We're all messes. But social media only showcase people's highlight reels. People post their best moments, but you never get to see the real story. Here's my real story and how I turned my mess into a beautiful mess.

About a year ago, I quit my job. It was a great job, and I was kicking ass. But I was working for someone else, and I wanted to build something of my own. My life coaching business was doing really well—I had a full roster of clients and couldn’t take on more while holding that job. Plus, I had a consulting opportunity lined up that was going to be a big new venture, requiring time and focus.

So I quit the stable, predictable job I was good at—and I leapt into my future.

And then it felt like I jumped out of a plane and my parachute didn’t open. Total free fall.

The consulting gig disappeared. Clients began dropping off. Long-term clients who always renewed suddenly didn’t.

What I thought was a financial cushion turned out not to be one at all. It was like one of those movie moments where the hero jumps onto an awning expecting a soft landing—but it rips right through.

I panicked. Freaked out. Full-on, fear-driven tailspin.

I had made this huge leap, and there was no going back—I’d already trained my replacement. I thought I could hustle my way out of it, so I doubled down. Nose to the grindstone.

But all that hustle energy was fueled by fear. Fear that I had made the biggest mistake of my life. Fear that I wasn’t capable of running my own business. Fear that I’d never make another dollar again.

And here’s the thing—when you’re operating from that deep level of fear, people can sense it. It’s like emotional B.O. They steer clear.

My calendar dried up. I felt like I was letting my current clients down, because any time I wasn’t with them, I was in my head beating myself up.

And the kicker? I’m a coach who helps people recover from breakups. I help people get out of their own love-life tailspins.

But I couldn’t do it for myself.

I was so caught up in the pain, I couldn’t access the very tools and systems I teach.

And just like many of my clients who don’t have support or a plan, I kept spiraling—until I finally got sick of it.

I invested in a coach. I decided to reclaim my time and my joy. I started showing up again and serving the people who were still listening. I made a choice to have more fun. I named what I really wanted, and I let myself receive support.

I cut out what wasn’t working. I quit a part-time job and a volunteer commitment. I stopped overbooking myself and returned to the things that ground me—dancing, working out, being in my body, doing what brings me joy. I asked for help.

And slowly, things shifted.

I won’t pretend it was easy. (Did I mention it took nearly a year before I felt like myself again?) But it proved to me—again—that I know how to help people out of despair and fear.

Change is possible. You’re not doomed to stay stuck in hopelessness.

Life is rarely easy. We're all fighting our own battles as we try to make it through. My hope in sharing this story is to let you know you're not alone if you feel like a mess. And it's always possible to turn it around.

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With love,

Sarah

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PS. One thing that helped me to come back to myself was to create a clear vision of what I wanted for my life. I’m doing an in person workshop that can help you do that.

Come to my VIsion Board workshop on July 20 at the Towson Palisades. As a part of your ticket you’ll get 2 drink tickets for a bespoke cocktail inspired by your power words!

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