how 3 nights alone to recharge + reflect led to a turning point in my life 🦋

This is part of my story. It goes back to a time when I left home and isolated myself for a few days. When I gave myself time to recharge + reflect… and how it led to a turning point in my life.

It’s about years of burnout, recognizing the need for change, and finally deciding to take a new path. It’s about the time I learned that “more of the same” wasn’t the answer for me. I was incredibly grateful for everything in my life, and still am. I loved my life. I felt blessed and fortunate. Problem was, I dreaded the day-to-day routine and the overwhelming sense of responsibility that consumed me every morning and night. While my ego was pleased, my mental health was suffering and my body was saying NO MORE.

In the end, I learn to ignore my ego and listen to my heart.

I know that not everyone is in the same situation and not everyone will be able to relate. I share my story in hopes that it may resonate with those of you going through similar experiences. I hope you find this video to be helpful in some way, perhaps a boost of encouragement to start taking the steps you know are best for you.

I also recognize that not everyone is in a position to walk away or to quit or to take a new path. Please know that my turning point took YEARS in the making. It took me a long time (4-5 years) to get to this point where I was ready and able to chart a new course. It didn’t happen overnight. Please don’t lose hope.

Also, if you missed my earlier videos, you may want to watch them in chronological order to hear how the story unfolds from last year —

3 Books I Brought on My Solo Trip 📚 Why I Recommend Them (especially if you're Type A!)

I’m *burnt out* but this gift from a friend made me smile 🫠

My doctor diagnosed me with depression but actually…

i quit | my story of recovering from burnout + finding myself again

Thank you for allowing me to share a bit of my story. Thank you for being here, as always. I truly adore this community. xx

[hellocatwalkcity]

Thank you all for your amazingly warm and kind comments from my recent “life update” video. I promise to do a follow-up q&a video answering your questions. In the meantime, I decided to film this video about the time I spent alone last year, that ultimately led to a turning point. For those of you contemplating a solo day or a solo trip, I highly recommend it as a way to recharge + reflect. ❤

If you missed my earlier videos, you may want to watch them in chronological order to hear how the story unfolded from last year —

3 Books I Brought on My Solo Trip 📚

I’m *burnt out* but this gift from a friend made me smile 🫠

My doctor diagnosed me with depression but actually…

i quit | my story of recovering from burnout + finding myself again

As always, thank you for being here. xx

[susanrombak]

Hi! You have initiated a conversation that so many of us can relate to. The world has changed so much since the Covid pandemic, especially for those who were in the midst of their careers. It’s like the carpet of dedication, dependibility, and security was snatched from under our feet and those who invested much of their lives into their work felt abandoned, disrespected, and disposable. I was able to make the decision to retire early this past year and am so much happier for it. I still will feel PTSD when reminiscent of the stress and still connect with colleagues who continue to deal with work related struggles. I do not miss it, I discovered that my identity is not my job or career and have not for one second looked back. I know that you are an intelligent and thoughtful woman and you will continue to find your peace and success in life ♥️

[MicahBrock]

As some have said, it was such a beautiful video. So calm and relaxing and peaceful. I could’ve have listened and watched it for so much longer! The message, also, was incredible. It is a reminder that we all need even just a moment to step away from our lives. To look around and be grateful for what we have. We really need to step back and think of what we want our life to look like and how we want to feel and most importantly, what we NEED. I’ve said this before, but I truly hope you know how much we all appreciate you sharing your life with us.

[jackieduplessy]

Your voice is so soothing! Wow! I honestly feel like I was listening to a book. Thanks for sharing your experiences with us. Grateful 🙏

[Candy-trdn]

I totally understand. Made a similar decision more than 20 years ago and never regretted it. This is a personal decision and no one can make it for us. One of the reasons you are in the position to have this as a choice is that you had been working hard and financially responsible all along. Kudos to you for recognizing when you needed a change.

[annalin]

Thank you again for sharing…so many ppl can relate. It’s very comforting to seeing other ppl also experiencing their storms of life and seeing how they handle that situation…

[lisatomko]

What a beautiful video! I could have listened to you for much longer. You can tell this was genuine, deliberate, and thoughtful. It was so calming and made you think of what truly matters. You have a lovely voice and it was a pleasure to listen to your journey. Thank you!❤

[CapeCodBelle]

I loved everything about try his video! Your soothing voice, scenes from New York and your wise words! I wish you the best on this😊 next season of life.

[lee-ridgeway]

I am glad to hear that you are in a better place mentally and physically. ❤

[hoopgal]

Your story & words of encouragement are touching. Thank you ❤

[heyyourebeautiful]

Thank you for the video, it's encouraging. I recently scheduled three days off for next week for the sole purpose of recharging and thinking about what I want to do next. I can see how my ego is getting in the way of letting go of the current path I'm on. I can also acknowledge I'm not happy, I don't feel fulfilled, and I feel there is something better out there for me.

[Nicolina]

So beautifully put. Thank you for sharing just in time. 🙏🌷🪻💐

[rmichele]

I'm so happy that you were finally able to take this step towards building the fulfilling life that you want and deserve. It's not easy, especially when you feel so fortunate in many ways. Bless you for having the courage (and opportunity) to choose a path that will increase your sense of well-being, peace, and contentment. I wish you all the best. 💕

[DaniOchannel]

Hi Hannah. I’ve quietly watched your channel for awhile. I’ve always sensed an intensity about you and on some level inspired by your passion and ambition. On another level, I also wondered how you kept up with it. So thank you for showing your vulnerable side to us as well. ❤

[lillygirl]

Loved that you did this time away from the bustle and ordinary. So happy that you are happy.

[cecigmz]

The narration in this video sounds like a poem. It's a beautiful video.

[TaraWmsT]

Thank u for sharing this beautiful video; wishing u rest & fulfillment!

[reachm]

I am happy for you. Enjoy your life as much as you can as we only live once ❤ thanks for sharing

[mommynaa]

Thank you for sharing!! I feel so connected to you like a role model, a family. ❤

[dtropea]

Love the video. Thank you for taking us with you on this journey.