Finding My Way: Aligning Purpose, Passion, and Opportunity
Have you ever dreamt of a different life? I did. In fact, I had a two-year plan to build the life I wanted—a plan hinged on waiting until I was fully vested to receive my remaining RSUs (company stock). I often wondered if the money was worth the wait, but as a pragmatic woman, I convinced myself to stick it out.
Life, however, had other plans.
2025 started with unexpected news: I no longer had a job—let alone those future RSU payouts. At first, it felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me. But in hindsight, it was the kick in the ass I needed to stop waiting and start building my dream life.
The Original Two-Year Plan
It became clear to me last year that this would be my final corporate job. The thought of hitting the job application and interview trail at 55—especially for a career that no longer brought me joy—felt unpalatable. That’s when I started dreaming.
At the heart of my dream was Spain: a small café serving as a hub for community connection, featuring tasty yet healthy Mediterranean Diet-inspired dishes. It was a vision that blended my love of travel, cooking, and fostering connections.
But even as I let myself dream, the realist in me raised concerns. The restaurant business is notoriously risky. Was I prepared to take that leap?
A Sudden Change of Plans
As I reflected on my job loss, I realized the only things tying me to Manhattan were my job and my apartment. With the job gone, the high-cost Upper East Side apartment no longer made sense. I had no children, no debt, and no significant other—there was nothing stopping me from living anywhere as long as I could afford it. So what was I waiting for?
For a moment, I considered packing up and moving back to Spokane, WA, where most of my family lives and the cost of living is lower. But then what? How long would I stay? What would I do to realize my Spanish dream? And how would I navigate challenges like obtaining the necessary visa or moving my nearly 17-year-old Puggle, Lucy?
Then came the realization that shifted everything: I had enough liquid assets to cover a year of living expenses, plus severance and unemployment. For the first time in my life, I had enough money. I wasn’t facing an emergency—I was facing an opportunity.
An Opportunity to Align and Thrive
Here’s the plan I’ve set in motion:
1. Stay in Manhattan for Lucy (and My Sanity)
I’ve decided to remain in Manhattan for now, giving Lucy the comfort she needs in her final days while I work toward my long-term goals without the added stress of moving.
2. Build a Remote Business
My business, Beyond Aligned Books (under the parent Align & Thrive LLC), will focus on bookkeeping and small business consulting. It’s the perfect way to leverage my skills to help others while building a flexible, fully remote career.
3. Transition to Digital Nomad Life
Once Beyond Aligned Books is running smoothly and Lucy no longer needs me, I’ll leave Manhattan and begin my journey as a digital nomad.
4. Explore Future Ventures
Align & Thrive will be the foundation for new ventures—whether it’s photography, nutrition and cooking, or using AI effectively. It’s my platform for blending creativity and purpose into meaningful, profitable work while building a base of passive income for the future.
5. Settle in Spain (Eventually)
My dream of living in Spain remains the ultimate goal, and I plan to pursue a Digital Nomad Visa when the time is right. But who knows? Life might lead me somewhere unexpected.
This journey isn’t just about logistics—it’s about aligning my passions, values, and skills to build a life that truly allows me to thrive.
Why This Substack?
This Substack exists to inspire and equip you to pursue your dreams. I’ll share stories of resilience and reinvention, tips for navigating change, and the lessons I learn along the way. Whether it’s health and wellness, business opportunities, or adventures as a digital nomad, my posts will always come back to the theme of Align & Thrive.
If I can turn my challenges into opportunities, I hope to help you do the same.
Resources That Inspire Me
As I start this journey, these two books have been my guiding lights:
Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert
Gilbert’s take on fear and inspiration has been transformative. She reminds us that inspiration is fleeting—it will leave if you don’t act quickly—and fear is just a passenger, not the driver.
You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero
Sincero’s book is a reminder of our strength and the abundant support around us, paired with actionable tips to achieve success.
Join Me on This Journey
If you’ve made it this far, thank you for reading! Whether you’re here to be inspired or just to see if I fall flat on my ass (spoiler: I will—but I’ll always get back up), I’m glad to have your company.
My hope is that this Substack becomes a space where we can lift each other up, share insights, and grow together. Please subscribe to get updates, comment to share your thoughts and stories, and share this with others who might find value in it.
This is just the beginning. Let’s align and thrive together!
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Hats off to you! I love this line: "I wasn’t facing an emergency—I was facing an opportunity." That's the mindset you need to get through this. Sounds like you're prepared :)
Wow sounds like you have an exciting journey ahead. Best of luck and looking forward to following along!