Pain > Comfort Level = Change

My car was packed with the last items. I was wide awake and ready to go. At 4:00 AM, I left Washington DC for the last time, ready to beat traffic on I-95 and looking forward to the 16 hour drive to Naples, FL. I was a peace and ready for the quiet. Mostly, I was so burnt out and emotionally beaten down that I could no longer function in DC. Something needed to change.

In 2018, I walked away from the life and business I created for the prior 25 years. The pain finally overtook any possible benefit of continuing forward. My house was not sold. My business was not sold. But I needed to go. There was no longer a choice. To continue to function, I needed to leave.

I did not know what I was facing in Naples. I did not even know anyone there. But I did know that it was going to be better than facing the constant professional abuse, bullying, cancelling, and misplaced aggression that I received daily from those I knew in DC. My immediate plan was to decompress, regain my health and my confidence, then re-emerge.

It took about a couple years. I was in no shape to make any more major decisions, so I gave myself the time. I met some kind people and found a community of like-minded people where I was able to regain some of my mojo. I still jumped when people came up to me (PTSD holdover) and was still apprehensive, but the baby steps and kindness were helping. I was comfortable.

Then, the same sociopaths appeared in Naples. Not the same people, but the same behaviors from different people where the least accomplished, lowest EQ people started to malign my character, verbally assault me and basically attempt to tarnish my reputation. I thought I was laying low, but despite my best efforts (or no effort), I continued to shine. I remembered that I am a star and that my light shines bright even when I am not trying (as it does for all of us).

Naples was not the place for me long term. By 2020, I knew I was going to leave, but could not figure out where to go. Then COVID. I left Naples. It was too vapid for me and the old southern ways were overwhelmingly restrictive. I got what I needed, then gladly left.

Now in 2022, I am reflecting again, seeing what works and what does not and making changes. Along the way, I am grateful for those few who stuck by me, grateful for those who cleared themselves out, and grateful for the flexibility to do what I want to do.

But it all started with making the decision, then taking action. Take the first step. Be fearless. It will all work out as it is meant to be. And when I figure out my next step, I will move forward with the same focus and dedication that I did in the past, knowing that I will always be fine.

Don't be cancelled. Stop taking abuse in business from inadequate people. Make the decision and schedule a complementary call at https://www.calendly.com/libby-coaching or [email protected]. It's time to regain yourself to move forward!