I apologize in advance if this post is over the top, but per usual I need a place to puke my thoughts. To quickly summarize the point of this post all I can say is life.feels.good. That may sound pretty simple, but when you’ve been in a limbo state of life for over a year it’s a bit more complex.
Hippie dippie vibes need a triangle of Bikenstocks.
I’m starting to feel like my old self again. The self that was excited to go on adventures, the self that was excited to go for a run, the self that had no desire to fill her body with processed sugar (lol), the self that enjoyed going to work in the morning, the self that felt creative in the kitchen, the self that felt a desire to connect, the true self.
OK, and a little bit of processed sugar.
I have learned so much about myself the last year, and despite my own personal “struggles” (I hesitate to say struggles because perspective is everything – I had a roof, I had food, I had opportunities, etc..) I know this time of my life was essential for my own personal growth. Settling for less than what we are meant to do in this world can be a slow killer, side effects similar to smoking cigarettes.
Morning commute
Bottom line – I wasn’t happy, I wasn’t growing, I wasn’t challenged, and I wasn’t living to my potential in any area of my life. I couldn’t decide what to study in school, I felt it was time for a change at work, and I was in need of more social interactions. So I waited, and then eventually I had to say goodbye to my comfort zone.
I often advocate the idea of “up and quitting” a job that no longer serves you, challenges you, or allows you to grow to search for what really makes you tick, even when society deems this as irresponsible. Perhaps for you the change needed is following your true passion regardless of the fear you’ve built around the ideas.
Ever notice how the people that are most happy with what they do in this life are those that don’t build walls around the ideas they create in their minds? They think it, believe it, and DO IT.
Be like this bird, break free from the cage. Also – wallpaper goals.
For me, I knew the time had come where I needed to embrace a huge change and take the leap. I’m not saying what I do now at work is my “passion,” but it’s surly bringing me closer to new and exciting opportunities. It’s challenging my mind in ways I’ve not experienced before.
In the short three weeks I’ve worked in Seattle I feel like a completely new person. I isolated myself a lot the last year for reasons I really don’t know, but I’ve completely blossomed into a chatty Kathy again. I’m talking to any and everyone that I come in contact with, and it feels natural. I finally WANT to be around people again. I fully attribute this to taking a risk, and jumping into a completely new world.
Evening commute
I tend to think I’m not “good enough” for some of the things I want in life. This mindset is toxic, it’s sludge that needs to be purged from the walls of my brain. If you think you’re not good enough, then you will manifest a life less than what you’re truly meant to live.
Truth is anyone is “good enough” for anything they want. Some things take extra work to obtain (I couldn’t just walk into a hospital tomorrow and perform heart surgery no matter how detailed the dream I had about it was), but if it’s truly what you want you’ll make it happen.
Wash away the toxic thoughts like a river washing away bird poop.
If you feel stuck in life, it’s because it’s time for a change. This is black and white to me now, point blank, very simple if you allow it to be. When a street is blocked off during construction it’s for the safety of other people, this “safety zone” is a temporary thing until the new and improved street is completed. Safety zones are not meant for long term living.
My safety zone is gone, I’m on a new adventure, and I’m exploring avenues I once thought were out of my spectrum. I’m excited to see what opportunities come my way now that I’ve finally opened the door to shake things up in my world. Take it from me, the longer you stay in a place of unhappiness the longer you’ll be unhappy. You are not a tree, you are meant to move.
Q: What are your weekend plans?! I enjoy this question because I finally have “real weekends.”
Blissfulbritt 
60 thoughts on “The Birth of a New B”
SincerelyLily
yayyyyy! ok this post is LITERALLY perfect timing b/c I picked up something this week that I hope to get in the mail to you by Saturday…. that totally aligns with this entire idea of living outside the box, changing up things to get back in your happy zone, etc. So look for that in zee mail soon.
I’m SO happy to hear that the new gig is working out for you…. once again, all your pics just make me want to jump on a plane and visit. 2017 i’m coming. plan on it. And just for the record- you deserve all the good/happiness the world has to offer. I am a firm believer of what you put it is what you get out of things. You are putting yourself out there, and making the world a better place so it’ll come back to you, and you deserve it all whatever that may be.
