Life be Lifeing, but I'm a survivor!

The last time I really sat down to check in here, the world was rewriting itself. 2020 came in like whoa, and let’s be completely honest—the years that followed were just life straight-up life-ing.  

Between shifting landscapes, navigating the beautiful chaos of the education world, and finding my footing in a completely new chapter here in the UAE, the silence on this blog wasn't planned. It was survival. But if there is one thing you should know about me by now, it’s that I am a survivor—and I don’t just handle the plot twists; I use them to build something bigger.
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I’m back. And this time? I actually have a plan.

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Bus duty calls but it's Character Day! Any excuse to put on my Disney ears!

If you’ve been following my journey for a while, you know that my motto is Do Life Big! So when life threw a few plot twists my way, I didn't just pivot—I completely leveled up.

For starters, my world as an educator took on massive new dimensions. I changed schools, starting out leading the English Department. After a year and a half of that, I was promoted to Deputy Head of Teaching and Learning. That is where I was able to flourish and truly show what my passion for education is: developing and taking care of teachers. I led professional development, coached teachers, and even modeled teaching by taking a bold leap to teach a class myself.

I did that for two and a half years when a new position opened up: Head of Campus. (We would consider this Assistant Principal but over the Female Campus. Let me explain: My school is huge and we have 3 campuses: Male, Female, and Elementary. Each campus has its own head.) This was never on my to-do list, but I don't shy away from a challenge, and I love my school so much that I knew I'd be mad at myself if I didn't apply. Fast forward... and I got the job! Running a campus is an incredible ride, but it demands everything you’ve got. It's a masterclass in balance.

But navigating the demanding world of leadership meant something else had to give for a moment—and that was this creative space.

Living here in the UAE, one of the safest countries in the world, I've been given the ultimate peace of mind to heal, grow, and truly thrive. It’s a place that reminds you daily that the world is massive, beautiful, and filled with people just living their lives to the absolute best of their ability. It inspired me to look at my own passions and realize that we are not meant to be boxed in by anyone else's expectations.

Which brings me to the plan.

I’m not just restarting this blog; I’m expanding it to reflect every single part of a life lived without boundaries. When you look around the new site, you’re going to see three distinct spaces that bring me immense joy:

• The Travel Guides (Unique Does Travel): Real, raw, and meticulously planned itineraries. I’m not just showing you where I’m going; I’m pulling back the curtain to show you exactly how you can do it too, proving that the world is yours for the taking and you too can Do Life Big!
  
• The Sewing Room (Unique Sews): Pattern reviews, behind-the-scenes looks at my latest creations, and simple tutorials to spark your own creativity.
• The Global Kitchen (Unique Does Cooking): Recreations of the incredible dishes I’ve tasted around the world, brought straight to my kitchen table here in the UAE.

The timing couldn't be more perfect. When this post is released, the very next day, I'll be catching a flight for a massive summer journey through Japan and Europe. Expect bullet trains, hidden alleyways, gorgeous fabrics, and unforgettable food. I’m taking you along for every single bit of it right here.

And if you're reading this thinking, "Janelle, I want to do life big too, but I absolutely hate the stress of planning and the unknown," I’ve got you covered. When you’re ready to step out of your comfort zone, head over to Unique Does Travel and let me handle the details for your next custom travel package.

Mark your calendars: New blogs will be dropping every single Friday morning right here. I’m pulling back the curtain to give you real blueprints, expert tips, and honest behind-the-scenes takes on life, business, and travel.

Join the Unique Insiders: Want to make sure you never miss a drop? Drop your email below to become a Unique Insider. You'll get my latest strategies, insider travel guides, and lifestyle tips sent directly to your inbox the second they go live!

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The hiatus is officially over. Let’s go see the world.

Until next time, Be Uniquely You!