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It was mid-July of 2024 and I had just returned from two weeks of exploring Italy, Croatia and Montenegro with my husband, Tommy for our 20th anniversary. The trip was a fabulous 11 day cruise that began in Rome and ended in Venice. We spent a few extra days in both Rome and Venice before and after the cruise. The details of the ports of this cruise are subjects for upcoming posts but what this trip kicked off was a turning point where I began to really put myself first and focus on my mental health, physical health and well-being.
You say, but you are a dancer so you are in shape. Yes and no. My job in higher education had become more administrative and less artistic over the past five years and while I did my job well and was able to really make some really positive impact on the arts programs I supervised, my stress level and work load began to severely affect my well-being.
I was at work late to be present at of performances, concerts, student showcases and gallery openings to support the faculty and students in these events. We had close to 50 events in our academic unit each year and while I was not at all of them, I was at the majority of them.
There also was no administrative support in my academic unit, so everything fell to me or the faculty who worked under me. Like many academic institutions, mine was struggling with enrollment and financial issues. We were constantly being asked to do more with less.
This meant I was home less and less and not able to be there for my son and husband. My husband took on more responsibility transporting our son to school and to other activities. Obviously, this created some resentment. My son noticed that my temper was much shorter and that I would snap much easier at him or my husband.
This administrative workload also meant I was teaching less, moving my body less and being involved in creative activity less.
Long term this had become a recipe for disaster.
It wasn't until I was on my trip reconnecting with my husband and enjoying exploring the culture, arts, food and amazing experiences in all of the places we were visiting that I realized how much my job was negatively affecting my life and my relationships.
As often happens, an opportunity presented itself to me one year ago today. My academic institution sent out offers for 'early retirement' to a number of faculty and staff in an effort to remedy some of the financial issues it was dealing with. I had less than a week to decide what I wanted to do if I was to take advantage of the offer. It was both terrifying and liberating.
I decided after 21 years working in higher education, that is was no longer the same field it was when I entered it and that I needed to put myself first. It was one of the most difficult decisions that I had to make, especially because of the incredible group of faculty and staff who worked under me that I would be leaving behind.
In this year since leaving that position, the most amazing opportunities have come up for me. Since founding Hemisphere Dancer Wellness and Travel, I have had the opportunity to work with others to Put Yourself First!
Working with clients on gaining confidence in their lives by strengthening their bodies and mind or to embark on a travel adventure they could have never imagined themselves taking has been hugely satisfying.
The transformations I observed at our retreat back in April were amazing and a testament to the power of Putting Yourself First.
Putting yourself first does not mean that you are being selfish, in fact its quite the opposite! I now have more time to support my family and more time to take on the opportunities that bring me joy, excitement and creative outlets. My stress levels have dropped and my mental and physical health has improved.
Putting yourself first also does not mean you need to take a career transition, as I did. Even small changes in habits and routine can make huge impact to your daily life.
If you are looking to get started on your wellness or travel journey, check out my free resource, Putting Yourself First- A toolkit integrating more self care in to your life and routine.
As always, please reach out with any questions you might have! I look forward to connecting.
