Do you know those truly special conversations where you walk away seeing your life through a different lens—fuller, brighter, kinder somehow?
I had that experience this week when I joined my old friend and former colleague Jessica Long on the Belong Wellness Podcast. And let me tell you—it was one of the most honest conversations I’ve had in a while.
We talked about imposter syndrome, what it felt like to be fired from a job I’d poured my heart into, and how that moment ultimately became the catalyst for an entirely new life of writing and sailing.
And then Jessica said something that floored me: “If you think of your life like an orbit, the life you’re living now has nothing in common with that old one.”
She was right. Fourteen years ago, I couldn’t have imagined this version of myself: not the home I live in, the work I do, or the partner I love. That unexpected firing pushed me out of survival mode and into a new orbit—one that led me back to writing (Plan A all along), into sailing (once only a fantasy), and toward a life that feels infinitely upgraded.
It wasn't magic. It was fear, discomfort, and inching forward one tiny step at a time. Literally. I'd nudge myself to the edge of my comfort zone—across the parking lot into a sailing school office, or block by block toward a meeting with an editor—promising myself I could turn back if it got too scary. Having that safe out was the only way I could have managed it, but somehow it let me keep going. And those steps added up in ways I couldn't see.
Now, when I look back, it feels like I’ve redecorated my whole life. Piece by piece. Orbit by orbit.
If you’ve ever felt stuck in survival mode, wondered how to start over—or if you’re in the messy middle of a transition now—I think you’ll love this conversation. Jessica’s thoughtful questions brought out stories I'd never shared before, and I'm so grateful for her reflections that helped bring clarity to the true scope of the change we can all make in our lives.
You can listen to our conversation on Apple, Spotify, or the Belong Wellness website.
Fair winds,
Cheyenne
P.S. If you know of someone who needs to hear this, please do share it. Sometimes we all need to borrow someone else's confidence to take the next step.
