For 18 months now, I have been apologizing and making excuses for my choice to leave the working world and venture out on my own. While I may have a clear picture in my mind about what I want to do and who I want to be, I have been unable to break myself from the “worker bee” mentality and feel like I have to hide my real ambitions from family, friends and colleagues. I literally dread the moment when someone asks me where I work or if I have found a job yet. Not only has my cowardice lead to extreme emotional exhaustion but it has served as a major roadblock to my success.

It ends today. I am no longer trying to justify my decisions and ambitions to people who simply don’t get it. I no longer feel like I owe anyone an explanation. I don’t care if my grandpa writes a snarky comment in the Christmas letter about me being unemployed. I am going to seek out people who are not afraid to engage, create and live and work with passion and courage.