It’s been exactly one year since I left WLOS to live a healthier life! What a year it has been!
Hi friends!
I can’t hardly believe it, but an entire year has passed since I left my position as the morning new meteorologist at WLOS, the ABC affiliate in Asheville.
This past year has been quite an adventure. I can’t say it’s gone exactly as planned because to be honest, I didn’t have much of a plan. I just knew that I could not commit to another three years of doing what I was doing. My job was causing me all sorts of chronic health conditions and I honestly think it was killing me.
Now that a year has passed, I’m sleeping normally and spending time with my husband and family, I can honestly say that I have never been healthier or happier. Best of all, I have not had a single voice or asthma problem since I left. My doctor was shocked when he could finally say my severe asthma was controlled!
I’ve used the year to go with the flow and I’ve been so surprised how many wonderful opportunities have come my way. I’ve turned this blog, along with other freelance jobs, into a full time job. I thank my lucky stars for these opportunities daily.
I do miss many aspects of working on the news full time. I miss the people, I miss NEVER having a boring day at work, I miss my work dresses, I miss the weather and I miss the importance of being the person who people look to everyday for the weather. It’s a powerful job and I’d be lying if I said I didn’t miss that.
However the things I DON’T miss far exceed this list.
Last year at this time, my life was filled with so much uncertainly. The day I left was hard and left me so drained because I questioned myself and my decisions.
It is hard to change your entire life.
A year later, I am resting, breathing well, talking clearly and simply loving life.
I can’t even begin to tell you the joy this blog has brought me. I am grateful to all of you who continue to read my site daily. I say this time and time again, but without you my new life is not possible. I am thrilled to be unveiling a brand new and shiny version of this site in the coming weeks. I’ll be holding some fun giveaways to go along with it.
I wanted to use this moment to remind everyone that anyone can change their life. If you are struggling and know you need to make a change, it is possible.
Whether it’s a new career, diet, starting a fitness program or removing toxic relationships from your life, you can dare to imagine a different life.
This has been on my desk all year. It’s not always been as easy as this blog makes it sound, and you may question yourself a thousand times... but if in your gut you know your life can be better, make those changes. Even if it’s a process that takes years to implement, there is no better day to start than today.
I did it, and you can too.
Catch up?
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for stopping by today! The regularly scheduled blog schedule picks up Monday with a Weekend Recap. My sister-in-law is in town, and we are doing a roundup of all the best things in Asheville, so it should be a great time.
I'm linking up with Nicole for the Fit & Fashionable Friday Linkup
Your turn!
Have you ever changed your life for the better?
Have you ever made a huge decision like this?
Ron Thurman says
I too walked away from a great secure job because my health was failing. I totally understand your decision. Life is full of taking chances to better our lives. I miss seeing your smiling face on WLOS, but am glad you are happy!! Keep on keeping on!
JulieWunder says
I'm so glad you made a decision for you health too!
joyce ogle says
I wish I could look and act like you.....you are so awesome....I wish I could lose weight, I way over 400 pounds and I am large....no doctor can help me.....I have tried diets after diets and no change....I can not exercise much because of my weight.....I cannot afford a gym........I get so discouraged with me......:( I love you...you are one beautifully awesome lady...
JulieWunder says
Hi Joyce! You are too kind! Baby steps to health. You can change too.
Tina says
Absolutely love the courage described in this post Julie! It's funny how often we don't give ourselves the same advice we'd readily share with others in our same shoes...say a best friend or beloved family member...who are struggling with a similar dilemma. You captured perfectly the healing and wellness that is possible when we serve ourselves the love we deserve. I made a similar leap if faith in 2012 and looking back I thank God every single day for the courage to take that leap of faith. Applause to you my friend! I look forward to seeing your journey continue to unfold 🙂
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much Tina! Leaps of faith sometimes end up being that best things that happen to us. Glad it worked for you too.
