I love this. I do. Truly. Remember that part. I just find that every ‘I quit my corporate job and lived the life I wanted to’ story doesn't resonate with me because as a single mother with minimum income, relying on food banks sometimes, it is hard to ever see how to get there too. Seems easier to quit and restart with money in the bank already. Remember I loved your words, and genuinely happy for you, but I wonder how many others like me can't see it for themselves? Also autocorrect initially typed ‘monet in the bank’…if I had a Monet, that'd work lol. Enjoy the beautiful life you have created x
Thank you so much for your honesty and for taking the time to share this. I completely hear you - it’s such an important perspective, and you’re right, having savings gave me a safety net that many don’t have ( for that I have the banking industry to be grateful to). Stories like mine can unintentionally feel out of reach, and I really appreciate the reminder to hold space for that reality. Your resilience shines through, and I’m truly grateful you still found something in my words. Also, “Monet in the bank” made me smile - if only! Sending you love and strength ❤️
You are clearly someone far ahead of her time. Not only did you survive financial services (no small feat), but you had the vision - and courage - to actually reroute. I ran the race for far too long myself before finally trading deadlines for daydreams.
Wishing you all the best on this next chapter. I’m looking forward to following along on your journey. This piece reminded me of one I wrote about shedding old identities to live more rooted — here it is if it resonates:
Thank you so much Benthall your words really mean a lot. I just read your piece and it resonated deeply. Grateful to be connected here and looking forward to reading more of your work too ☺️
I keep my fingers crossed that your running leads you to places—and a life—that are deeply meaningful and stay that way. May the spirit of running be with you, even when you stand still.
Thanks Michael! That’s such a kind message 🙏 I’ve found that running has become something far deeper than just movement - it’s connection, clarity, and courage all wrapped into one. I’ll carry your words with me on the trails!
Thank you so much - I love that! It doesn’t matter if it’s on two wheels or two feet, that feeling of connection is everything. Here’s to more moments that move us - inside and out ❤️
Hi Maddy! Loved reading your story! I’m on a similar path like you, left the corporate world and taking a sabbatical. I have the same doubts and fears about the life without a plan but simultaneously love slowing down. It feels so much more natural.
Btw, I’m also a bit connected to the ultra running world. I’m a member of Karel Sabbe’s crew (you might have heard of him!).
Thank you so much for reading Marie and for your kind words ❤️ it’s really reassuring to hear from someone on a similar path. Slowing down definitely feels unnatural and the “no plan” part still messes with my ex-corporate brain a bit!
But that’s so cool about your connection to the running world! I haven’t actually heard of Karel Sabbe (clearly I have homework to do!)
Ahh thank you! That gave me goosebumps ❤️ Sometimes it’s hard to see the ‘somewhere’ when you’re in the thick of the journey, but messages like this remind me to keep going. Grateful for your words 🙏
I lived in Annecy for several months over 2023/24. My favourite place on earth. Eventually had my French visa rejected, a painful experience. Would love to know how/who/what you're making it work currently. Bon courage!
Ah I feel you … Annecy is pure magic ❤️I’m so sorry about your visa, that must’ve been really tough! I’m here on a Talent visa for professional sport but it’s definitely been a process! My fingers are crossed you find your way back soon 🤞
How funny … welcome to Sydney! Such a beautiful city (with slightly fewer mountains). Enjoy the sunshine (although I hear it’s been raining a tone recently)!
It’s hard starting over in a new place, especially if you have something that doesn’t fit in traditional life, like running. I decided the best thing to do is start a business so I could determine the rules and keep things balanced. Also not easy when you’re living abroad, but it feels like I’m living life on my terms, not somebody else’s.
Thank you for sharing this - so much of what you said resonates deeply! Starting a business is such a bold and empowering move. It’s definitely not the easiest route (especially while living abroad!), but there’s something really special about shaping your own world instead of trying to adapt to someone else’s. I love that you’re doing it on your terms!
Thank you so much for sharing! As a recent college graduate who wants to prioritize running but also strive for balance and isn’t really sure where to start, this resonated a lot. Kudos to you for having the courage to make a change and create the life you want, I really appreciate hearing your story!
