Such as life would have it, I am writing to you after another unexpected pause. Many of you have quietly and kindly reached out to me over the past few weeks after noticing an alarming “out on medical leave” note on my Instagram and email away message. Not to get too personal, but I wanted to share some updates on what that was about. 

Like many millennials, I get anxious at the idea of being away from work or even any work-related tasks, especially because I'm in a customer-related business where my physical presence is crucial to generating business. So I tend to overcompensate in my communication as to why I may not be available 24/7 while still feeling guilty that I can't do everything all the time. 

That kind of mindset is clearly flawed but all too familiar for those of us in the workforce who have had to compensate while sick and/or displaced. I would love to say that a year after the pandemic started, I'm totally fine with my life back to some form of normalcy. I don't know about you, but I feel a lot of pressure to turn on the "normal" for the comfort of others. Meaning, we've all been so consumed with uncomfortable news for the past several years that who needs to hear another sob story? I know that people who reach out to me are looking to take care of themselves and not worry about how I'm doing. 

There are many of you (the majority) who are concerned about my well-being so I wanted to find a middle ground on how I can live in my reality (which is shaky at the moment) while still doing what I love with this platform, which is provide a place for nurturing and self-acceptance. 

The truth is that after undergoing a painful surgery for my endometriosis in late February, I never thought that I would be in need of another unexpected surgery just 3 months later. The details of this surgery are just too painful to discuss but maybe I'll share in the future when there's been more time to heal. 

I am in a strange and unfamiliar place right now where the different identities I held for the past several years have all shifted and in a short period of time. I'm grieving, healing, and morphing into the person who is bound to rise from above all of this. I'm excited to meet her. 

 That all being said, I'm finally feeling a bit like a version of myself that I recognize. The one who wants to write and dance all the time. Dancing may take some time to get back to so writing will have to be my escape for now. The lessons that have come from having two surgeries during a pandemic within 3 months are endless so I know I'll be sharing more on that soon. 

For those of you who have been interested in supporting me, I have a few ways for you to do so. 

1. Anytime I hear from any of you directly, it warms my heart. I would love to have conversations with any and all of you so please drop by and say hi anytime.

2. If you want to support my business, I am offering consultations plus I have all of my educational content available on my website here. Sharing the work I have created with anyone you think may appreciate or benefit from it is a wonderful way to support my small business.

3. Venmo donations to help me pay for my medical bills have been much appreciated and I'm blown away by the folks who have reached out. To those of you who have asked me for my info, it's @hayleyjaclynwood on Venmo and hayley@therapeuticskincoach.com on PayPal. Nothing is expected but all is appreciated.

When the unexpected happens, which it inevitably will for all of us during our lifetimes, we learn to show up for ourselves and for each other. My saving grace during some of the most devastating days of my life was knowing that I really know how to take care of myself. I also have a core group of amazing people (husband, sister, friends, parents, Josie) who know how to show up for me given all of our practice with my chronic illness. It's taken the times where I was feeling and doing well to learn how to not break during the lowest of times. My hope is that what I share in this world through the lens of holistic skincare and intuitive self-care is that it teaches you to not give up on yourself. 

There were many times over the last several weeks where I couldn't wash my face because I was so sick, but the times I could - I really loved on myself. Those moments filled my cup even with just a tiny bit of joy. 

 So that all being said, I'm looking forward to awakening into a newly updated Hayley with a few more scars but a stronger heart soon. There are many lessons I feel called to share with all of you soon as well. Until then, please look after yourself and others and thank you for your support always. 

xoxo