Moving On....

I began the transformation of my body in January, 2005, and over the following 3 years I thought I had also transformed my life, and I did to a certain point, but I've come to realize that I'm still hanging on to much of the past. Part of my past is the professional job I've had since I was 19 years old, for almost 26 years my job as a manicurist.

There has been so much I've loved about my choice profession. Besides being really good at what I do, and having a natural talent for sculpting artificial nails, winning many competitions and national awards for my work, I've always loved working in a beauty salon, (owning my own salon, Designing Nails, before Gabriel was born). I loved the independence of working for myself and setting my own hours, not to mention making a crazy good amount of money for a girl that never finished the 10th grade, enough to easily support myself and a small child (before I met Mark). But the one thing that has always given me greif about this profession is the vapor, fumes and dust that accompany working with liquid acrylic products. (Although I have always strongly supported and promoted natural nail care)
I was able to build a full time business quickly, only cutting back when Mark and I had Gabe, then rebuilding a full time business again, when Gabe entered the 1st grade which helped us buy our first home, and then over the past 3 years back to part time 2-3 days a week, until very recently 1-2 days a week, and now 4 days a month, working everyother week. But even 4 days a month is too much.

I remember when I made my first major cut back form 5 days to 2-3, one of my clients asked me what I was going to do with all of my "free time", as if doing nails was the only thing keeping me busy, lol. Free time? Is there such a thing in life? I don't have any free time, I'm always busy! But my answer to her was that I wanted to spend more of my life growing and nurturing my personal relationships with my family and friends.....much more important than sucking down dust and fumes, (I didn't say that part, lol) So, have I done what I thought I was going to do? Grow and nuture my personal relationships with family and friends? Not enough. I mean, it was what it was and now it's time for me to put more energy in that direction.

I thought I was hanging on to this part of my life as some sort of way to keep some independence. I liked having my own money, and having an excuse to get dressed up a couple of times a week, lol. I thought it gave me some sort of freedom. But the independence and freedom I need is independence and freedom from this job! I don't need this job.....I have enough money, and I don't need an excuse to get dressed up!

I'm moving on and letting go of this part of my life to make room for something different. What exactly? I'll keep you posted!



This above picture was provided to me by Jen B. of me and her son Jake, it was taken in October 2003, only 5 years ago!


The picture in the middle left is of me and my long time client and friend (of 25 years!), Cindy H. She's my friend that had gastric bypass this last December and has currently lost 82 lbs.