Thank you so much for your kind words Lila ❤️ it truly means a lot! I remember being in a similar place after finishing uni, wanting to chase big goals but not quite knowing how to start or where they’d lead. It’s definitely a journey, and finding that balance takes time, but just being aware of what you want is already such a powerful first step. Wishing you all the best with your running and everything ahead - excited for you!
Congrats to having the courage to hop into the unknown waters. The biggest step is taken, you decide(d) for *your* life and (to try to) stop following the rules and ideas of others.
I once read "if your path is clear you very likely follow the path of someone else" (or similar). You are way younger than me but I can relate to your fears and how it feels to not "know everything ahead".
Think about it: that feeling of certainty in your old life was an illusion as well. It always is in a way ... But what you get is that now your life is full of collecting experiences and memories. And this leads to even more of that ... Just breathe and trust.
Thank you so much 🙏 your message really resonated. That quote is brilliant and so true: the certainty I had before was comforting, but definitely an illusion. Trading that for a path full of unknowns has been unsettling… but also makes me feel so much more alive. I really appreciate your thoughtful words - and yes, I’ll keep reminding myself to breathe and trust too (even when it feels like I have no idea what I’m doing!).
Congrats on trusting your gut and knowing what is best for you!! So hard to follow “the road less travelled” but so essential because life goes too fast … and there’s way too many beautiful trails to explore! Here’s to doing the scary stuff that makes life so much more vibrant 💛
Thank you Jess!! You say it perfectly — and yes, the road less travelled is terrifying… but also has way better views and significantly fewer spreadsheets 😂❤️
This sounds amazing!
A lot can happen in a year — so true! Congratulations and keep going! 🙌
Thank you so much! It really is wild how much can shift in just a year. Appreciate the encouragement 🙏 I’m excited to see what the next one brings!
I love this. I do. Truly. Remember that part. I just find that every ‘I quit my corporate job and lived the life I wanted to’ story doesn't resonate with me because as a single mother with minimum income, relying on food banks sometimes, it is hard to ever see how to get there too. Seems easier to quit and restart with money in the bank already. Remember I loved your words, and genuinely happy for you, but I wonder how many others like me can't see it for themselves? Also autocorrect initially typed ‘monet in the bank’…if I had a Monet, that'd work lol. Enjoy the beautiful life you have created x
Thank you so much for your honesty and for taking the time to share this. I completely hear you - it’s such an important perspective, and you’re right, having savings gave me a safety net that many don’t have ( for that I have the banking industry to be grateful to). Stories like mine can unintentionally feel out of reach, and I really appreciate the reminder to hold space for that reality. Your resilience shines through, and I’m truly grateful you still found something in my words. Also, “Monet in the bank” made me smile - if only! Sending you love and strength ❤️
You are clearly someone far ahead of her time. Not only did you survive financial services (no small feat), but you had the vision - and courage - to actually reroute. I ran the race for far too long myself before finally trading deadlines for daydreams.
Wishing you all the best on this next chapter. I’m looking forward to following along on your journey. This piece reminded me of one I wrote about shedding old identities to live more rooted — here it is if it resonates:
https://open.substack.com/pub/thebenthalls/p/retired-roaming-and-rooted
Thank you so much Benthall your words really mean a lot. I just read your piece and it resonated deeply. Grateful to be connected here and looking forward to reading more of your work too ☺️
I keep my fingers crossed that your running leads you to places—and a life—that are deeply meaningful and stay that way. May the spirit of running be with you, even when you stand still.
Thanks Michael! That’s such a kind message 🙏 I’ve found that running has become something far deeper than just movement - it’s connection, clarity, and courage all wrapped into one. I’ll carry your words with me on the trails!
I am not a runner although I used to do a little running.
However, I believe I understand or better feel what you feel. :-)
I enjoy riding a bike. Sometimes it even feels like connecting to something bigger and your inner self at the same time.
Go for it, uh: Run for it!
And may the track rise to meet you!
Thank you so much - I love that! It doesn’t matter if it’s on two wheels or two feet, that feeling of connection is everything. Here’s to more moments that move us - inside and out ❤️
Mindfulness in motion. 💓
Hi Maddy! Loved reading your story! I’m on a similar path like you, left the corporate world and taking a sabbatical. I have the same doubts and fears about the life without a plan but simultaneously love slowing down. It feels so much more natural.
Btw, I’m also a bit connected to the ultra running world. I’m a member of Karel Sabbe’s crew (you might have heard of him!).
