Hi dear readers,
I can't even believe I'm writing this post! It seems like I was just sitting down to reflect on my 1 year anniversary of leaving WLOS.
In some ways this day seems like yesterday and in other ways it seems like a lifetime ago.
Is that girl even me?
It's getting to the point where I hardly remember the life of waking up at 2 in the morning, working crazy long hours and hardly ever seeing family and friends. The memories of being sick ALL THE TIME and losing my voice constantly are fading.
Those things are just not a part of my life anymore.
People frequently ask me if I miss it.
Here's how I answer...
Sometimes I miss the craziness and importance of reporting on wild weather, breaking news and live guests. More happened in one day at the TV station than often happens in an entire week at working from home.
I miss using my meteorology certifications that I worked so hard for.
I miss all those pretty dresses. I miss the people.
The list of stuff I DON'T miss is much longer and more important though.
I've written before about how hard it was to give up such an important "dream" job. It felt impossible at the time, but I knew I needed to do it for my health. I had to dig deep, find faith and trust that God would find another plan for me.
And he did.
Blogging has really filled that void in my life in so many ways.
I may not have a crazy life or co-workers, but I SO enjoy reading many of your blogs daily.
I don't use my meteorology training much, but I learn something new EVERY DAY in the blogging world. Photography is a new joy of mine and the fact that I run my own website and business blows my mind sometimes.
I don't wear many "jewel-toned" wrap dresses anymore, but I do love my hippie dresses.
And I still see the people. Not every day... but I see them. And they are happy that I'm happy and healthy.
Change is hard, but it can bring so much joy in the long run. Sometimes you've just got to spread your wings. 😉
This past year, I've really tried to live with the theme of finding joy and intention in life. For me that means, a life where I intentionally choose to do the things that bring me joy, instead of getting sucked into things that don't.
I know how blessed I am to be able to actually make money off this blog and I don't want to waste that gift. My journey hasn't been perfect and I have days where so many things seem impossible and overwhelming. But I work to overcome those feelings and maintain my focus.
Whether it's learning more about yoga....
traveling...
running...
making time for sunsets...
or creating and eating a rainbow of healthy, veggie packed fresh food...
These are things that bring me joy that I've intentionally brought more of into my life.
In my opinion, life is too short to live any other way.
Whether you need to make big changes in your life, or just small tweaks... don't waste another day being sick or unhappy. I'm proof of that. I encourage you to try to find a little more joy and intention in your life. Your path may look nothing like mine, but it is a path worth taking.
Thanks for coming along for the ride, friends! Here's to another WUNDERFUL year.
Thanks for stopping by today! Tomorrow is July's Top Posts and the Best of the Blogs linkup. I hope to see you there.
I'm linking up with Thinking Out Loud Thursday.
Your turn!
What brings you joy?
Jess says
Hi Julie
I wanted to pop in and see how you are. I enjoyed reading about your OBX trip as that peacefulness and quiet break is what brought me Joy recently.
I understand you post completely as when I used to teach there were times that would cause me such stress and anxiety, the job would affect my health. Sorry you had to go through that with yours but it seems that you love where you are now in life. More and more I realize life is about making memories.
Take care
Jessxx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much for the thoughtful comment Jess!
AmberLynn says
Glad you're celebrating your choices in such a healthy way! Things that bring me joy are those that make me feel like I'm nurturing myself!
JulieWunder says
Hi AmberLynn! Thank you so much. I agree- taking care of ourselves is so important.
Mandi Korn says
You are very lucky that you have made a career from blogging, I think I am still looking for that for myself....but I am not sure I really am. I think I would be better off making money from my photography, then from a blog, but putting the 2 together, would be a bonus for me. All I need is to find confidence and a little start up money, and maybe I would be set. I am glad you are happy where you are now:o)
JulieWunder says
Thanks Mandi! It can happen-- your photos are stunning!!!!!
Debbie@debbiethisandthat.com says
Loved this post and it's a very timely post for me. I appreciate your advice about "change" which can be really hard sometimes. I'm so happy that you have found good health and happiness in your change from WLOS.
JulieWunder says
Hi Debbie! Thank you so much! I really appreciate your support and I've enjoyed connecting with you through our blogs!
Emily says
Yes blogging is always different, and I'm thankful for the changes and growth it's brought into so many lives including yours! It sounds like you learned so many things from your years at WLOS, and I'm thankful that you continue to stay in contact with all the special people there!
JulieWunder says
Hi Emily! Thank you so much! I really appreciate you taking the time to read my blog and I've really enjoyed connecting with through our blogs!
david smith says
While reading some of your recent posts a song appeared in my mind that I remember from a long time back...it is New Year's Resovolution by Donovan on the album Open Road. You use many of the same phrases and encouragements embodied in the song's lyrics. Cool.
JulieWunder says
Hi David! That is cool! I don't think I've ever heard it, but I'm going to look it up. Thank you so much for your support and making Running in a Skirt part of your day.
Lynn says
Glad you are doing well.... They should highlight you on WLOS some moring!!
