Six months ago today, I made one of the most transformative decisions of my life: I hit pause. After years of pursuing career success, leading teams, and achieving the goals society often defines as the pinnacle-titles, salaries, and working for well known organizations-I made the difficult and unconventional decision to step away. I made the bold choice to focus entirely on my family, myself, and the dream that had been quietly but persistently calling to me for years.

What I didn’t realize at the time was how much I’d learn-not just about my boys or this new chapter of entrepreneurship, but about myself, my values, and how to truly thrive.

The Summer That Sparked Change

This summer was a season of slowing down and reconnecting. I spent my days with my boys, watching them grow, laugh, and bond in ways I’d never seen before.

Without the tight work schedule, we had the freedom to truly just be – whether it was unhurried mornings that started with ease, playing at parks with no time check, or simply enjoying time together at home.

For them, this summer deepened their bond as brothers. They became a better team, playing, problem-solving, and making memories. I was reminded often that success isn’t measured by accolades but by moments – those small, everyday moments that create connection and joy.

Unwinding from Societal Success

I’ll be honest: unwinding from the identity tied to a title and salary was harder than I expected. For so long, those things could feel like markers of success and worth. Stepping away meant facing uncomfortable questions. Who am I without the title? What value do I bring if it’s not tied to a paycheck?

But what I’ve come to realize is that success doesn’t have to look like a corporate title or a high-paying job. My idea of “providing” shifted during this time. I brought this topic to my therapist a few times. While I may not be contributing a traditional income at the same level, I’m providing in ways that are very impactful. I’m providing additional time, more emotional availability, and a deeper sense of stability for my family. I’m also showing my boys that taking a risk to follow your heart is a powerful act of courage. I’m still reminding myself of that, too.

This shift has been a pivotal point of my life. It’s taught me that providing can also come int he form of being present, creating an intentional life, and modeling what it looks like to align with your values.

Success and Significance

In stepping away from a career rooted in traditional success metrics, I’ve come to realize that success and significance don’t have to be mutually exclusive-they can coexist and even amplify one another. Success often reflects outward recognition-the promotions, the salaries, the accolades. But significance? That’s about creating impact. It’s about building something meaningful, both for yourself and for others.

Through Alicia Schumacher Co. and Bold Minds, I’ve found the intersection of these two concepts. Helping women embrace their unique strengths, navigate challenges, and lead boldly is deeply fulfilling work. It’s not just about external validation-it’s about making a difference in ways that align with my values and purpose.

Had I not done the deeper work on how I’m personally defining success, I might have missed the opportunity to explore the deeper joy and fulfillment that has come from the significance and impact I wanted to make. This journey has shown me that success and significance can complement each other, creating a more balanced and authentic approach to thriving – one that celebrates both achievement and meaningful impact.

Risk, Fear, and Momentum

Taking this leap wasn’t easy. Leaving behind stability and stepping into the unknown felt incredibly overwhelming at times. And some days, it still does. Risk is scary-it forces you to confront uncertainty and push through self-doubt. But here’s what I’ve learned: action builds momentum.

The first step is always the hardest, but it’s also the most important. With every small action- whether it was setting up my website, reaching out to potential clients, or sharing my vision with others aloud-I gained clarity and confidence. Momentum doesn’t come from waiting for the perfect moment; it comes from moving forward, even when you’re unsure.

Each risk I’ve taken has been a building block, creating and shaping the next steps. It’s proof that the fear of failure is often outweighed by the fulfillment of pursuing what truly matters.

Learning to Maximize My Brain

Slowing down and stepping away from a traditional career allowed me to lean into how my brain works. I began experimenting with new routines and systems, finding ways to work with my natural wiring instead of fighting it.

It’s been transformative to build a business on my terms. I’ve created workflows that honor how my brain thrives, from bursts of creative energy to intentional downtime. This approach has not only made me more productive but also more present for my family.

How Our Family Lifestyle Has Changed

Stepping into this new chapter has re-shaped our family’s rhythm. We’ve traded rushed mornings for later morning drives and drop-offs, and instead of getting home at 5:30, getting to the next activity and feeling like there is no time at night, the boys and I are home at 3:30 and have time to breathe before the nightly activities start.

My boys have taught me as much as I’ve taught them during this time. They’ve reminded me how to find joy in the little things, how to embrace curiosity, and how to approach each day with a sense of adventure and pausing to play.

What I’ve Learned

If the last six months have taught me anything, it’s this:

1. Success is very personal. It’s not about titles or paychecks-it’s about alignment with your values and priorities.
2. Significance and success can co-exist. Success and significance can complement each other, creating a more balanced and authentic approach to thriving
3. Time is the most valuable currency. The moments I’ve spent with my boys are priceless, and no career milestone could replace them.
4. Risk is scary, but action builds momentum. Each step forward creates clarity, confidence, and purpose.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on these six months, I feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude-for the lessons, the challenges, and the growth. Starting Alicia Schumacher Co. and Bold Minds feels like stepping into a purpose I’ve been chasing all along, even if I didn’t know it.

To anyone considering a big leap-whether it’s a career pause, a new venture, or simply taking a step back to reevaluate-know this: You are capable of creating a life that feels authentic, fulfilling, and bold. It won’t be easy, but it will be worth it.

Here’s to growth, gratitude, and the courage to build the life you want.