Saying yes to the unknown · Thrive Community

Apr 29 (edited) • Stories of Transformation

Saying yes to the unknown

My transformation began in 2024, when my daughter asked to visit Greece for her 8th birthday. That one question seemingly knocked me into another dimension full of possibilities that I had otherwise never thought about.

We were not a traveling family, domestically or internationally, so my immediate response to my daughter was, "no way!" A trip to Greece felt like a reward that you earn at the end of adulthood. My husband and I were sacrificing our health and wellness while working full time and caring for two kids. I worked overnights as a nurse, so most days we were two ships passing, and he had the corporate job that he didn't love but kept showing up to.

Lack of sleep, stress, and not having enough time for myself felt inevitable, because that meant that I was doing it right. "Try harder; wake up earlier; eat better; work out; get outside; drink more water." Knowing what to do wasn't my problem. My problem was feeling like I had the power to change anything. Slowing down didn't feel like an option until my daughter started talking about Greece. And the idea to sell everything we owned and move to Greece was then sparked by my husband.

But, what was the universe trying to tell me?! It became clear that we were all ready to do things a different way, and I listened to the quiet voice inside of me that knew, without a doubt, that diving into the unknown was what I needed to do. Why not?!

Every aspect of my lifestyle is different now. Activities that felt forced and scheduled are now just a part of my day. Food no longer carries guilt, steps are no longer counted, community is right outside my front door, full nights of rest are the norm, naps are encouraged, day dates with my husband are spontaneous, and spending time outside is inevitable. And the highlight of my day? Walking my kids to and from school.

My insulin level and inflammation markers have decreased. I've built muscle and dropped dress sizes. Not by dieting or medication or gym routines. But by realizing that I'm allowed to create a life that I can be well in.

I get to show up as the best version of myself, and that changes everything.

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