now. The evidences is there in your happiness, connection to nature and the love of your family. Cherish this time and you will bloom naturally. It’s a journey to joy. A courageous and essential step into your true self and purpose 🦋
I love the support that your husband gives. It’s so beautiful and a testament of your love. Congratulations. I know this was back in May, but this is my first time coming across all this inspiration and hope. So beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Im doing what you're doing, only I don't have a husband or even friends or anyone that can carry the load, really all I have is providence and somehow I just keep getting by....I am confident that you will too.
Oh, I feel this. I quit, too, six months ago. I had a vague vision of building my business. Looking back, I could have taken a much more prepared approach. The last six months have been filled with establishing new habits, learning to do a whole bunch of new things, wrestling with new ways of being responsible for myself. Stepping away after 18 years also means I've had to work on redefining who I am to myself and my community. I hadn't really expected the impact that would have on me. I've only recently been able to say, "No, I'm not actually there anymore". It's been a lot of internal work, and I'm grateful that I've been able to take the time to work through that and focus on defining what it is that I'm doing next, how to talk about my business. It's been scary.
It's also been great. In the last six months, I've focused on the things that are most important to me, the things that ultimately led to my decision to quit. I'm healthier, have spent time with the people and in the places that matter to me, and am at peace.
I'm glad to have found your Substack and am sending supportive thoughts your way. Here's to you and what's next and here's to us and everyone else who has taken the big leap.
Hi, Wendee! Wow, we quit nearly around the same time. I, too, could have been more prepared, but I think I would still be there today if I had done it the “smart” way. Isn’t it funny how much leaving a job changes you and helps you grow and causes you to see yourself in a new light? I’m still maneuvering my way through it and slowly figuring it all out. Too slowly, honestly. I thought I’d be a bit further on my journey by now.
I’m so glad that you’ve found your happiness and peace after quitting your job. It’s like a whole new world out there when you’re free. It does wonders for your physical and mental health.
I wish you continued happiness and success with your business. It sounds like you’re on the right track so I think you’re going to soar. Thank you so much for sharing your story with me. I’m so proud of you for taking that leap! 🧡🧡🧡
Wow! What an inspiring story. It takes a great deal of courage to leave one's comfort zone for the scary unknown. Congratulations on the unfolding of your new story.
Good on you for quitting and wanting to pursue something that actually makes you happy. Life is too short to be stuck in a job you don't like or stuck in a situation that isn't bringing you joy or fulfilment. I quit my corporate job last year to focus on my writing and art. I'm still figuring things out but I'm much happier now than I was last year.
Congrats on leaving your job. I’m still figuring things out as well. It’s hard. But, like you, it’s a newfound happiness for me too. I’m broke, but I’m happy. xo
Have you thought about creating oracle cards? It’s just your images speak very deeply. Intuitive people could hear a lot for your art. Just a thought… I don’t know much about how you’d go about doing it tho.
I admire your courage to quit. I’ve been contemplating looking for a different job for a while and just when I feel like I’m strong enough to do it, I talk myself out of it for one reason or another and stay where I’m comfortable if not all that happy. Good for you letting go and taking the leap!
Hi, Tina. I think it’s great that you’re being cautious. It’s true what they say - the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. But…what if it is? It might be worth looking into, especially if you’re not happy at your current job. It doesn’t hurt to just look and maybe have a couple interviews. ☺️🧡
So powerful to read, thank you for sharing. I left my employed job nearly two years ago and it took me years to realise I needed to step away. It's scary, but I think even scarier to stay in a job that doesn't feel right... Rooting for you! 💖
I knew from year two that I wanted to leave. I wish I would have been brave enough to leave then instead of waiting 10 more years. How does it feel, now that it’s been two years since you left your job?
it’s the best thing I ever did. Managing my nervous system through the uncertainty and reminding myself there will be ebbs and flows has been the hardest part, but a real good learning
You are a hero for standing up for what you believe in. I applauded you when you left because of the 93 yr old's mistreatment. Oh my heart ached. The unknown is so scary and I'm glad your smile is back. I adore the support your husband is giving you.
Oh my gosh, it was so awful. I could not believe the words that came out of his mouth. I was disgusted. Yes, the unknown is really scary, but I’m trying to hang on to hope. My hubby is the best thing ever. ☺️
I'm so proud of you too!
Melissa, I met you at the Ann Arbor public library. I took your card; it went through the laundry and survived! I took it as a sign and looked up your website. I loved that little frog, Hubert, whom I met at the library.
After reading this post, I see why I met you. I have also left the comfort of a place I knew well into the unknown of a future unfolding daily. I am grateful for those who support and surround me. I hear and honor your fear and trepidation. Sometimes "take the leap and the net will appear" is more like "Ummm... how do I know the net will be there?" I admire your bravery and share your fear in the uncertainty of it all.
I look forward to reading more about your life and perhaps we'll met at the library again, after you've published Hubert's story :-)
In Peace,
Ashima
Hi, Ashima! I remember you! ☺️
Since writing this post, I have gone back to work. I’ve been at the new job for a couple of weeks now. It’s not what my heart wants, but it’s what my family needs. I don’t have as much time to devote to my art now, but I’ll never give up on my dream. I am still hopeful that, someday, my art will keep us afloat. I am happy for you for stepping out of your comfort zone. I do hope that it works out for you. Having people support you in this endeavor will help give you the courage to carry on.