Celia Fox says
I total understand. I worked 3rd shift as a cna for almost 2yrs. In March I found out I was pregnant and the months after that we got short handed at work on my shift, I got to where I wasn't sleeping in the day like I use to and couldn't sleep before I went into work. I have a 7yr old that's just finished 1st grade. So trying to take care of him and myself and work nights was killing me to. I passed out at work once, kept falling asleep on my way home of the mornings. I ended up at the E.R. from bleeding and having cramps. I was scared I was losing the baby. Finally I made the decision to leave events though I knew it was going to leave them with one less CNA on 3rd. But it wasn't worth working if I was going to end up losing the baby. My husband even told me he was glad I quit cause he was afrid for me. But he said he wasn't going to ask me to quit cause he knew how much I loved doing what I did. I'm glad to hear you are doing well I love reading your blogs.
JulieWunder says
Oh Celia! I feel for you too. It can really mess with your body. So glad you could make some changes too and that you enjoy my site! Thanks for reading.
Jess @ run pink says
I dream of walking away from my full time gig in the pharmacy every day. I believe it causes me healthy issues such as as anxiety and stomach ailments. It's high paced and high stress. Lots of political red tape. It keeps me busy! Your blog truly has become something amazing!! I wonder many days what would happen if I just quit the big box cooperate job and poured my heart into running, fitness, personal training, and blogging how it would turn out..
JulieWunder says
Every time I pick up my meds I think about how hard of a job that must be. Lot's of pressure. Leaving my job was not easy at all, but in the end it was the best decision for my health and my family. I'm lucky I had the support and encouragement from my family.
Crystal Renaud says
It is amazing the things we can accomplish when we take control of our lives and head in a new direction. Taking chances can be scary yet you proved to yourself that chances are worth it and can be vital. Congrats on a new journey Julie!
JulieWunder says
Thanks! It's been an exciting journey.
Melissa @ Freeing Imperfections says
That truly is amazing that your health problems are so under control! I love that you went into the year without a plan but it all worked out for the best. I think too many times in life I try so hard to go at things with a plan, and when it inevitably goes not as planned, I feel like I failed. It sounds like you had a successful year. I'm so glad you have turned blogging into a full time job. You are doing great!
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much! It's truly a labor of love.
Chris Simard says
Good for you, Julie !! Although we all miss your beautiful smile, so glad that you're well & happy )
JulieWunder says
Thank you Chris! It's been quite a journey.
Lo @ Travel the Unbeaten Path says
Good for you for being brave enough to make a change. Nothing in this whole world is worth sacrificing our health and close relationships. This first year as a mom has been hard on my body, mostly because of irregular, not-enough sleep, so I can definitely relate to you wanting a healthier job routine. Way to go, making this blog a full time gig!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Lo! It's a work in progress but worth it!
Andrea says
Congrats on your 1 year!
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much Andrea! So glad we've connected this year.
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says
It's amazing the impact stress can have on our bodies. When I was in the Air Force and my hubby was too (we didn't have kids yet), I was having a TON of issues...Asthma (just like you), reflux, chronic neck pain and the list goes on. The neck pain was a result of an accident but it was exacerbated with stress. I was on pain meds, and meds for reflux and migraines and the list goes on. As soon as I left the military it literally all went away. I never realized how stressful it was!! So proud of you for making that leap and that you are happy and healthier than ever! Cheers to less stress 🙂
JulieWunder says
Wow! Sounds like a lot of similar problems! It is crazy how they can go away when the stress causer goes... 🙂
Sarah says
Wow! You have packed in a LOT in 1 year! Congratulations on this anniversary and best wishes for a fantastic year ahead!!!
JulieWunder says
Thanks Sarah!
Mary Beth Jackson says
congrats to you! It is a very brave thing to jump out there and do something better for yourself! Love it, truly an inspiration and I am glad I found your blog! Keep it up Julie you are a rock star!
JulieWunder says
Thanks MB! I've really enjoyed connecting as well! Blogging is a pretty cool thing!
Beth @ Running with the Sunrise says
So glad this change worked out well for you and that you're in a happier and healthier place! It sounds like the change of pace was just what you needed. I have similar feelings about the job at a running store that I now just work very rarely--I'm so much happier not being there full time. I just miss my work friends, but luckily we can hang out outside of work. 🙂
JulieWunder says
Exactly!! Thanks so much for the support!
Susanna @Zealous Mom says
Great post! I'm so glad you feel healthier and happier now. And I'm so glad that we've met and become blogger buddies. Hope to see you soon!
JulieWunder says
Me too! SO much good! I hope you are having a good week.
