Over the past few months, I have been making a tremendous effort to power through the slew of emotions that I’m sure everyone is feeling in varying degrees to make sure I can continue to pay for my lifestyle. I was incredibly lucky to not be laid off in the initial economic shock. Before I even go any further I am extraordinarily privileged to even be able to consider taking time off let alone doing it. With that said, I wanted to write about why it was so important for me to take this time now not just to share my story but also as a retrospective for me. I’ve been feeling ambivalent (read terrified), but writing it out helps me affirm my decision.