So I had about a three month break from blogging.  So much has happened in my life in that span-good and bad. About three months ago (who am I kidding since forever ago) I was feeling very stressed and felt myself starting to spiral in to a pit of negativity so I quit-temporarily-blogging. Not writing-but blogging-mainly the social media aspect of blogging. I don’t know about you but social media sucks up sooooo much time throughout the day. So I took a break. I just couldn’t do the hours of scrolling, double tapping, liking, etc. social media has to be my least favorite part of blogging.

During this break I had a lot of time to reflect on what is important to me in my blogging journey which is very important to do if you consider yourself a blogger- what’s your why? What’s your path? I had a few revelations during these few months and it’s always good to step back and reflect. Sadly during this break, I did loose out on some sponsored blog posts and amazing collaborations. It hurt my soul to say “no” as I am a “yes I can do it all” type of person-but I couldn’t. Working full time, trying to be the best mom, the best wife, the best teacher, blog, and attempt to cook, clean, and do laundry wasn’t happening. So I finally broke and decided to quit.  I wasn’t sure at first if I was quitting or if it was a break as I am NOT a quitter, but for the first time I saw why people quit-it’s easy and I REALLY wanted easy.  After a long cry fest {those are just as cathartic as writing or running if you ask me} I made the decision to give up.    Apparently I’m not a quitter because here I am posting, so I guess it was a break! And a good one at that!

That brings me up to today: my big announcement.

The biggest announcement I have is I am no longer a working mom!!! I officially left my job with CCSD working as a 7th grade English teacher and will now be a stay at home mom! I will miss my career immensely, but I have been so incredibly happy these past few weeks not working and getting to care for my kids full time. The amount of stress that has lifted off my shoulders is unreal.  My kids are happy, my husband is happy, I am happy! Laundry actually gets done! I had no idea that clothes could get washed, folded, and put away in the same few day span! Haha

I closed my empty classroom after an eight year long career a few weeks ago.  It was the weirdest mix of emotions-ecstatic, scared, happy, fear-will I miss it? Will I ever go back? I don’t know the answer to those two questions, but what I do know is I am the happiest I’ve been in a LONG time.    My husband threw me a “retirement” party to celebrate with close friends.   I am so grateful to have these people {and many more not pictured} as a a support system. 

I can’t wait to see what the future holds for our family and to see what else unfolds in my blogging journey. 

Stay at home mommies-what is your BEST ADVICE FOR ME!?

XOXO

Your Redlocks and Shamrocks Girl,

Lisa Doyle