JulieWunder says
Hi Lynn! Thanks so much for your support! I really appreciate you taking time out of your day to read my blog!
heather @Lunging Through Life says
I am so thrilled you took that leap and it's paid off since then. I can't imagine waking up at 2 am and all the health issues from that! I am so glad we have had a chance to "know" each other 🙂
JulieWunder says
Hi Heather! It seems so crazy that I did that for so long now. 🙂 I've really enjoyed getting to know you too!
Dani @ Dani California Cooks says
Love this! Looking back and reflecting is so important, and it's always great to feel like you're moving in the right direction 🙂
JulieWunder says
I agree, Dani! It's something I like to do around anniversaries of big life events 🙂 Thank you so much for your support and I've really enjoyed connecting with you through our blogs.
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Seems like you are in a much better place right now and so much happier. You obviously made the best decision for your mentally and physically.
JulieWunder says
Thanks so much Deborah! I really appreciate your support and I've so enjoyed connecting with your through our blogs.
Ashley @ Whiskers and Weights says
Glad things are going so well for you after deciding to change directions with life. I know that change sucks but usually it leads to great outcomes and we are happier!
JulieWunder says
Hi Ashley! Sometimes I can't believe I had to guts to actually leave! Thanks so much for your support!
Thomas Johnson says
I do miss seeing you on television. I always enjoyed your broadcasts. However, I am happy that things have worked out for you. I am very impressed with your faith system. I wish you the best as you continue your journey through life - never lose sight of the fact that life is a journey and not a destination.
JulieWunder says
Hi Thomas! Thanks you so much for your support! Such a good reminder.
Dan Steadman says
glad it is all going so well for you, we both made our life and career changes about the same time and say it was worth it. Things that bring me joy, and nice long fall morning run, a long hike in the cooler elevations, and last the group of 5th and 6th graders at church...they challenge, encourage, and care, especially Sam and Skylar, they always greet me with a hug and a smile when they see me, and can't leave until they tell me bye on Sundays (they are in the sixth grade girls class and I teach 5th boys)
JulieWunder says
What a joy, teaching that class! I really appreciate your support and reading Running in a Skirt!
Andrea on Vacation says
I have this struggle almost every day. It seems to me like "wasting" your education to change up your life is a hard but well-worth it change to live a happier existence. Now if I can just convince myself to do it again 🙂
JulieWunder says
It is so hard, isn't it? Sometimes I can't believe I had to guts to actually leave! Good luck figuring out your path. I've enjoyed connecting with you through blogging and I really appreciate your support.
Meagan @ My Life as Mrs says
Change is scary and sometimes it's hard to let go and let God take control, but it's always rewarding because doesn't He know better? 😉 I know I struggle with change a lot and I'm glad you've been able to find happiness in your new(er) situation.
JulieWunder says
Hi Meagan! I really struggle with change too, so I totally understand. Sometimes I can't believe I actually had the guts to just leave! So nice to connect with you and I really appreciate your support!
Robin @ Simply Southern Baking says
Two years already....time sure flies! That step of faith was just what you needed. You're doing a great job on your blog and seem so happy. Thanks for the encouraging words too. Have a fabulous day!
JulieWunder says
Doesn't it fly? Seems like we were just sitting at the Food Blog Forum in Asheville that August after I quit! I really appreciate your support!
Paula Fox says
I so enjoy reading your blog everyday, about your adventures in life. I also miss seing your happy face on WLOS, but am so glad you are happy and healthy.
Keep up the great fasion shows, beautiful photos & yummy recipes!
I also enjoy cooking and, all things animal !
JulieWunder says
Hi Paula! Thank you so much for your support and taking time out of your day to read my blog. I'm so glad you enjoy it!
Mary Jean Henson says
I enjoyed seeing you on WLOS but understand why you needed a change. I read your blog each morning and find recipes, tips, travel information and fashion finds that are useful. Have a wonderful day.
JulieWunder says
Hi Mary Jean! I really appreciate your support. Thank you so much for making Running in a Skirt part of your day!
Susie @ Suzlyfe says
I never knew you WLOS, but I can say that it is there wloss (see what I did there) that you departed, but your gain. You have done incredible things with this blog, with your March for Babies work, and you certainly seem happy! (though, believe me, I understand that looks can be deceiving). I'm glad that you did what was necessary for the long term happiness of yourself and your family. Life is too damn short!
JulieWunder says
I agree, thanks Suz! I always tried to make the best of it, but when my health was so wonky all the time it was hard to power through! I really appreciate your support and friendship!
Linda says
I watched you every day on WLOS and now I read your blog every day. You're happy and you're healthy. That's all that matters. Oh, and I so look forward to your blog every morning. I've gotten so many exercise, fashion and fantastic recipes from you. Thanks Julie!!!
JulieWunder says
Hi Linda! That means so much to me! Thank you so much for making Running in a Skirt part of your day. 🙂
Blane Sherer says
I'm glad that all has worked out so well for you.
You were fantastic at WLOS but certainly giving that
up was what you needed to do. I'm happy for you.
JulieWunder says
Thank you so much! I really appreciate the support.