Oh yes, I am sure we will meet again and chat about Hubert some more. ☺️
It was so very nice to hear from you, Ashima. I’m so glad that we met and I wish you the very best. 🧡
This is a lovely piece, Melissa. And I salute you for your courage in taking that daunting leap into the unknown. Congratulations. I look forward to reading more of your posts :)
Thank you so much, Simon. That leap was years in the making. ☺️
There comes a time when enough is enough and you are ready to pursue your dream.You are ready now. The evidences is there in your happiness, connection to nature and the love of your family. Cherish this time and you will bloom naturally. It’s a journey to joy. A courageous and essential step into your true self and purpose 🦋
Thank you for the encouraging words, Kate. 😊 I’m trying really hard, but it’s tough. 🧡
I love the support that your husband gives. It’s so beautiful and a testament of your love. Congratulations. I know this was back in May, but this is my first time coming across all this inspiration and hope. So beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you. He’s my rock. Thanks so much for being here. 🧡
Im doing what you're doing, only I don't have a husband or even friends or anyone that can carry the load, really all I have is providence and somehow I just keep getting by....I am confident that you will too.
I’m so glad that you’re able to get by and I’m betting that will continue for you. 🧡
Oh, I feel this. I quit, too, six months ago. I had a vague vision of building my business. Looking back, I could have taken a much more prepared approach. The last six months have been filled with establishing new habits, learning to do a whole bunch of new things, wrestling with new ways of being responsible for myself. Stepping away after 18 years also means I've had to work on redefining who I am to myself and my community. I hadn't really expected the impact that would have on me. I've only recently been able to say, "No, I'm not actually there anymore". It's been a lot of internal work, and I'm grateful that I've been able to take the time to work through that and focus on defining what it is that I'm doing next, how to talk about my business. It's been scary.
It's also been great. In the last six months, I've focused on the things that are most important to me, the things that ultimately led to my decision to quit. I'm healthier, have spent time with the people and in the places that matter to me, and am at peace.
I'm glad to have found your Substack and am sending supportive thoughts your way. Here's to you and what's next and here's to us and everyone else who has taken the big leap.
Hi, Wendee! Wow, we quit nearly around the same time. I, too, could have been more prepared, but I think I would still be there today if I had done it the “smart” way. Isn’t it funny how much leaving a job changes you and helps you grow and causes you to see yourself in a new light? I’m still maneuvering my way through it and slowly figuring it all out. Too slowly, honestly. I thought I’d be a bit further on my journey by now.
I’m so glad that you’ve found your happiness and peace after quitting your job. It’s like a whole new world out there when you’re free. It does wonders for your physical and mental health.
I wish you continued happiness and success with your business. It sounds like you’re on the right track so I think you’re going to soar. Thank you so much for sharing your story with me. I’m so proud of you for taking that leap! 🧡🧡🧡
Wow! What an inspiring story. It takes a great deal of courage to leave one's comfort zone for the scary unknown. Congratulations on the unfolding of your new story.
Thank you, Caitlin. It’s still scary, but I’m trudging through one step at a time. 🧡☺️
Go you! Hello all the way from Dublin, checking out your posts now. Keep going, keep going.
Oh, wow! Hello! Thank you for being here. 🧡☺️
Good on you for quitting and wanting to pursue something that actually makes you happy. Life is too short to be stuck in a job you don't like or stuck in a situation that isn't bringing you joy or fulfilment. I quit my corporate job last year to focus on my writing and art. I'm still figuring things out but I'm much happier now than I was last year.
Congrats on leaving your job. I’m still figuring things out as well. It’s hard. But, like you, it’s a newfound happiness for me too. I’m broke, but I’m happy. xo
Have you thought about creating oracle cards? It’s just your images speak very deeply. Intuitive people could hear a lot for your art. Just a thought… I don’t know much about how you’d go about doing it tho.
No, I’ve never thought of making oracle cards. A couple people have suggested it though so maybe it’s something I should look into. :)
I had happy tears in my eyes reading this. I'm so happy for you, and hope the days just keep affirming the joy you've chosen. <3
That’s so sweet, Esther. Thank you. It has been a tough journey so far, but I’m determined to stick with it. xo
I admire your courage to quit. I’ve been contemplating looking for a different job for a while and just when I feel like I’m strong enough to do it, I talk myself out of it for one reason or another and stay where I’m comfortable if not all that happy. Good for you letting go and taking the leap!
Hi, Tina. I think it’s great that you’re being cautious. It’s true what they say - the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. But…what if it is? It might be worth looking into, especially if you’re not happy at your current job. It doesn’t hurt to just look and maybe have a couple interviews. ☺️🧡
So powerful to read, thank you for sharing. I left my employed job nearly two years ago and it took me years to realise I needed to step away. It's scary, but I think even scarier to stay in a job that doesn't feel right... Rooting for you! 💖
I knew from year two that I wanted to leave. I wish I would have been brave enough to leave then instead of waiting 10 more years. How does it feel, now that it’s been two years since you left your job?
it’s the best thing I ever did. Managing my nervous system through the uncertainty and reminding myself there will be ebbs and flows has been the hardest part, but a real good learning
That’s the hardest part for me, too. I’m still learning to ride the waves of it all.
Thanks for sharing your vulnerability! I am still working my 9-5 while trying to pursue my passion for art. Thanks for inspiring me today.
Hi, Alyssa! I’m wishing you the very best in pursuing your artistic endeavors! 🧡☺️
You are a hero for standing up for what you believe in. I applauded you when you left because of the 93 yr old's mistreatment. Oh my heart ached. The unknown is so scary and I'm glad your smile is back. I adore the support your husband is giving you.
Oh my gosh, it was so awful. I could not believe the words that came out of his mouth. I was disgusted. Yes, the unknown is really scary, but I’m trying to hang on to hope. My hubby is the best thing ever. ☺️