Life often hands us chapters filled with turmoil and introspection. For many of us, career decisions aren't just influenced by our professional aspirations, but by the intricate dance of life events that unfold around us. For me, this year was a time of change, tugging at my heartstrings and propelling me into profound self-discovery.

A Time of Anticipation and Reflection

January 2023 marked a significant pivot in my career. After holding a desirable C-Suite position, leading an incredible team of 50+ marketing professionals, I took a deep breath and resigned. This wasn't a decision made lightly nor impulsively. Behind this choice were moments of introspection, fear, and anticipation. Ultimately, my decision became clear when I realized that my longing to be present for myself clashed with the demanding responsibilities that the role deserved.

July 2023 was another milestone of change. As I turned 50, I found myself at the intersection of reflection and confusion. Five decades offered a vantage point, a panorama of experiences, decisions, joys, and learnings. Completing a significant 7.5-year reading project the same month was a testament to my persistence and offered self-validation that I could accomplish big goals, but I still had a looming imposter syndrome. Despite my proven endurance and focus, I felt a yearning for a deeper connection to work with subjects that I loved professionally that was absent. As my career positions climbed the ladder, I missed the day-to-day actions in strategy, creative, and storytelling that were my foundations. I felt disjointed.

As summer ended, the looming shadows of time were becoming clearer daily, sometimes hourly, with my aging parents. Their increasing needs and the ephemeral nature of life reminded me that time, once passed, is irretrievable. Unfortunately, two months ago today, this reality became even more tangible with the passing of my best friend, my mother. I was shattered, and might never fully recover from that loss, but it taught me the most important lesson of my life: TRUST MY GUT.

In retrospect, the decision to step back from the rigors of executive leadership at that exact moment was right. I trusted my instincts and it allowed me those extra moments, memories, and time, albeit short, to be there when it mattered most.

Lessons Gleaned from the Tumult

While this year has tested me, it's also bestowed lessons that I will carry forward. Here are insights and advice for those navigating similar terrains:

1. Allow Yourself to Feel: Embracing our vulnerability makes us more human and connects us deeper with those around us. It's alright to grieve, to feel lost, or to be overwhelmed. It's a testament to our ability to love, experience, and grow.
2. Lean on Your Community: In my toughest times, my inner circle has been my rock. Whether through heartfelt conversations or shared silences, I've realized that true strength is found in mutual support.
3. Rediscover and Reconnect with Your Passion: Being away from the full-time work temporarily, I've rekindled my love for travel, storytelling, and all things creative. The joy in doing what we truly love is unparalleled and reignited a flame within.
4. Stay Optimistic: Even amidst adversity, believe in brighter tomorrows. Every experience, however challenging, adds layers to our resilience and depth to our character.
5. Change Your Situation: Sometimes a change of place, teams, culture or responsibilities helps to reframe your world. An Ebb and Flow approach professionally can also help.
6. Your Skills Endure: A step away from a big job doesn't mean you can't ever go back at that level. Trust that the skills that got you where you were are still assets, and when you're ready to put them back out there they maintain their value.

Emerging Stronger for the Future

Despite the complex challenges I've navigated, this year has not weakened me. Instead, it has fortified my spirit and enriched my perspective. Here's how:

• Expanded Empathy: I've experienced the universal human emotions of loss, love, and longing in their rawest forms. This deepens my understanding of diverse personal challenges many face, making me a more empathetic and compassionate person.
• Resilience and Adaptability: Navigating personal and professional transitions simultaneously has enhanced my resilience. I can adapt to change, both anticipated and unexpected, with grace and determination.
• Clarity in Purpose: This phase of introspection has sharpened my focus. I am clearer about my goals, both personal and professional, and have a stronger skillset to balance the two.
• Commitment to Growth: My journey underscores my commitment to continuous personal and professional growth. This period has been a crucible of self-improvement, and I emerge from it with heightened skills and enriched wisdom.

To those sailing through life's stormy seas, remember that these trials often herald the most transformative phases of our lives. As I stand at this pivotal juncture, with a heart brimming with gratitude and eyes set on the horizon, I am ready and eager for the adventures and opportunities that lie ahead.