Wow. I’m awfully pensive for a Thursday morning. (I have had my coffee xoxo)
Brittany
Oh how I love you! I’m so happy you’re back to commenting, it’s always so appreciated. 2017 I can’t wait!! ❤️
kathy @ more coffee, less talky
i love this and i love that you’ve embraced changed and taken a step towards your goal(s). that process in itself is a slow one and we need to take those steps, as scary and unnerving as they sometimes can be, to feel reenergized and happy. i’m glad you’re taking those steps now! To new challenges!!!
Brittany
Thank you, and you’re so right!! Booooya!
Angie
Bravo. Love this post, and the pictures too. I’m glad things are going well for you! Well deserved. 🙂
Weekend? Vegan food adventures, city hopping on foot and on boat and a nature walk. That’s the plan so far, but it’s not set and stone — well, except for the food part. 😉
Happy weekend, and cheers to life!
Brittany
Your weekend sounds lovely!! ❤️
danaelizabethx
Safety zones are not meant for long term living. <—–whoa – great quote!!
Brittany
😝🙌🏼
Allie Zottola
I am so happy for you! I have always loved this quote: “A ship in the harbor is safe, but that’s not what ships are meant for.” This post was something great for me to read today. I’m in the middle of a possible change in work and it’s exciting/scary/one of my passions. It’s always weird to change jobs because I feel like “what if I don’t like what’s up next and regret this decision?” you know? Sometimes you just need to take that leap! 🙂
Your commutes into and our of Seattle = BEAUTIFUL.
Brittany
I’ve realized that nothing is set in stone, and even if we do dislike the new change we can ALWAYS change again!! It’s all about trial and error!
Amy @ A Desert Girl
Sounds like a bright new phase! Glad you’re enjoying it.
Brittany
Thank you, me too!
LWynalek
Thank you for my new life motto: “Wash away the toxic thoughts like a river washing away bird poop.” Ha!
Brittany
😝😝 I have to include a little nonsense in every post.
Diana Hershey
Weekend plans… for the first time in years I actually plan and DO things… sometimes without even planning them!!! Friday night, music on 6th street downtown Austin. Saturday, build a shed for my new push mower. Sunday, read, play, soak, aromatherapy.
Brittany
That sounds WONDERful!
pickyrunner
Could not relate to this post more. I’m glad you’re starting to feel like yourself again! That’s super important. Also I just got those same birks yesterday and now I’m never going to take them off. Twinning.
Weekend plans- #boatlife, probably some walking/running/biking/outdoorsing, and lots of ice cream and eating. Obviously.
Brittany
These are by far the most comfortable shoes I own, I wear them to work. #relaxedcorporatelife
willrun4disney
“Ever notice how the people that are most happy with what they do in this life are those that don’t build walls around the ideas they create in their minds? They think it, believe it, and DO IT.”
I LOVE this. I’m totally going to use this as my life motto now. I like my job but I’ve been in the same workplace with the same people for 10 years now which is 1/3 of my life (I turn 30 next year) and I’m suffering from some pretty intense burnout so I’m trying to fill my free time with things that leave me refreshed and energized.
Brittany
Life is too short for burn out! Start exploring your options! 🙌🏼🙌🏼
Heather
You are very wise woman. I love reading about your path. This weekend I am volunteering at a triathalon. I do them but have never worked one. It will be fun to be on the volunteer side!
Brittany
What a blast! Thank you, very kind of you to say. 😄
Jessica
I am so happy to hear that you are in such a happy place right now. I wish you lived closer – I just know we are soul sisters…
This weekend, I am going on a really long bike ride and doing my last long run before my half marathon. 🙂
Brittany
Ugh I would harass you daily to hangout with me and explore the hills.
Amy
Yes, yes, YESSSSS!!! You are preaching to the choir (as always… I swear we’re twins separated at birth!). I’m so proud of you for recognizing that you were stuck in a comfort zone and for having the courage to step out of it. That first step of getting out of our comfort zones is so often the hardest because it can feel nearly impossible to get the momentum going! But once we get the ball rolling, it’s a lot easier to keep it rolling. 😉 I can’t wait to hear more about your new job and adventure!! And those commutes — GORGEOUS!
Brittany
You are the QUEEN of taking a leap! Quitting your job for what you truly loved. I’m so inspired by you my friend.
Amy
You’re so sweet Brittany — that means a LOT to me!! ❤️
Ellie
Britt now I am excited because you were one of the influences to get me thinking about school. Now I am back in it and loving what I’m learning! Thank you girl! I’m so happy you are enjoying your new life 🙂
Brittany
This comment made my day! I’m so excited and happy for you!
