Back in August, I started a new series to document how I was planning to leave my job and finally build the life I’ve always wanted.
But as the saying goes: “When we plan, God laughs.”
Due to unexpected health issues, my plan to leave my unfulfilling job is on pause. At least for now. I still plan to leave eventually, but it can’t be right away because, quite frankly, I need the health insurance I get through my job.
So instead of quitting, I’m shifting my focus. I’m exploring new positions within my company where I can be challenged and earn more, while continuing to work on my dream life on the side, until I’m truly ready to leap.
🧠 Health, Lessons, and Perspective
Right now, I don’t know exactly what my health journey will look like — whether it means surgery or medication to manage my breast infection and pituitary tumor.
But I do know this: everything is going to be okay.
Everything that’s happening right now is happening for me, not to me. These challenges are opportunities for growth and evolution. Life is teaching me lessons in ways that might feel harsh at times, but I know it’s for my highest good.
🌱 Taking FMLA: My Wake-Up Call
I’m currently on FMLA for five weeks, and getting here was a process.
I had to advocate for myself like never before. Calling HR, talking to my doctor, filling out forms. It was my first time ever requesting FMLA, and yes, it was overwhelming and confusing.
But when I got approved, I felt proud. My body was screaming for a break, and I finally listened. Peak season at work was just beginning, and I knew I could push through the long hours and stress, but the cost would have been my health.
So I chose me.
📝 How I’m Using FMLA Time Intentionally
I’ve been in this position before. Having extra time and then looking back later with regret because I didn’t use it wisely. I don’t want that this time.
Instead of mindlessly scrolling social media or binge-watching Netflix, I’m using this time to:
- Break bad habits and build discipline
- Create daily to-do lists for accountability
- Work on my blog consistently
- Spend 3–4 hours a day at Barnes & Noble (my new “office”) to focus on writing
Being around other people working on their own projects gives me motivation and reminds me that energy is contagious.
🌀 Embracing My Messy, Beautiful Life
I used to idolize “perfect” morning routines and productivity hacks on YouTube and TikTok. But lately, I’ve been asking myself: Who am I doing this for?
The truth is, no one’s life is perfect. Most of what we see online is filtered and curated and I don’t want to keep living behind a mask.
My life is messy, imperfect, and sometimes chaotic. And for the first time, I’m okay with that.
🧘 Lessons I’m Learning Right Now
This season is teaching me to:
- Slow down and listen to my body
- Rest intentionally, instead of letting “lazy days” consume me
- Feel my emotions fully, but not let them control me
- Balance discipline with grace, knowing I can’t do it all perfectly
I want to look back at these five weeks and say: I used this time well.
🔗 Final Thoughts
If you’re reading this, my message for you is simple:
Be intentional with how you use your time and energy.
Reflect on the past but not to feel guilt or shame; to see what you can do differently moving forward. We live in a world of instant gratification, but real change takes time and daily choices.
This season is my chance to lay the foundation for the life I want to live over the next 5–10 years. And I intend to make every day count.