Sometimes taking a step back is really taking a big leap forward.

Our company is celebrating the month of November by focusing on acts of gratitude. In that spirit, I am excited to share a new chapter of my life.

I have been incredibly fortunate in life to be blessed with a career I love as well as being surrounded by the best family and friends.

So here comes the hard part. I was trying to do it all. Trying to be the best wife, mom, boss, co-worker, daughter, family member, friend, board member, etc…. And while I LOVE all these roles, I wasn’t enjoying them as much as I should. I questioned myself a lot. I have worked my whole life to accomplish it all. Why wasn’t I enjoying it as much as I should? So, I challenged myself to think of ways to make it better and find a comfort zone where I could still feel like I was growing but enjoying the ride along the way.

Fast forward to today. I am almost two months into a new position at work. I decided to take a step back and with that change, I am now working from home three days a week, traveling less and overall have more balance in life. I am a better version of myself and therefore a better wife, mom, co-worker, daughter, family member, friend, board member, etc. My kids have all commented on how much they love having me more present. I see a difference in how my house runs and frankly I am having a blast at work selling and representing a brand that I have worked most of my adult career building. It feels good to let go and enjoy. I know this might not always be this way but I am very glad I gave myself permission to redefine my path and keep focus on what matters most.

I know am lucky to have a leadership team that supports me, a husband and parents who are always my #1 fan, 4 healthy and smart girls and for YOU. My community of friends, family and colleagues who I love. I am blessed.

I hope by sharing this it helps you all to reflect on your happiness and don’t be afraid to change course if you need to!

No alt text provided for this image



Amy Valentine

Director of Customer Success | Transformative Leader | Expert in Developing Sustainable Customer Strategies to Support Engagement & Growth

5y

THIS is what success looks like. I love that you were empowered to craft the work life and home life that brought you the most fulfillment in your life in the now. And I love that we work for a company that fully embraced these changes! I absolutely see the change in YOU as you have made this decision and I love seeing you be your best self! Definitely inspirational as Joni said! 

Outstanding. Great wisdom and wish I had taken that advice earlier when my kids were around! Cheers!

Caroline Skinner

Chief Operating Officer at Tupelo Honey

5y

Love this Melissa Doolin-Koehne !

To view or add a comment, sign in

More articles by Melissa Doolin-Koehne

  • To My Ladies.....

    To My Ladies.....

    I admit, this week is going to be hard. We are packing up our second daughter, Ava, as she prepares to leave for…

    83 Comments
  • Cheers to 20 years and many more….

    Cheers to 20 years and many more….

    It’s been 20 years building a company and a team I am so proud of. When we first started GuestXM - Now Powered by Black…

    128 Comments
  • How to Feed 1,000 people in Less than 30 Minutes

    How to Feed 1,000 people in Less than 30 Minutes

    Last night, I got a call to action from my friend Robin Plotkin. She sent me this message at 8:12 PM.

    7 Comments

Insights from the community

Others also viewed

Explore topics