If everything were normal, I would be posting a delicious plant based recipe. The truth is, things are far from normal.
Over the weekend, we frantically packed up everything we own.
Terrifying and insane and crazy.. but that’s how life has been lately.
It was time to make the toughest decision we’ve been asking ourselves for far too long. Do we stay in this house filled with fear, memories we are trying to forget and keep enduring the control? Or do we pack up everything we own, get the F out and start a new life, our own life, even if it’s scary?
We chose the latter.
While it was a terrifying life move, deep down, I know it’s for the best and was imperative for us to move forward. The house we’ve been renting, the job Marty had and the control we’ve been under is all tied to his family. I don’t think it’s my place to share why all of this is happening, although my life has been greatly affected – and not in a good way.
The bottom line is: the entire situation wasn’t working… and hasn’t been for quite some time.
Since we arrived home from Cancun, when I wrote this post, everyday has been filled with the unknown. While our living situation and Marty’s work situation are also unknown at the moment, anything is better as long as we are far away from residing in controlled fear.
We are safe and staying with family for the time being, and our doggies are happy wherever we go, as long as they’re with us. Chuy and Taz are holding us together and have been my pillows to cry on throughout the craziness. I wasn’t sure if I should share, but I’m tired of negative secrets and allowing others to scare me to the point where I stay quiet. Sharing a peek into what has been going on isn’t for revenge, it’s for someone else who is pondering a hard decision and needs encouragement to leave a messy situation and start a new life. I don’t want to feel missing anymore! I love connecting and creating. Sharing is about a mutual understanding or a feeling we can relate to that makes us feel normal.
This fresh start will be amazing for us, I can feel it. I know this because we can finally breathe and clear our minds. We can rest and sleep more soundly. I can truly be myself and we can start our life together with nothing holding us back.
The support from my family is all we need. My parents have been everything and more! Thanks mom and dad ?
Thank you for being understanding, commenting, sharing my recipes and supporting me. I love you all. I’m anxious to start fresh and to stop living in fear. I’m anxious to share new recipes that are colorful and make us feel good – which is what I’m going to work on now 🙂
I wish I had other news, but honestly, this is great news, even though it’s also insane. Sometimes I can’t believe it’s real life!
Time to figure out our next move.
Have you ever been in a situation like this?! What kinds of tough decisions have you had to make in your life? Share with me!
Shannon,
This is my first visit to your blog – on a search for healthy, plant-based recipes. But, I had to reply when I saw this post. I don’t know the details but what I can say is that my husband and I have been through a similar situation. (In our case, my parents are the issue.)
It can be hard – VERY hard – but you all will get through this. Stick together and be strong. You’ll be a happier, more-connected couple on the other side of it. Things will get better, and you won’t regret making a choice to remove toxic people from your circle.
Good luck to you, your husband and your pups!
Jen
Sometimes life is challenging and holding onto your loved one throughout change important. Remember every storm has an end. Smile and keep your head up !
It seems like you made the decision you had to make. I suspect you were both listening to your inner guidance propelling you forward. Life in fear is awful and not at all how we are meant to be. May you both continue to trust your inner guides. Gratitude for what has made you who you are now and all those who are helping you is a plus whenever you get the chance to remember that.
I know all will be well for you. You both have the energies needed to journey together for the good of each of you individually and aligned with each other. What seems to be tough now could easily be a distant memory a year from now! Blessings to you all and thank you for your blog and your honesty.
Hey love. I’m sorry to hear things weren’t going well for You and your man. Sounds like you’re being very brave in your bold decision. It’s okay not to always be “okay”, especially on your blog. It makes our connection with you more real. Keep your pretty head up, sending you my light and love
My Instagram is @soulfulsarahh we’ve chatted a bit. Much love !!
Sarah Reid
xo
I’m sorry you’ve had to go through such a tough time but it sounds like you made the right decision. You’re strong and have the support of your husband and family (and all of us readers!). Doggies do seem to make everything better as well. 🙂
Good luck – I’m sure everything will work out the way it is supposed to.
(((Hugs)))
Mary Ellen
I really appreciated your post. Bravo to you both for having your priorities in line. It’s hard making the tough decisions but good things will come out of it. My husband and I went through something similar last year and had to move. Best thing every in hindsight but getting here took everything we had mentally and physically.
Kudos to letting it all hang out on your blog and being all the better for it.
You said it all, deep down you know this is the right move and you will move forward. It’s all uphill from here. Family is tough but looks like you recognize the negative energy and have taken control of your lives – now you guys are back in the drivers seat. Good for you guys – by the way, the new digs look great! (Moving always sucks even if it’s something you think you’ve planned ha ha. It always ends up in tears.) Actually, this is a great “life recipe!” Thanks.
You’re so brave! I can’t even imagine what you must be going through. Family (and puppies) will get you through though, and I’m sending you lots of positive thoughts <3
Natalie thank you! 🙂 I just love seeing your comments. Family and puppies are everything right?! Thanks so so much for your thoughts, it means everything to me. Hope you are doing well – your blog is kicking butt by the way. I saw those peeps you made, your recipes are perfection.
xx,
Shannon
Thinking of you Shannon<3 Sounds like you guys made the right decision though!! Hope things are looking up!
Looking forward to recipe posts! 🙂
Brittney
Brittney, thank you so much 🙂 I can’t wait to get back to normal, wherever that may be. I appreciate your thoughts more than anything and thank you again for the special feature!
xx,
Shannon
Shannon 🙁 Come move to AZ! My doggies would love to have your pups here and I would love to have you here 🙂 Haha… but seriously!
I’ve been in situations like this before and which is one of the main reasons why I move out here all by myself to go to ASU. Plus right now I have been dealing with a huge issue that has been weighing me down and now I am looking for a new job to have a new fresh start.
I’m here if you need anything 🙂
Ahh Lindsay my love! – I’m pretty much up for anything at the moment 🙂 warmer weather + you + your doggies would be absolutely perfect. We need to chat though. Love you and emailing you now. Muah.
xx,
Shannon
Shannon, your honesty to share your life with all of us is a huge part of the process of what you are going through and even though we know, it shows you are human. It is so personal that I appreciate you sharing and letting us support you along the way as you have supported so many of us with your blog. Nothing but the best to you, Marty and what lies ahead and I look forward to continued excitement waiting for the next post.
Cheers & Hugs
Hi Tami, yes and thank you so much! It’s always scary to share personal things unrelated to food but I felt it was necessary. Plus, I’m no longer living in fear and I can share everything and anything, which is such a relief. I truly appreciate your comment, your support is everything to me!!
xx,
Shannon
Hope things get better for you guys soon <3 I know how it feels to be in a situtation where you're being controlled from fear and outside forces, but things will get better. It's so wonderful that you guys made the tough decision to leave the negativity! Anything that pulls you down in life, no matter what that may be, needs to be romoved. Stay strong!
Hi Ciciley – thank you so much, it means the world. I absolutely agree – there comes a time when you need to decide to put the negativity behind you and remove it for good. I know it will only get better from here 🙂
xx,
Shannon
Best wishes for comfort to you Marty & the pups! I’m a new reader… just recently discovered the veg-life & have looked to you for inspiration. Your Glow Effect Guide has changed my life for the better. 🙂
Hi Jackie – thank you so much, that really means a lot 🙂 so happy you are loving the veg-life and my glow effect guide. This lifestyle definitely is life-changing in the best way.
xx,
Shannon