Resetting, Not Restarting: Life After My First Layoff

I didn’t expect my life to shift the way it did this year — but in a way, I also did.

This isn’t my first time experiencing a layoff.

The first time it happened, I wasn’t in HR. I was at American Airlines, and when layoffs were happening around me, I was saved. I remember feeling so lucky, so relieved… like I had somehow made it through the storm.

But what I didn’t expect was what came after.

Even though I still had my job, I was absolutely miserable. The environment had changed, the energy felt different, and deep down I knew I wasn’t where I was supposed to be anymore. That experience pushed me to move on — and eventually led me to a role that I truly loved.

It was everything I had been looking for:

remote work
a great salary
supportive leadership
a company that genuinely cared about its people

It felt aligned. It felt right.

But then… life shifted again.

This time, I was in HR — which meant I wasn’t just experiencing it, I was also seeing it from the other side. I wasn’t the first person to be let go, so I could feel it coming. The signs were there. And instead of being caught off guard, I had time to mentally prepare myself.

And honestly?

It started to feel like the world was shifting again — like a quiet version of chaos, almost like COVID all over again… just in a different form.

But this time, I’m moving differently.

This isn’t about starting over from scratch.
This is about rebuilding. Pivoting. Realigning.

This is my reset — on my terms.

I’m not letting fear take away the vision I have for my life.
I’m choosing to move forward with intention, softness, and trust in what I’m building next.

So instead of rushing into the next chapter, I decided to pause — and rebuild my life in a way that actually feels good.

🌿 Where I’m At Right Now

This is a rebuilding season.

Not in a chaotic, everything-is-falling-apart kind of way — but in a more intentional, quiet way.

I’m learning how to:

slow down without feeling guilty
create routines I actually enjoy
and build a life that feels aligned, not just productive

Some days feel really good.
Other days feel uncertain.

Both can exist at the same time — and I’m learning to be okay with that.

☀️ What My Reset Looks Like

Instead of trying to “bounce back,” I’ve been focusing on creating a rhythm that supports me.

My mornings have become a big part of that.

Starting my day with prayer and Bible reading
Writing in my gratitude journal
Light movement like yoga or stretching
Giving myself time to wake up slowly instead of rushing

It’s not about perfection — it’s about grounding myself before the day starts.

💻 Redefining Productivity

One of the biggest shifts I’ve had to make is how I think about productivity.

Before, it was very structured and work-centered.

Now, it looks like:

working on my blog and creative ideas
learning new skills
organizing my life in ways that feel peaceful, not overwhelming
taking breaks without feeling like I’m falling behind

I’m realizing that productivity doesn’t always have to feel intense to be meaningful.

🌙 Creating Space to Reset

My evenings are becoming just as important as my mornings.

This is where I:

work out or go for a walk
spend time on my balcony, slowing down and getting fresh air
connect with nature and care for my plants
reset my space so it feels calm and welcoming
unwind and reflect on the day

I’m also working on improving my sleep routine (still a work in progress, not gonna lie 😅).

But even the effort of trying feels like progress.

💭 What I’m Learning in This Season

This experience has taught me more than I expected.

You can start over without losing who you are
Not everything that ends is a failure — sometimes it’s a redirection
Routines should support your life, not control it
Growth can be soft, slow, and still powerful

I’m also realizing that this season feels like a rebrand — not changing who I am, but enhancing it.

It’s about finally showing the sides of myself that were always there…
but stayed hidden because of fear.

And now?

I’m choosing to show up fully.

Most importantly, I’m learning that even when life throws something unexpected your way…
you can still create something beautiful from it.

💌 Moving Forward

I don’t have everything figured out yet — and I’m okay with that.

This blog is part of my reset.
A space where I can share, create, and document this season as it unfolds.

If you’re in a similar place — rebuilding, pivoting, or just trying to figure things out — you’re not alone.

We’re figuring it out, one step at a time 🤍