Last month I was laid off during a bad budget stretch at the nonprofit I worked for and, even though at the moment it was emotionally devastating, I also felt very relieved. It came after months of my deteriorating physical and mental health. I was in a cycle of pushing through my normal 8-5 schedule and then crashing every night and weekend and I knew in my heart of hearts it wasn’t sustainable.

I feel like I have to keep repeating this to myself but *I am disabled*. I may be high-functioning and disabled but that doesn’t mean I’m not disabled. I have been trying to power through it and live a “normal life” but when I inevitably burned out, I felt embarrassed and ashamed and upset. Not being able to meet your own goals when you’re doing your best sucks. I’ve been in this boat since middle school and it’s taken me until almost my 30th birthday to realize the obvious: I can’t live the life everyone else seems to live to easily. I am disabled.

So when I got laid off I realized this was my chance to try something new: LuLaRoe.

What is LuLaRoe? LulaRoe is a line of clothing designed to fit women, men & kids of all ages, shapes, and sizes (XXS to 3XL). Lularoe prints are made exclusively for us by us and in limited numbers per print — making each print highly sought after. Our clothing is sold by independent LuLaRoe business owners (now including me) at in home or business pop-up boutiques, and in closed online groups. Lularoe is high-quality (yes, we’re talking comparable with Anthropologie and Loft), unique, comfortable, affordable, and on trend.

Why am I choosing this path? Because LuLaRoe means freedom. It is giving me a way to make a living without compromising my health, letting me work at my own pace with hours I choose. It means I won’t have to feel guilty if I need to take a rest break or if I have a bad day. It allows me to live a healthier more balance life all the while helping other women feel as good about themselves as it has helped me feel.

I love how LuLaRoe helps women of all sizes or backgrounds express themselves with color and fun prints through pieces that are flattering, modest and comfortable to wear. It has given me the opportunity to see myself as less of a burden and more as a vibrant, beautiful person.

So that’s the long and short of it. I’m taking a big leap of faith here. My head keeps chanting, ‘but what if you fail?’ I just have to keep reminding myself of the more important question, ‘but what if I succeed?’

xxoo