Angie says
Yay you! That is awesome! I left my full time teaching job of 14 years almost 2 years ago and never looked back. It is so scary, but so well worth it to be your own boss!
Jess @hellotofit says
I don't think I've changed my life as monumentally as you have, but I did make the decision 3 years ago to put a "pause" (or maybe even "end") to attempt physical therapy school. Now, I've been a full-time personal trainer (how I found blogging to be a hobby) and I've never looked back!
Loved reading about your journey this past year. Cheers to many more healthy ones!
Dan says
wow, has it been a year? you gave my 'weather spotter' reports a few times at tv-13 , your smile always brightened the day ( and you have the best legs, too! lol 😉 I'm glad you're doing well, folks that work a 9to5 don't realize how hard shift work is on a persons body , I know because I worked shifts for years. Keep up the good work, I know the new site will be great!!!
Nicole @ Fitful Focus says
Love love love! Congrats to you for listening to your gut and taking the leap. I'm so happy that you are happy, and I'm so happy to have found your blog over the last year 🙂
Tracy says
Such a great update, Julie! I would think there's something wrong if you up and change your whole life and DON'T have at least some reservations about it. But being able to look back and say "Yep, that was worth it" is so awesome!
Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says
I have really enjoyed getting to know you over the last year through our blogs. It seems like you are in a much happier place for you!
Lindsey says
Change is so hard, but it's so great when you can look back and know that you've accomplished something that means so much to you! You are so positive and its contagious!:)
Susie @ SuzLyfe says
I love that you seized back your life, and did something for you. It takes such courage to make that decision. I had something similar happen to me last year, but it was not ultimately my decision that made the final choice for me. But regardless, I was in the same place as you--holding on for dear life and falling apart. I'm so glad that we are in a different place now.
Beverley Cheng says
Congrats on your one year! Although it looks very fancy and very cool being behind a video camera every day as a job, if it wasn't right for you, then the best thing you could do was leave. Glad that everything is coming into place for you and that your asthma is under control. There is so much more to come for you and your blog! Can't wait to see whats next 🙂
Jamie says
I think it is so inspiring that you were able to follow your passion and take a big risk to do what was best for you! That takes a lot of courage. I decided to cut my graduate schooling short and leave with a Masters instead of my MD. While I loved medicine, I always felt like I was barely keeping my head above water for something that became less and less meaningful to me. So after two years I left school. It was BEYOND scary and while I do sometimes wish I finished it out, I'm happy with where I am now and a lot of the good things in my life wouldn't be here if I continued on the path I was on.
Annmarie says
I love when a tough decision leads to such great opportunities! So happy to have connected with you- your blog is awesome. You really have done such a wonderful job making it enjoyable to read!!!
Stacie @ SimplySouthernStacie says
Wow. I can't believe a year has passed. You are such an inspiration, Julie! It's been so fun to be on this journey with you and see you truly come into your own and live life to the fullest.
Charlie says
Good morning Julie, congratulations on a wonderful year. I am fairly new to Twitter and the internet but the one inspiration I have had has been Julie Wunder. She hasn't given up. I know it's not always easy. I enjoy all your tweets, blogs, and your really awesome website. Keep up the great work. I am not much for words. But Julie gives me me inspiration and encouragement. Thanks again Julie for being yourself! You are and always will be Charlies hero! Can't wait to see what you do next!
Dan Steadman says
a month before you, I left my old job (high stress) for my new job, feeling much better personally and professionally...so happy for you!
Emilie says
Congratulations on making it a year and for following your heart! It's not always an easy thing to do. Health is so important and it sounds like you absolutely made the right decision for you 🙂
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I've been off work the past week, and it has been wonderful. My job as a nurse practitioner in a busy clinic really takes a toll on me. Unfortunately, I can't afford to leave since I have 2 high schoolers on the cusp of college. After that, tho, we'll see...
Martha says
Congratulations to you on a year's anniversary. Good on you for doing what has been the better choice for your health and more. It took courage.
Paula Brewer says
julie, I love your blog and every day you inspire me! Keep on!
Blane Sherer says
You have come so far and done so well this past year seemingly in all phases of your life. It has been a joy to follow your jouney here on your blog. I am so happy for you and I am so proud of you !