Apologies for the quietness – I’ve literally just moved (last week) and had no internet access, am in the midst of three freelance projects, have my volunteer positions and life! I’m hoping all is back to normal this week! I have over 500 posts to catch up on! I’ve set aside Thursday evening to literally read all your wonderful blogs & watch the last ER!!!
This post has been mulling around in my head for quiet a while, do you remember when I shared that I felt like I was lost? I felt I was living some sort of career existence that was expected of me but not what I wanted? It was a long battle in my head and heart about what to do. If I was married and becoming a mother, it would probably be easy to tell people I was down tracking my career in order to spend more time with family etc, as I told people what I was doing many were shocked and surprised – I heard a range of responses from people questioning why I’d go so far in my career at such a young age to turn my back on it, why I didn’t just think of the money etc. But the more I thought about it & prayed about it the more I knew it wasn’t a choice, I had to follow where I felt I was being moved to.
It has been a month now since I finished, early days really and yet already I believe I’m finding out who I am and what I want to be. I’m already dreaming, pondering, reflecting and making decisions. I still need to do work in order to pay bills but I’m only working part time and instead of focusing on growing savings I’m focusing on growing my life & soul. I’m knitting, reading, baking, cooking, walking, swimming, learning and giving. I do not allow my days to revolve around work, it is simply a part of my day! I’ve learned to set limits – for example even when I have a freelance deadline literally days away I do not work Sundays – oh how different to my time in London. I can now focus on other things than deadlines, meetings, conference calls and demands and I now have the confidence and strength to say no when managers try to change the goal posts, boundaries etc.
I now have time to volunteer, become a better friend and grow emotionally and spiritually! These are now more important than seeing my bank statement increase at the end of the month.
It has only been a month and yet I feel like I’ve gained the world.
“There are two ways to live: you can live as if nothing is a miracle; you can live as if everything is a miracle”
- Winston Churchill
I choose the latter, how about you?
I cannot wait to gain the world. I am brewing my plan to take off from this ‘corporate’ existance.
Glad to hear that you are doing well.
hi FT, i know i’ve been quiet lately too, but i’ve been reading
I just wanted to say that your posts continue to inspire me so much, i’m grateful to the powers of the interwebs that delivered your life-changing thoughts to me 
Such an inspiring post.
I’m so pleased for you that after even this short time you feel this way about the changes in your life.
Re-evaluating what I want from life is something I want to think about and your post has given me plenty to consider.
Thank you
Lisa x
Everything really is a miracle, FT! Of course, I’m 64 and retired and viewing life differently, and even when I wasn’t, my husband was a professor and we were able to spend more time together than most people ever do. We lived at a cottage at Lake Chautauqua in the summers and Paul was with me and the kids what felt like all the time, even though he was consulting and rebuilding the cottage……….
I think you have acted very wisely. You will have time to realy connect with the present moment, the only part of our lives on earth when time touches eternity. You can really be there. You can continue to cultivate your grateful heart and mindfullness. You can really get to know people. This may be the best of all…….God bless you!
yes, following the brightly coloured things (make sense to me). its your life, live it as your heart desires. a huge step and totally in the right direction. so many people never ever realise and some not until it is too late. xx big hugs
It’s wonderful that you are so happy with your life now. Being a freelancer gives you much more freedom than working in a corporate environment ever would.
I hope that the move went well and that you are settling into your new home.
Best wishes,
Roz
Hi there! So pleased tohear life is going so well for you, there is so much to it than work and stress!! Good for you and keep it going!
I was just now looking for info about this when I came by your post. I’m only dropping by to say that I really enjoyed reading this post, it is really clear and well written. Are you thinking of posting more on this? It looks like there is more depth here for later posts.
Well, after having been back at work for three months (after a year off) all I can say is that at the end of this contract (6 months) I’m going to try my very hardest to find a part-time job so I can really pursue those things you are talking about.
Lovely post FT. Hope your move went well and that you are settling in ok
Hi FT, Just finished reading your archives and commend you on your amazing journey so far. I came across your blog via Rhonda at Down-to-Earth who is also very inspirational. I’ve been feeling the need to get off the treadmill for a while now and live a more simple life and I think this is how I was drawn to PF blogs in addition to the craft ones I normally read.
You inspire so many people with your positive attitude to life in general and your health. I wish you good luck for the rest of your journey.
Very inspirational post. Although I’m a bit older than you, I’ve been contemplating many of these same things…. including ditching the hardcore job for a more simpler existence.
Thanks for writing, I really enjoyed reading your newest post. I think you should post more often, you evidently have natural ability for blogging!
hey, great quote. i stole it.
i can definitely understand where you are coming from – i am debating never going back to the 9-5 grind ever again. 
Well done! So lovely to hear that you are finding your way to peace and happiness!