What Happens After Everything Falls Apart? (Day One Of The July Ultimate Blog Challenge)

I can't believe today is July 1st and it's another opportunity to participate in The Ultimate Blog Challenge. The last one was in April. I was so proud of myself showing up consistently. I was planning to post every day and not get derailed. The only time I accomplished that was July of last year. Then on the evening of April 17th my life changed from a traumatic event. I posted once more on April 18th, determined to push through the challenge anyway, but I just couldn't do it.

For privacy reasons I can't publicly share the events that took place in April or other specifics that happened since. What I can share is how the experience has impacted me and how I am recovering.

It feels like I hit the pause button on the rest of my life. I needed to step away from working on my business as well as That Vegan Morning Show. I entered an intense period of survival mode. I had to streamline my energy and become very intentional with how I spend my time and who I spend it with.

Prioritizing my needs became a necessity so that I could function. Sometimes that has included not cleaning the house and eating very simple meals. Watching documentaries on Netflix and sometimes just zoning out on the couch.

My day job keeps me busy. I work from home and used to cram all sorts of productive tasks after work. I would create content, edit videos, design graphics, and do other business tasks. I had a routine with my laundry, meal prep, and other chores at home. It all just fell apart.

Sometimes just showering, eating lazy meals, and doing my job was all I could manage while navigating the roller-coaster of emotions I have experienced. I just didn't have the capacity for much. Only to show up and do what was necessary.

Things are getting better around this situation. I am slowly getting back to the other parts of my life. I feel like I am crawling out of an emotional cocoon and emerging as an upgraded version of myself.

I can't believe today is July 1st! I feel like entered a strange portal with time. It's been a blur.

The timing of this blog challenge is perfect for me, as I work on reconnecting with myself. I am looking forward to seeing where the journey takes me next.

This month I plan to share about my insights from this experience, as well as how I'm getting back to my other priorities.

I am also going to do my best to enjoy the summer months. What do you have planned this summer? Feel free to share on the comments.

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Jennifer Shlomovich is a Plant-Powered Lifestyle-Educator on a mission to help others improve their health by eating more plants. Jennifer is also passionate about educating others about the realities of animal agriculture and how embodying a vegan lifestyle is a beautiful experience. As the only vegan in her household, she knows firsthand how challenging it can be to stay true to your values when the people around you aren’t on the same path. For years, she put everyone else’s needs ahead of her own, but through her journey, she discovered the power of setting boundaries, living by her values, and confidently prioritizing her well-being. On her YouTube channel, The Confident Vegan, she shares inspiring interviews, practical tips, and empowering conversations about what it really means to live in alignment with your values. She is also the co-host of That Vegan Morning Show with Kimberly Winters of the Did You Bring The Hummus podcast.