I never expected to leave so soon. It was the leadership role I wanted. The team’s work ethic amazed me and they felt like family within a matter of weeks. I thrive on managing and empowering people and I had that very opportunity.

But, doubts have a way of persisting despite one’s greatest efforts to silence them.

For the first few months, the team and the work came first. I lamented things out of my control. I dreamt about my to-do list and what I could do better. In turn, my relationships suffered. My mood darkened. My fitness routine was no longer a routine. I was giving every morsel of my emotional equity to being a motivating force, and with time, those soft doubts more firmly planted as hard reasons to simply stop.

But, I kept pushing forward. I could do this. It’s in my head.

One morning, on my way to work, I received a disconcerting e-mail that made me feel like I was having a bad dream. What I quickly realized after reading it was that it was the impetus I needed to help me find my power to walk away from a situation that wasn’t right for me.

FYI: Nothing is more empowering than a healthy dose of self-respect. After all, if you don’t set boundaries for how others treat you, no one else will.

“What’s next?”

“Are you looking for a job?”

“What are you doing to do?”

“Can you go back to your old job?

Here’s the thing. I don’t know what’s next. I have absolutely no idea what I’m going to do. And I’m okay with this.

My decision to part ways without a plan isn’t easily understood by many. I get that and I don’t recommend it for everyone. But, I had to do this for my health, well-being and happiness. In fact, I’m pretty proud of myself for making such a risky call on my own behalf.

Now what? I think it’s fair to say that this is a pivotal time for me. It’s a time to hit reset and recharge. A time to explore. A time to build and live the life and career I want. A time do things my way. A time to…yes it up.

While I don’t know what my plan is, I do know this: Right now, right here, is my opportunity to thrive.

So, thrive I shall.

Yes.