my transition

This is what I did:

When I left the corporate world, I had already spent several years studying and becoming a certified Health and Life Coach. Launching HealthSpan11 wasn't a spontaneous decision. It was thoughtful, intentional, and rooted in a genuine desire to help people improve their healthspan and live their best lives.

But here's the thing...

I had attempted something similar ten years earlier.

When Sears closed its Canadian operations, I suddenly found myself without a job. I had dreams of building my own coaching and consulting business, Barclay Lifestyle Solutions, and I took the first steps toward making it happen.

Then fear took over.

I worried about paying the bills. I doubted whether I could generate enough income. At the same time, I was navigating a divorce, which left me feeling uncertain, vulnerable, and anything but confident.

So instead of pausing to reflect and thoughtfully plan my next chapter, I rushed into the first opportunity that came along. I took a merchandising job folding and sorting apparel in stores across the GTA.

Looking back, I understand why I made that decision. Sometimes survival mode takes over.

Fast forward ten years. This time was different.

I gave myself permission to think. To plan. To prepare. To build confidence in my vision before making the leap.

The result was HealthSpan11.

What I've learned is that transitions don't always require immediate action. Sometimes the most important work happens in the space between what was and what comes next.

That pause can feel uncomfortable. It can feel unproductive. But it can also provide the clarity needed to make better decisions.

I'm grateful that I eventually found the courage to trust myself, pursue my passion, and build a business aligned with my values.