Stop waiting. Start living.

Welp, it happened.

My old lab career came back to haunt me.

This will mark the 3rd time since 2019. My old boss reached out twice in 2020 to try to get me to help bring COVID testing online. I politely declined despite my husband questioning my sanity the 2nd time around.

"Are you sure??? You just cancelled all of your retreats!" To which I half shouted, half cried "I'm not interested in going back or backwards. We'll be fine." Good times...and, I'm never dramatic ;)

Anyway this 3rd time had much less to do with me and my life choices. Last week, my old-coworker reached out and asked if I'd be a reference for him because he got laid-off. Turns out the company is having some major financial issues, and they let go of a third of their staff.

I instantly thought "shit, I hope he's ok",

"see? being an entrepreneur isn't the only type of employment that's not guaranteed", and

"I have had zero regrets about moving on".

When I told him I was sorry to hear that, and I'd be more than happy to serve as a reference, he replied with "it's for the best. I've been unhappy for a really long time and needed a push to move on."

Something I think often is if we could see ourselves through the lens of other's we'd be a hell of a lot more confident and more worthy of living our life the way we want to.

This is the guy that was my first hire as a new lab manager. I had worked with him for 6 years and we had become not only respected co-workers, but also good friends. When I jumped ship for a new role and ultimately a new challenge, I remember thinking I hope we would keep in touch.

When we finally had enough capital to hire help, I reached out to him before we even posted the listing and asked him if he would consider taking the job. And I'm so thankful he did. He's so damn smart. He's an excellent troubleshooter. He's very laidback. He's reliable. And he gets along with everyone.

Did I just write his resume? Seriously though, do you think if he believed those things to his core he would've stayed in a job that he wasn't valued at and, that he was miserable at?

Don't wait, friend, just don't.

It doesn't have to be quitting your job.

Maybe you've always wanted to take your kids blueberry picking but have only thought about it for the past 5 summers. I hope this is your year.

Maybe you've always wanted to learn to paint. I hope you buy some pretty brushes today.

Maybe you've always wanted to buy a home but it still feels too scary. I hope you reach out to a professional and make a plan to make your dream happen.

Or maybe you've always wanted to go on a retreat, but are too damn scared to pull the trigger. I hope you'll join me for one. Pinky promise I'm not a serial killer ;)

If not now, when? We only have right now.

You could die afraid - but I really hope you don't!

Whatever way you choose to start living, know that I'll be here, cheering you on!

My name is Anna VanAgtmael, and I am retreat host, travel designer, and a certified yoga instructor with a passion for yoga, travel, and connecting with others.

I believe in trying everything once. My values lie in collecting memories over things.

My ambition is to inspire and encourage you to unmask your fears and jump into the unknown.

Anna VanAgtmael | Retreat Host | Travel Designer