I would come home exhausted. Not physically but mentally and most times emotionally. My job was draining the life out of me and I was only in my early 30's. I was fading fast and I knew, for the sake of my health and marriage that I needed to redirect my skills and energy elsewhere.
I love puzzles! Growing up my Papa almost always had a puzzle on the go. It was fun to sit out in the enclosed "bug house" on a rainy afternoon and do a puzzle. It challenged my mind, kept me busy and at the end you got to see what you created. For the last 11 years, I have been a Kitchen Designer. I LOVE designing. I bleed design. I love the way pieces go together and the satisfaction of the end result. Just like a puzzle.
I went to college for Interior Design. A 3 year program that was intense and a lot of sleepless nights. At the time, I did not drink caffeine...so you can only imagine how tired I was most days. While those days were over, when my 8:30-5 job was done, my brain did not always turn off when I drove home.
There were so many times that I drove home on auto-pilot because I was thinking of a design, a problem or a job. Going to sleep most nights was either great or hell. Some nights I would fall asleep before my head even hit the pillow, other nights I was a mess - tossing and turning and watching the seconds tick on by.
At the time, I was focused on building my design career. The job that I had worked so hard to get and find my niche in the sea of so many other designers where I live (this market is a tough dog-eat-dog world). I had finally found what felt like home but quickly started to back slide. Do not get me wrong, I LOVED my job - but only 10% of it. The other 90% was bullshit! Yes that 90% was necessary and a part of the job, but it was far too much for one person to handle. Putting so much on one person is not a great business move. It takes a toll on that person's well being, mental and physical health and pretty soon you will find a vacant office because that person has had enough.
It takes a toll on that person's well being, mental and physical health
A year ago I signed up for #yogateachertraining as it was the next step that I wanted to take in my #yoga practice. I hit the ground running when I got all the information, but then Summer came. There was yard work to be done, home renovations to complete or start and the every day tasks of life happened. My training's fell by the way side. On top of all that, coming home from my full time job left me with no desire to read, learn or implement.
I pulled back from yoga and my exercise routine. With no energy to wake up early to get it in and no will power to complete it when I got home, it went good-bye. Which in turn, so did my teachings, practice and desire to post onto social media.
I knew something had to change. I made a promise and commitment to myself when I purchased that course, and I intent to uphold that to myself.
I put it out into the world. I manifested the job I have now, in a way!
I put it out into the world. I manifested the job I have now, in a way! I asked for a work from home, make my own schedule, come and go as I please full-time job that would allow me to peruse my hobbies that I wanted to turn into a passion. Allowing me to work on my training's, go to classes and learn from other teachers.
Well the Universe did not disappoint! She came through for me and then some. I was offered a job that checked all those boxes. Allowing me to focus on my hobby.
I retired from my career 5 months ago, and I feel amazing! The stress has been lifted, I feel lighter, more in tune with my body and emotions. I have the freedom to come and go as I please, decide when and where I want to be, while still making a comfortable living.
Leaving my career was scary. I had worked so hard to build my career. I had so much more to do, design and share, but it was time to let that part of my life go. Do you want to know what the scariest part was? Knowing that so many people would have so many opinions on my life choice. Friends, family and even work acquaintances would all have something to say - whether positive or negative. But you know what? Screw them all! Ya, I said it. Do not do something because of someone else. This is YOUR life. Live it the way YOU want to. Dream big, no bigger than that! Reach for the stars and grab a hold of them, take em for a spin around the solar system!
I do not know what the rest of this year will bring, or the next, or the next after that. I do not know what will come of this new adventure or where it will take me in the future. But, what I can say is: Never look back and No regrets!
Yoga is YOUR practice, YOUR time, YOUR journey. Let it be what YOU need it to be. Step on your mat and Let it all Go.
Namaste, Tal
*Disclaimer: These are my own, personal, honest opinions/practice.  This post was not sponsored. YogatationCa is not a certified Yoga Teacher and will not be held liable for any recommendations or information provided. This post is designed for educational purposes only and is not engaged in rendering medical advice, legal advice, or professional services. Therefore, try/practice at your own risk.  Always consult your doctor before trying a new exercise.
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