Monday, May 13, 2013

A New Journey

For several years I have been wanting to go back to school, either furthering my degree in History, or pursuing another field of study. I have flip-flopped between a Masters in Education, getting my MBA, finding a Registered Dietitian program, and at one point I even toyed with the idea of becoming a NICU nurse.  I was actually just a few steps from signing up for a Masters of Public Health program when we found out we were pregnant with our third daughter. 
I always knew I wanted to go into a field that helped people, either teaching or health related services, but nothing felt RIGHT.  Then a couple months ago a dear friend of mine pointed me in the direction of a holistic nutrition and health coach program and offered me an amazing career opportunity that I would have been crazy to pass up.  After looking into the program it was clear that this is exactly what I have been looking for.  Twelve years ago this week I graduated from college, and now here I am on my first day of school over a decade later.
My days as a SAHM are numbered and to be honest this terrifies me.  Six months from now I will go back to work officially for the first time in 9 years.(The program is a year long, with a 2nd year continuing ed option, but we can start working after 6 months.)  Some work will be done from home, some from an office (I'll have my own office!!).  I will still do the online schooling with my girls but my schedule won't be as free as it has been for these past 9 years. I have been looking into how  professional parents work and still home school so I am confident it can be done.   I won't be a full time SAHM like I have been for the past nine years and 6 months.  The practice I am joining is very family oriented so I am not worried about my girls.  I know I will have a little less time with them, but I think that is going to be a good thing.  Sometimes I take for granted the time I have  so I don't use it wisely.  Now I am making more time to go outside and push my toddler on the swings, build train sets with them, kick the soccer ball around, blow bubbles, or just enjoy being with them.

Even though I am scared, apprehensive (slightly terrified), it is time do something for ME.  I am extraordinarily blessed by the fact that I don't have to work.  We have made one income work for many years so we are pretty good at it. My husband has always supported my decision to stay home with our girls and has not once made me feel as though it was a burden. I've watched him become extremely successful in his career, and while I am so proud of him, it has been hard to feel as though I am standing still.  So now it is my turn- and I can't wait.  All of the fear aside, I am beyond excited to start this new journey. 

What does this mean for Dairyfree Omnivore?
The break is officially over! Most exciting of all- the blog is getting a professional makeover! I will be posting many recipes and other health and food related posts.  I took a large portion of this past year as a break for many reasons- lack of time, chasing around a toddler, and prioritizing aspects of my life.  We also started volunteering as fosters for dogs and puppies rescued from high kill shelters-and that requires a lot of time. (More on that in a future post.) For now, it's time to get back into the habit of blogging.

I have already met some amazing people through my new school program, and many have blogs.  I can't wait to share their blogs with you too!

For now, let's get back into the swing of things.  Keep an eye out this week for a product review, a kitchen tour, and at least 2 new recipes!

5 comments:

  1. No need to be afraid. You have the brains and the skills to juggle all these things, and if you start to 'slip' you have a great husband who is capable of catching you and helping out.

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    1. Thanks Aimee!! I think this is going to be the most fulfilling thing I've ever done- other than having the girls- and I am beyond excited. But there is still that "how in the world am going to DO this?!?" fear lingering. Of course I live by the quote "If your dreams don't scare you they aren't big enough." :-)

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  2. Super exciting new step!! Can't wait to hear about your journey!

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    1. Thanks Steph! And I am so excited to (finally) reconnect up with all my blog friends!:-)

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  3. congratulations girl!! i know change can be hard but it sounds like you've put alot of thought into this. i know it'll go well!

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