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People keep asking me “So how ARE you doing?” Since it seems to be a question running through my life right now, I thought I’d write a little bit about it here.
It’s been exactly a month since my last day at WLOS and the dust is finally settling.
The last few weeks of July felt like utter chaos in my life. I knew I had made the right decision to leave the station, but going through the motions was nothing short of painful for me. I cried a lot. I woke up August first and felt like I had a hangover and I hadn’t had anything to drink. I was physically and emotionally exhausted of being in that limbo stage. My hubby knew I needed some r & r pretty badly so he took me to the beach.
There was something about getting away and having some time to think and focus that made me stop my negative thoughts about the situation and really focus on all the good things that can now happen because I am not at the tv station any longer.
Sometimes you have to close one chapter in your life, to start something new.
Leaving WLOS for health reasons has given me the chance to start over. I have had this crazy dream to make Running in a Skirt a player in the blog world for some time. A positive place on the internet that is a go-to resource for fitness ideas, recipes, travel and fashion inspiration. I envision an online magazine for people with interests similar to mine.
I know it’s a big dream.
But I believe in dreamers.
Especially big dreamers.
A teacher in High School told me I’d never make it as a news personality and look what happened. If you tell me I’m not capable of doing something, I’m even more likely to figure out how to make it happen. I halfway think that is why I latched onto running so much; because I once told MYSELF I could not do it.
Going into business for myself and building my own brand is scary and unpredictable but it is also bringing a flexibility to my life that I have needed for a long time. Some great opportunities are on the horizon and I am feeling really good about my future.
So how am I doing?
I am sleeping like a regular person and for the first time in my adult life and I don’t permanently feel like a zombie. I am still occasionally waking up at 3AM but those nights are becoming less frequent. I am feeling pretty good and have not had one voice or asthma issue since I left and I am using much less medicine.
I see my husband more than 10 minutes a day and we eat dinner together every day. We even occasionally go out to dinner in the middle of the week. (I know! We live on the edge- haha) I had Mexican food at one of my favorite local joints on a Wednesday night and was so excited you might have thought I won the lottery.
![IMG_2657[1]](https://www.runninginaskirt.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_26571.jpg "IMG_2657[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=")
The blog is keeping me just busy enough. The best part is I get to decide when I work. I found out my hubby’s parents were making a visit for my birthday so I worked really hard ahead of their visit and rearranged my days to have a Friday off to spend with them. That kind of flexibility is priceless.
Rhett and Reina and I go for more walks. They love my new life.
![IMG_2871[1]](https://www.runninginaskirt.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_28711.jpg "IMG_2871[1]")
I am learning again! I have been working on my photography skills to improve Running in a Skirt and I have been having so much fun learning. I even got some lights for my birthday that have been really fun to experiment with and I signed up for a Fall photography class.
![IMG_2860[1]](https://www.runninginaskirt.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/08/IMG_28601.jpg "IMG_2860[1]")
I miss the viewers and my morning co-workers terribly.
I also really do miss telling the weather. I walked outside one day in a summer dress and flip flops and it was raining and the high was in the 60s. I’m still laughing about that one. I decided it was time to start doing my own forecasts again, even if I wasn’t getting paid to do it right now. I’d still love to find a way to incorporate a small about of weather into what I’m doing, but I haven’t figured that out yet.
In fact that seems to be a common thread going through the past month. I’m still putting together the pieces of this new self made career. It seems to be a little bit of a puzzle, but it keeps coming together in the best way possible.
So, thank you so much for asking. I am doing just fine. In fact, I’m happier and healthier than I’ve been in a very long time.
How about another update about this time next month?
Your turn?
How was August for you?
What are you working on now that is new to you?[/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
Ashley Hartshorn says
I love this page and the entire blog. You are so motivating! I'm going through a change in my life too, a closed chapter that I still miss pretty much every day. I love what I did and I do miss it but I did consume a lot of my time and I hardly ever got to see my family unless it was tucking my kids in the bed or barking orders like get in the shower or brush your teeth. I get a lot more time with them now although I'm still adjusting I'm trying to figure out what the next step is or if this is where God wants me for now. Thank you for writing such motivational blogs and for being real. You post how you're feeling and you're honest. You let us know that you're human too and it shows. I think that's what is the most wonderful, motivating part of it. 🙂 Thank you for being a part of our daily lives even if it is not on TV. I'm so glad that you are now able to spend more time with your husband, your dogs and your family. It's nice to see that you're happy and healthier than you've been in a while. God bless!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Ashley! I'm so glad you enjoy my blog, it means the world to me! Good luck with your life changes as well. I hope you will come back by again soon!
Chris Bryant says
Enjoyed reading your update. Way to go with the photgraphy lights and class. Looks like a nice setup in the post. I'm here if you have any styling or lighting questions!
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Chris!
Beverly Harris says
"Little sweet Julie" as my late husband use to call you, I am very proud of you for the courage to reach out for what you want. Don't be afraid. With the mindset and determination,, you will do wonderful. Enjoy your blog and since I have moved to the NC coast I don't miss you on TV cause I don't get to watch WLOS anyway, well except online. Been pretty busy here in August doing new flower beds, new roof, new windows....shall I continue? LOL Please keep us posted. So happy for you and the MR.
JulieWunder says
Hi Beverly! Thank you so much for such kind words and thank you for following me! Hope the flower beds are fabulous!
Carole Varnadore says
Glad you are doing so good. My grandson who is three just loved seeing you on the weather. He would always say Julie.It had to be hard waking up so early and going to bed before dark! I enjoy your website. Thank you!
Dan Steadman says
August was not too kind..slight hip issue and now a cold...odd how after a change you feel healthier, after I moved jobs my wife said it's like having a new husband....glad all is well with you...I am still learning parts of a new job, new culture, etc.
