My concept of "success" has really changed throughout the years. I used to think it was completing school and earning a degree, and then I thought it was getting a good job with good pay, and then I thought it was finding a meaningful career. Now I realize although these things all can be considered successful, at the end of the day success is whatever makes you happy which is usually different for everybody. Your success may not be my success and my success may not be yours but we can recognize it in other people when they are truly happy.
I've worked in a corporate environment at a large company with good pay, great perks and amazing benefits. A job that allowed me to save money, eat well, spend money and pay off debts. I worked my way up through various positions over the course of 7 years….and hated every minute of it. It caused me stress, anxiety, tears, weight gain, and mood swings. I felt miserable and then I felt guilty for feeling miserable because all around me are people complaining about being broke or not even being able to find employment. How could I give up what they want? How could I be so ungrateful? It took me a long time to get over the feelings of guilt and finally come to the decision that I wanted to finally do something for me and only me. After speaking with numerous people about their biggest regret in life, the common theme was that the regret not taking more risks….whatever the risk was for them. So I prayed about it.
As I was preparing for the NYC Health and Beauty expo I was at the mall shopping one day and came across this tshirt.
In Canada, where I'm from maternity leave is 1 year off. I know tons of family and friends who have had a baby and taken a year off to nurture the child before returning….well I decided to do something selfish and take a year off to nurture just me. I submitted my resignation and am now happily job free :)
I'll be keeping busy with my business and building my brand:
http://www.ToniDaley.com
http://www.YouTube.com/ToniDaley80
http://www.YouTube.com/MissToniDaley
http://www.SupportaSista.com
I wanted to share my story in case some of you are going through the same thing and looking for a little inspiration. Life is too short to wonder what if….
I look forward to taking you along on this new journey of mine :)
Toni-I am so happy for you!! With your gifts, vision and faith in God "good success" is yours (joshua1:8) Congrats Congrats Congrats...u continue to inspire me
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteIf anything is causing you grief in this life you should separate from it...so glad you realized that. You do so much good in this world...all that goodness will always be returned....You are stepping out on faith and I am so happy for you!
ReplyDeleteLove you :)
DeleteToni , I'm so happy for you. I left Toronto in 2011 for a new job offers in Montreal. Within 2 weeks of starting my new job, I knew it wasn't where I'm supposed to be. I stayed with at company for 2 years before I finally quit in 2013. I had mental stress daily. I've decided to stay in Montreal for a while, but I am having a hard time finding a job due to me not being fully bilingual. I am now in French school, and although things are very tight for me financially, I do not regret quitting that job at all. I'm proud of you for making that decision.
ReplyDeleteWow, that is great…congrats to you too!
DeleteCongrats Toni! What you are experiencing is called FREEDOM! Just remember to always Believe Your Beliefs and Doubt your Doubts!
ReplyDeleteLove that! Thanks Chef :)
Deletegreat post Toni. There's nothing more important in life than to follow one's passion. Congratulations.
ReplyDeletewww.themanecaptain.blogspot.ca
Thank you :)
DeleteThis is so inspirational!!! I'm sure you will be well. Many blessings.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
DeleteYes! Your free to follow your dreams..no "what if's" you're not unemployed.. you're self employed! Not too many people can say that! Best wishes Toni!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much :)
DeleteCongratulations Toni! It's a hard thing to do, but life is too short to be unhappy for 8 hours every day. I agree that you're not unemployed. You are self-employed. I wish you continued success on this new path in your journey.
ReplyDeleteHi Toni, I think this is a great move for yourself! You have your other business with your jewelry, hair and art collection that you can spend more time building on.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!!! And wishing all the success you deserve and want!!
ReplyDeleteYour so inspiring hun and watching you makes me happy and lets me know I can stop being afraid as well and just do what I love. Keep it up xoxo
ReplyDeleteI love that you've stepped out on faith and not by sight. You'll be just fine. The universe will rise up to embrace you. Keep the fire burning, the twinkle in your eye, and that smile on your face and you'll surprise yourself. Peace and continued Blessings. One Love.
ReplyDeleteSo amazing! And I am so happy for you and proud. I have always felt a connection to you for a number of reasons. We have a lot in common. I am originally from Toronto, now living in San Diego, CA. I was raised by my Jamaican mom there who handed down all of the best parts of her culture but also showed me the great parts of being Canadian as well. I am a natural girl and have been since my very early 20s (now I am a year shy of 40). I am raising my bi-racial girls to appreciate all parts of themselves, including their natural hair. Like you I consider my hair on the thinner side (edge issues and all), while my oldest girl (11 yo) has this ridiculous (in a great way) 4b/c mane of hair that is thicker than anything I have ever seen! When she is ready I am hoping you will be her hair/style inspiration. All this to say that I have always considered you a kindred spirit and I wish you all the best. BTW you posted this on my birthday!
ReplyDeleteI can't wait until the day that I am job free but I will be patient for now.
ReplyDelete