Josie @ Literature Mistress
Awesome! I’m happy to see how it all seems to work out for you. Those pictures from your commute look stunning!
This weekend I’ll finally get to watch The Secret Life of Pets in the cinema – can’t wait!!! 🙂
Brittany
I’ve heard that was a great movie! Have fun!
Josie @ Literature Mistress
Thank you!
Josie @ Literature Mistress
Update: It was awesome! SO FLUFFY!!! ❤ ❤ ❤
Clearly a film targeting a younger audience, but the cuteness made up for the plot, which really wasn't that great.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
This post makes me want to bust into Bob Dylan….oh the times, they are a changin’.
Of course you bring out the folk music in me. I’m happy you’re getting your happy back. You deserve it my friend. Blows kiss.
Brittany
I do love me some folk tunes!
fionajarrett
Happy for you ☺ Well done for having the courage to make that leap, something I’m building up to right now. Think I’m gna have to bookmark this post 😉!
Brittany
Doooo it!!! I believe in you. 😊
P
I am soooooo happy and excited for you! 🙂
Brittany
Thank you!! ❤️❤️
GiGi Eats Celebrities
I really feel honored to have been in the delivery room when you were re-born. LMFAO… It’ was messy but so worth it! 😉
Brittany
You were!!! Perfect analogy!!!
stateeats
Love, Love, Love this. It’s a wake up call for anyone who feels “stuck”! – Kat
Brittany
Thank you, so true!
Heather
So this is a chapter in your book right?! I’m so glad you’re happy and I love reading posts like this. They make me feel like I really know you and just want to give you a big hug! And buy you processed sugar treats… on that note, I’ll trade you some fresh dates from Israel for any random goodness you want to bake! Wash away the toxic thoughts like a river washing away bird poop- love it. I’m printing that out and putting it on my cube wall 🙂
Brittany
Omg I want those dates. With almond butter!
Heather
I had 5 today before my run!
Atheria
I’m actually surprised to hear that you’ve had self esteem and isolation issues. I never picked that up from your fabulously adventurous posts.
Brittany
I try to stay very positive! It helps with everything. I actively chose to keep to myself, but then I got too comfortable haha!
Atheria
I am very torn. I know I’m isolated and probably lonelier than I even realize (when a friend visited last year for a couple of days… and another friend the year before, I realized how nice it was to have someone to talk to) but I really do like my alone time and often don’t want people around. I actually like traveling alone because I talk to strangers that way.
Brittany
You and I are kindred spirits. I completely relate and understand.
Atheria
Society says aloneness isn’t “healthy”…but there is something about my solo journey that is what I need. That being said, a friend did a Lenormand card reading for me a while ago and bluntly said that I’m isolating myself too much. Did you read that story about a guy who walked into the Maine woods 30 years ago and never came out until he got caught stealing food? When a reporter asked him if he missed human contact, without hesitation he said NO.
Brittany
I never live by societies standards, they’re hogwash to me! Do what’s best for you! I do think human interactions are important, but enjoying alone time is ok! That guy in the woods makes me laugh though.
Atheria
I have come SO close to walking into the woods…
Atheria
This is the guy. https://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/03/23/north-pond-hermit-finishes-court-program-maine/kaf019uywApzNZiFRBo9EO/story.html
Brittany
😂
Josh dV
Brittany I’m sorry to be so behind on my reading, just getting to this now.
I’m so happy for you! You sound very happy and excited and energized by whatever is around the corner. Keep that feeling and remember it for the times when things get shitty. I need to keep the perspective that nothing lasts forever, especially shittyness. I lived in the dark (metaphorically) for so long I thought, I KNEW there was no way out. I can’t go back to that. That way is death.
Keep sharing those happy positive vibes you hippie-dippie, then go and get a job loafer!
Brittany
You are on point, shitty times happen, but nothing lasts forever! Thank you, and I will keep spewing the feel good even when I’m having a shitty day. Ha!
dave379
To paraphrase the title of an earlier one I also remember liking (though let’s be honest, they’re all great), Love this post, Love this blog. So much wisdom and honesty. Happy for you! I feel like I’m working my way there too.
Brittany
Your continued support and readership is something I cherish. Thank you.
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