Juanita Sutphin says
Hi Julie, We can understand the "How are you now that your staying at home" My husband retired in March, and every time we see someone that we haven't seen in a couple of months it always. "How are you doing now that you don't have to do any thing. What makes them think we aren't doing any thing. We do a whole lot more now than when he was working, and I love having him home.
JulieWunder says
I know! Someone asked me about my life of leisure.... and I was like... not really 🙂
Merit says
Julie, I too miss you in the morning. But I am proud of you for making such a tough decision and really living into it! My August included graduating with my Masters Degree after working on it for four years! Now I trying to relax and not try to figure out what next!! Keep at the blog...it's amazing how people do make a business out of it!
Heather @fitncookies says
Taking the time off and figuring out how to help your health is the best thing you could have done. I am sure it has taken quite a bit of time to get into a groove. I LOVE your idea about an online magazine! That sounds beyond amazing to me. If you ever need a partner, let me know 😉 I'd love to collaborate on something with you! Have a great evening!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Heather! Right now I'm focusing on putting together good content myself, but I'm sure I'll need some help at some point! I'll keep your offer in mind. Love your blog too 🙂
David B Teague says
Hi I still watch WLOS but I do so miss your shining face. I'm glad you are able to sleep. That is something that is quite a strong habit, one that may be hard to break. Keep us posted on how you are.
You asked about us: In August, we were preparing this house for sale and negotiating for one in Hendersonville. Looks like a done deal.
Eric says
Julie, your Wednesday Mexican food story made me smile. I worked weird hours for a while (got home at 3am or later) and I still remember the first Friday that I drove home from a 9-5 job and could do or eat anything I wanted. It was an amazing feeling.
Madeline St Onge says
Well I miss you in the morning, have to depend on TWC, don't even turn the show on any more. So happy you are feeling more like your self, those hours can be killer, I had a paper route for almost a year, in bed at 7PM up by 1PM and finished about %am if I was lucky, not good at all, had to give it up. Take care of yourself Julie
MaryAnn Johns says
I read your one month new you and you sound wonderful. As for the weather forecast a daily update on your Running with a Skirt would be something I would read along with your other articles. I don' always get to see the weather in the mornings and an update during the day would be very helpful. Love your blog and wishing you an aboundence of success.
JulieWunder says
Hi Mary, I'm still considering adding a forecast in somewhere. Still working on a plan! Thank you so much for your support.
Scott Simmons says
"Never give up on a dream just because of the time it will take to accomplish it. The time will pass anyway." ~Earl Nightingale
I admire those with the guts to take risks. Work hard (and smart). Play hard.
JulieWunder says
Nice quote! Thank you so much.
Blane Sherer says
Julie, Thank you for the update. You are a hard working multi-talented woman with so much to offer in this format.
I'm glad you are reaping the benefits of your choice to leave WLOS.I would appreciate another general update next month. You are AWESOME !!
JulieWunder says
Will do Blane! Thank you!
Kevin says
Julie,
It's great to hear that you're making the adjustment to life after ... so well. I can relate to what you're going through and love to see you make it in style!
I recently opened Divine Wine and Beer in East Asheville (post GPI) and love what I'm doing. As a matter of fact, I'm kicking off a Cooking Class series and would absolutely love to have you come in and be a part of that. Just drop me a line!
Enjoy the time with the hubs and puppies!
Cheers!
Kevin
JulieWunder says
Oh cool! Congrats on your big move too. Send me an e-mail about it at runninginaskirt@gmail.com
Lisa Frohock says
Thank you so much for the update. Don't give up your dream. It takes a lot of courage to do what you are doing. Thank you for opening up about your health issues. It helps to encourage others to make changes also.
JulieWunder says
Thanks Lisa. It is hard to talk about not being "perfect" but I hope others will read and take steps to make their life better too.
carolyn says
Good Luck to you Julie!!!
catherinesmith says
You are so pretty and you and your husband makes a cute couple and you have beautiful fur babies miss you on wlos
JulieWunder says
Thanks Catherine 🙂 You made my day!
Jessica says
I miss seeing you do the weather and the banter between Jay and you. I remember waking up early to watch the weather so I knew how to dress for the day. August was good to me.. I celebrated my birthday and I am in my last semester of college. I hope your new business endeavors and life treat you well! Good luck!
JulieWunder says
Sounds like you had a big month! Best of luck on that last semester! Always an exciting time!
Carol Ridenour says
Still miss you & guess we always will, but so happy that your life is getting back to normal & that you're feeling better and rested!! Love keeping up wth you on your blog... Have a wonderful week!
JulieWunder says
Thanks for the support Carol!
Roger Callaghan says
Glad to hear you are doing well, you know what's best for you... That's cool that you are still hanging around with us in the mtns of NC.. Take care!
JulieWunder says
Thank Roger! I love WNC and am not going anywhere!
Walter Wright says
Julie, I miss seeing and hearing your voice at 4:30am but I am so happy for you and love your blog , I will not lose touch and glad you are feeling better =) .
JulieWunder says
Thank you for all of your support Walter!
Lynn says
My August was very busy, very tiring and got a lot accomplished!
I am glad you are doing well, Julie... And isn't nice to be able to spend time with your hubby!! I was a stay at home mom and I loved spending time with my family!! It's the best!! Best wishes to you as you start this journey in your life!!
JulieWunder says
It is so nice! I don't think I even realized how much LIFE I was missing.
Becky Wright says
Julie, so glad to hear you are doing well. I miss you terribly on WLOS but understand this was a good move for you & your hubby. I follow you on your blog. Keep up the good work & I wish you much success in all your endeavors.
JulieWunder says
Thank you Becky and thank you for reading!