When Everything Changes (Again) From Layoff to Launch

Welp… this time everything felt different.

Eight months alcohol-free, and I can honestly say my mind and body are handling stress and anxiety in ways I didn’t think were possible. Don’t get me wrong — the night before the rumored layoffs, I was still anxious as hell. I didn’t sleep. But I didn’t reach for a drink either. I didn’t try to numb it.

Instead, I crawled into bed, trying to quiet my mind the best I could while watching New Girl reruns until around 4:00 a.m. Eventually, I moved out to the couch, opened my laptop… and 50 minutes later, there it was:
“Your role has been eliminated.”

The Weirdest Feeling: Relief

And honestly? I felt a strange sense of relief.
The tension that had been living inside my body for months — maybe years — finally released. I went back to bed, woke Colin up, told him the news… and somehow, I fell asleep.

When I woke up, it was all still real. But so was my peace.
There was absolutely nothing I could do — and for once, that realization didn’t break me. It freed me.

No Numbing, No Escaping

The biggest difference this time?
Not once did I even think about having a drink to calm my nerves.

I let myself feel it all — the shock, the sadness, the weird sense of freedom.
I stayed present. And it felt empowering.

In my 40s, I’ve learned that life isn’t always about holding it all together — sometimes it’s about letting go of what isn’t working and trusting that the universe has your back (even when it doesn’t feel like it).

Rebuilding From the Ground Up

So here I am — diving headfirst into building Highly Relatable full-time.

I’ve enrolled myself in courses, summits, and trainings because… if not now, when?
This is my time to reset. To grow. To create something I truly love.

I’m currently working through Coursiv training to build my tech + AI skills.

Later this week, I’m attending the AI Advantage Summit (so pumped!).

And I just purchased One Peak Creative’s TikTok & Reels Creator Course to help me get out of my comfort zone and bring these stories to life on camera — because let’s be real, hooks and CTAs matter!

But what matters most is showing up — fully, honestly, and soberly.

The Highly Relatable Takeaway 💭

This layoff could’ve been my breakdown.
Instead, it’s becoming my breakthrough.

For years, I dreamed about having the time and clarity to build this brand — to tell these stories, to create something meaningful. Now I do.

So, check back with me once my severance runs out (I might be sipping a Mocktail while pacing my living room 😅) — but right now, I’m choosing to see this as the gift it is.

I’m choosing optimism.
I’m choosing growth.
I’m choosing me.

#HighlyRelatable #AFLiving #LayoffToLaunch #NewChapter #SobrietyJourney #Reinvention

XOXO – Brittany Jo