Big black dog supporting mom with breast cancer

My blogging is like a public journal—honest, reflective, and inspired by the twists and turns of my life. From navigating challenges like cancer and career struggles, to mourn and celebrate the “curse” of emotions and finding resilience. I write in the hope that these stories resonate and help others along the way. Writing is therapeutic for me, and with every blog, I aim to connect, grow, and find meaning in the messiness of life.

I welcome any topic suggestions too! My life is an open book. lol

wendy Neuberger wendy Neuberger

Why a New Chapter? A Brief Backstory

How do you define the chapters of your life? For me, they fall into big, pivotal moments:

CH 1: Childhood — Just trying to grow up and fit in.
CH 2: My Drinking Years — Yep, a solid decade of heavy drinking.
CH 3: Marriage — A 15-year relationship with a narcissist.
CH 4: Life After Cancer — A new beginning.

On February 6, 2023, I was laid off during an 8% company-wide reduction in force (RIF)

How do you define the chapters of your life? For me, they fall into big, pivotal moments:

CH 1: Childhood — Just trying to grow up and fit in.
CH 2: My Drinking Years — Yep, a solid decade of heavy drinking (wrap college in there too), ending in rehab.
CH 3: Career, Marriage — Corporate life and a 15-year relationship with a narcissist.
CH 4: Life After Cancer — A new beginning.

Chapter 4 began on February 6, 2023, when I was laid off during an 8% company-wide reduction in force (RIF) due to "economic uncertainty"—or maybe it was because of that pro golf sponsorship announced a month later. You decide. It was my second layoff in four years, and it made me question why I give my all to companies that barely notice. In today’s world of constant layoffs, does job security even exist? It hit me hard: and didn’t take long to realized once you're off payroll, it feels like you no longer exist.

Three weeks after the layoff, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. That was a double whammy. The last year was a tough battle, and I had a lot of time to think and allow myself to feel. And while it was easy to spiral (too much thinking can do that), my ceramics became my therapist as I fought through all the things I was facing, and finding my way through all the unknowns.

Cancer has changed me. It shattered the illusion of invincibility I once had and made me realize the true value of friendship, kindness, happiness, and prioritizing my physical and mental health. It’s brought me back to the present and reminded me to be grateful for every day.

These life events have completely reshaped my priorities. Career and money no longer matter the way they used to. My art—ceramics—has become more than a creative outlet; it’s my meditation, my healing process, my passion, and it’s where I belong.

With this clarity, I’ve decided to make my hobby my career, and in July 2024, I officially launched my ceramics business under the studio name of Yo! be nice. I’m now a full-time artist. And for the first time, I feel like I’m truly in charge of my life.

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wendy Neuberger wendy Neuberger

A New Chapter in My Life's Story

You see, I walked away from a 6-figure corporate career to seek something more meaningful. Peace. Happiness. A life that feels full instead of one that feels scripted (what brought me to this point, I will cover in later posts). And yeah, it’s terrifying and liberating all at once. So, I thought, why not talk about it? Why not let this blog be the space where I unpack it all, and together we will find out what happens next!

Blog, blog, blog, you need to blog! That’s what everyone says if you want to optimize your website and improve its success. “Just blog!” But seriously, about what? I’ve started so many blogs, each filled with a spark of ambition… and I finished none of them. Well, except that one time I accidentally posted something without realizing it. Oops. Another lesson learned.

So here I am again, staring at this blank page, thinking I need to get all "artsy fartsy," maybe talk about my sculptures and how the environment totally drives my creativity. I could say that I hug trees, dance with the wind, and dive into the seas for inspiration. Except, yeah—that’s not me.

Honestly, my creativity doesn’t come from long meditations in the forest. It comes from within. I follow my hands, I follow my heart, and inspiration finds me—often in unexpected places. That’s the real truth. It’s a blessing, one I’m incredibly grateful for, but also one that’s just… me. Nothing too grand. Just my reality.

So what have I decided to blog about? Well, it turns out I’m in the midst of a pretty big life shift. I’ve hit the “new chapter” button on my life story and it feels like I ought to share it. Maybe putting it out there will not only help me process, but maybe—just maybe—it’ll resonate with someone else.

You see, I walked away from a 6-figure corporate career to seek something more meaningful. Peace. Happiness. Health. A life that feels full instead of one that feels scripted (what brought me to this point, I will cover in later posts). And yeah, it’s terrifying and liberating all at once. So, I thought, why not talk about it? Why not let this blog be the space where I unpack it all, and together we will find out what happens next!

And here I am. Blogging about me. Just the thing an introvert wants to do—share their life with the world. But, hey, I’m giving it a shot. This could be fun, right?

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