Today is Wednesday, my self-care day. It’s the day I’ve intentionally carved out just for me—a stark contrast to the person I used to be. This morning, I went to Publix for my weekly BOGO grocery shopping (if you know, you know). It’s small, quiet, and the perfect setting for someone like me, who gets overstimulated in large, chaotic stores. As someone with ADHD and possibly somewhere on the spectrum (though I haven’t been officially diagnosed), I’ve learned to embrace environments that work for me rather than force myself to adapt to ones that drain me.

After grocery shopping, I reflected on where I am today: living my dream life.🎉

😊What Living My Dream Life Looks Like

When I say I’m living my dream life, it doesn’t mean my journey has been easy or glamorous. Far from it. But since April 2024, I’ve been free from the chains of corporate America, and for the first time, I feel like I’m truly in control of my life.

I get to wake up at 5 a.m. every day, help my husband get out the door, cook breakfast, and pack his lunch. I get my kids ready for school and even have time for a morning walk or meditation. And on Wednesdays, I prioritize myself—whether that’s a trip to the sauna or something else that fills my cup.

For most of my life, I never prioritized myself. Everyone else’s needs came first: my husband, my kids, my mother who lives with us. It was a gift and a curse. I loved being there for my family, but I was burning out. My stress levels were so high I would feel like I was on the verge of a heart attack.

🚀The Unhealthy Life I Left Behind

Before I quit my corporate job, I was living an extremely unhealthy life.

• Stress: I was so overwhelmed I was grinding my teeth to the point of pain.
• ADHD Medication: I relied on Adderall to focus, but it also kept me up at night, which meant I needed sleeping pills just to rest.
• Skipping Meals: My ADHD often had me so hyper-focused that I’d forget to eat or drink anything until 4 p.m., leaving me with piercing migraines.
• Overwork: Corporate life demanded so much that my kids sometimes didn’t see me for days. I was traveling, glued to my laptop, or fielding emails late into the night.

Despite the six-figure salary and the “success” society told me I had, I was barely surviving. I was losing myself in the grind, and I knew something had to change.

💡The Scary Decision to Quit

Quitting my corporate job was the scariest decision I’ve ever made.

People might call it a privilege, but the truth is, I wasn’t in the financial position to make such a bold move. It wasn’t logical. It wasn’t safe. But it was necessary.

Why?
Because if your dream doesn’t scare you, it’s not big enough. If your decision doesn’t feel risky, the reward may not be worth it. I had to take a leap of faith and bet on myself.

I wasn’t just walking away from a job. I was walking away from a system designed to keep us enslaved to the rich man—a system that tricks us into thinking a six-figure salary is worth selling your soul, abandoning your values, and sacrificing your happiness.

For the first time, I had the freedom to choose what I wanted to be.

And I chose me.💖

🧘🏾‍♀️Unapologetically, Dorothy!: My Dream Realized

Fast forward to today, and I’m the owner of a successful blog, Unapologetically, Dorothy! This platform is more than just a blog—it’s my passion project, my purpose, and my way of connecting with people who are on their own journeys of transformation.

I wake up every day knowing I’m living a life aligned with my values. I still have challenges, and I’m still learning as I go, but the difference is I’m in control now.

I’m no longer a slave to a job that drains me. Instead, I’m building something I love—something that helps others find the courage to chase their dreams, too.

Unapologetically, Dorothy! 💖

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The Question for You❓

So, let me ask you:

What is the dream or goal that scares you?

Have you ever taken a risk that seemed crazy to everyone else but was necessary for your growth?

Did you have to sacrifice everything to live a new life?

If so, I want to hear about it. Share your journey in the comments—your wins, your struggles, your lessons. Let’s inspire and learn from one another, because we’re in this together.

✅Key Takeaways

🎙️Engage With Me

📖What’s Your Story? Share the risk you’ve taken or the dream you’re chasing in the comments. Let’s support and learn from each other.