Keep running 🧡
Thank you so much for reading Marie and for your kind words ❤️ it’s really reassuring to hear from someone on a similar path. Slowing down definitely feels unnatural and the “no plan” part still messes with my ex-corporate brain a bit!
But that’s so cool about your connection to the running world! I haven’t actually heard of Karel Sabbe (clearly I have homework to do!)
Rockstar!!!
🙏🙏🙏
Loved this so much. Keep going. Keep running. You're going to end up somewhere special. In fact, you're already there 😃
Ahh thank you! That gave me goosebumps ❤️ Sometimes it’s hard to see the ‘somewhere’ when you’re in the thick of the journey, but messages like this remind me to keep going. Grateful for your words 🙏
I lived in Annecy for several months over 2023/24. My favourite place on earth. Eventually had my French visa rejected, a painful experience. Would love to know how/who/what you're making it work currently. Bon courage!
Ah I feel you … Annecy is pure magic ❤️I’m so sorry about your visa, that must’ve been really tough! I’m here on a Talent visa for professional sport but it’s definitely been a process! My fingers are crossed you find your way back soon 🤞
That is incredible. Go win Trail de Faverges race! I’d be trotting around if I were there.
Funnily, I’ve recently relocated to Sydney (partner is Aus).
Will be living vicariously until I’m back in the mountains !
How funny … welcome to Sydney! Such a beautiful city (with slightly fewer mountains). Enjoy the sunshine (although I hear it’s been raining a tone recently)!
truly inspiring
keep being true to yourself
i love it
Thank you so much that really means a lot! Grateful to have you reading 🙏
It’s hard starting over in a new place, especially if you have something that doesn’t fit in traditional life, like running. I decided the best thing to do is start a business so I could determine the rules and keep things balanced. Also not easy when you’re living abroad, but it feels like I’m living life on my terms, not somebody else’s.
Thank you for sharing this - so much of what you said resonates deeply! Starting a business is such a bold and empowering move. It’s definitely not the easiest route (especially while living abroad!), but there’s something really special about shaping your own world instead of trying to adapt to someone else’s. I love that you’re doing it on your terms!
Thank you so much for sharing! As a recent college graduate who wants to prioritize running but also strive for balance and isn’t really sure where to start, this resonated a lot. Kudos to you for having the courage to make a change and create the life you want, I really appreciate hearing your story!
Thank you so much for your kind words Lila ❤️ it truly means a lot! I remember being in a similar place after finishing uni, wanting to chase big goals but not quite knowing how to start or where they’d lead. It’s definitely a journey, and finding that balance takes time, but just being aware of what you want is already such a powerful first step. Wishing you all the best with your running and everything ahead - excited for you!
Well written! Thank you for sharing!!
Thank you so much for reading! I really appreciate your kind words 🙏
"I stopped outsourcing permission to live a life that felt like me." Yes yes yes yes! 🪆🧲🎈🌶️
So happy this resonated ❤️ Thank you for reading 🙏
Congrats to having the courage to hop into the unknown waters. The biggest step is taken, you decide(d) for *your* life and (to try to) stop following the rules and ideas of others.
I once read "if your path is clear you very likely follow the path of someone else" (or similar). You are way younger than me but I can relate to your fears and how it feels to not "know everything ahead".
Think about it: that feeling of certainty in your old life was an illusion as well. It always is in a way ... But what you get is that now your life is full of collecting experiences and memories. And this leads to even more of that ... Just breathe and trust.
(yes, I tell that myself also ;-) ) best wishes
Thank you so much 🙏 your message really resonated. That quote is brilliant and so true: the certainty I had before was comforting, but definitely an illusion. Trading that for a path full of unknowns has been unsettling… but also makes me feel so much more alive. I really appreciate your thoughtful words - and yes, I’ll keep reminding myself to breathe and trust too (even when it feels like I have no idea what I’m doing!).
Congrats on trusting your gut and knowing what is best for you!! So hard to follow “the road less travelled” but so essential because life goes too fast … and there’s way too many beautiful trails to explore! Here’s to doing the scary stuff that makes life so much more vibrant 💛
Thank you Jess!! You say it perfectly — and yes, the road less travelled is terrifying… but also has way better views and significantly fewer spreadsheets 😂❤️