It's been about 2 years since I wrote my last blog on here in November 2022. Back then, life had taken a turn I didn’t expect, and I was struggling to find my footing. I felt lost, unsure of how to navigate the challenges I was facing.

Fast forward to today, and things look different. I’m still learning, still growing, but I’ve come through with a resilience I didn’t know I had, and a perspective that’s shifted in ways I didn’t see coming. Sharing my journey isn’t just about looking back - it’s about hoping that my experience might connect with someone who needs it right now.

So, if this resonates with even one of you, then sharing it here is more than worth it.

2022: A Year of Challenge and Transformation

Without a doubt, 2022 was one of the most challenging years of my life. We all have those years that test us to our core, and for me, it became a pivotal turning point. My work environment had been wearing me down, making me question whether I truly wanted to continue as a Financial Adviser. It became clear that my surroundings were misaligned with my values and sense of purpose, leading to stress and frustration.

By mid-2022, work had become unbearable. I woke up anxious, emotionally exhausted, and it was clear that staying would only worsen my situation. It was time to make a difficult decision. In July, I left my job - a choice that didn’t come easy. I had to say goodbye to my clients, and our household income was suddenly in jeopardy. My partner, Luke, had recently left his job as well and was searching for new opportunities. With twin boys who were just seven years old at the time, the stakes felt incredibly high. Yet, deep down, I knew I was making the right choice.

My goal was clear: I wanted to establish my own firm and become directly authorised - a process that could take up to a year. I wasn’t willing to compromise my values by joining a network or taking on work that didn’t resonate with me. It felt like a leap into the unknown, but I was convinced it was the best path forward.

When Life Took Another Turn

Just as I was navigating this career transition, life threw another, much worse, challenge our way. Luke had been suffering from worsening joint pain, and in October, after months of uncertainty, he received a diagnosis: cancer. On 18th October, we learned that he had Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. By November, further tests revealed it was Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL), a form of the disease that would require long-term treatment. Everything changed.

Luke’s symptoms quickly worsened, and in January 2023, he began a grueling 12-month chemotherapy programme. Life spiralled into a whirlwind of hospital visits, medications, and navigating the unknown. Luke was grieving the loss of his health, grappling with fatigue, pain, and the fear of what the future held. Our boys, sensing the shift in our household, began to show signs of distress at school.

For me, it felt like everything was falling apart. I kept going, trying to hold it all together for my family. I resorted to unhealthy coping mechanisms - anything to distract myself from the overwhelming emotions I was feeling. I wish I could say I had the strength to sit with the pain and discomfort, but at the time, it was too much. I kept myself busy because I was scared that if I stopped, I would break.

The Lessons That Changed Me

Looking back, 2022 may have been the hardest year I’ve experienced in my 41 years on earth, but it also taught me lessons I will carry for the rest of my life. I’m not perfect - none of us are - but the growth I experienced that year was profound.

Here are some of the most important lessons I learned:

You are Stronger Than You Think

To be where you are now, you have survived everything you've ever been through. Although you may not know at the time how things are going to get better, you just continue to put one foot in front of the other until they are. And they will be. Even if you don't know how you will get through a difficult situation, trust that you will find a way.

When I was in my old job, I felt trapped and miserable, and when Luke received his diagnosis, he couldn’t envision a better future. The only way to reach the other side of a tough experience is to go through it. Yes, it was scary and anxiety-inducing, but we made it. Trust that you’ll find your way through even when it seems impossible.

The Power of Support

I couldn’t have navigated my career transition without the support of others. Going through Luke’s diagnosis served as a humbling reminder that we can’t do it all alone. I learned to lean on family, friends, and even professionals to help us through that challenging time. Seeking help doesn’t make you weak; it makes you human.

Resilience is Built in the Toughest Moments

I’ve discovered that resilience is not something you’re born with - it’s something you build, often in the hardest moments of your life. That year tested me in ways I couldn’t have imagined, but I came out stronger and more aware of my inner strength. Each challenge we overcome adds to our confidence, proving that we can face adversity and prevail.

Prioritising Your Mental and Emotional Health

I realised that staying in a job that doesn’t align with your values can severely impact your mental and emotional well-being. Leaving my job was terrifying, but it was the first step toward living a life that resonates with my purpose. We spend so much of our lives at work; it’s crucial that it brings meaning, not just a pay cheque.

Always Have Hope

I often read about the importance of mindfulness and understand the benefits of being present in the moment. However, during truly challenging times, being in the present can feel anything but pleasant. This is why having hope - that things will improve, that the days when you feel overwhelmed are temporary, and that everything will be okay - is so essential in those moments.

If You Have Your Health, You are Lucky

Luke's diagnosis made me acutely aware of the significance of health. It inspired me to exercise more and embrace a fitter, healthier lifestyle. His cancer journey transformed my perspective on life. I don't sweat the small stuff nearly as much as I used to. I just don't get the point anymore. To me, I feel incredibly lucky to have my health. As long as I have my health (both physical and emotional) I feel that I can push forwards with living a fulfilled life and face life's adversities head on.

Moving Forward

Today, Luke is in remission and we’re learning to adapt to a new normal. My business is slowly taking shape, and I’m focusing on building a life that reflects my values and brings more happiness and calm. It’s a work in progress, but I’m finally feeling like I’m on the right path.

If you’ve ever gone through a year like mine, where everything seemed to fall apart, know that it’s okay to struggle. It’s okay to feel like you don’t have all the answers. What matters is that, eventually, you start finding your way back to yourself. Sometimes, it takes a while, but you’ll get there.