Stepping Away to Bloom: My Journey Back to You
Odette
Hello, Bloomers!
Yes, I know—I disappeared for a while, and I promise there’s a good reason. This might not be the typical way to open a post, but here we are! Before diving into the details, I want to take a moment to sincerely apologize for leaving you all in the dark. I know some of you were left wondering: Where did Azalea go? What’s been happening behind the scenes? Did I quit writing and creating? Did something drastic happen?
Nope, I’m very much alive (thankfully)! But life has a way of surprising us and leading us on journeys we don’t quite expect. So, let’s settle in and catch up—I’m a little nervous to share what’s been unfolding during my time away.
The last blog post I shared was for my birthday, titled “Chapter Demure: Celebrating Another Year.” Since then, I’ve been quiet. I needed to step back and truly focus on nurturing myself—putting my own happiness and well-being first. It was about making sure my cup was full before I could pour into others again. I felt like God had me pause for a moment, like He was urging me to take a break from everything. It’s hard to put into words, but it felt as though I wanted to write and create, yet mentally, I just wasn’t there. Instead, I felt Him nudging me with, “Take this time to travel and step away—cross over for a bit.” And I did listen! Just before my birthday, I took a short trip, my first in 6 or 7 years, and it was exactly what I needed.
For the first time, I truly understood what it meant to step out of “survival mode”—to break free from the relentless cycle of “fight or flight.” It felt like a weight had been lifted from my spirit. I wasn’t consumed by stress, anger, or the heaviness that had clung to me for so long. I felt lighter, freer—and so deeply grateful that I had trusted God’s call to pause and take that much-needed getaway. I even started to put a little weight back on but I promise I am doing my best to manage it.
And here I am, Bloomers, writing this to you from the balcony of my hotel, the sun warming my face and the sound of the nature reminding me of peace. But more on that in a moment.
Even while I stepped away from my platform, I’ve still been active in ministering to my prayer group—our small yet mighty gathering, whether you call it a Bible study or a prayer circle. At first, I spoke only occasionally, but lately, it’s become more consistent. And let me tell you, it was never something I planned. Time and time again, I’d hear, “Odette, we need you to share what God has placed on your heart,” or even more suddenly, “Odette, you’re speaking tonight.” Sometimes, they’d hand me the microphone with a knowing look, daring me to step up. And a few times, I’d even open in prayer.
But I love it—I truly do. It may not be on a public platform, but in those intimate, sacred moments, I feel connected in a way that fills me with purpose.
Beyond that, I’ve been taking life one day at a time, finding ways to stay grounded and at peace. I’ve reconnected with my love for photography, taking on small bookings here and there. In 2025, I’m hoping to fully immerse myself back into it. There are other things in the works, though I can’t share details just yet. I know you all are interested in other personal details of my life but…silence is key. What I can say is that I’ve been dedicating time to reflection, making choices that I pray will bring more wholeness and value to my life.
I’d be lying if I said everything has been perfect. My relationship with God wavered a bit—not in a drastic way, but enough that I stepped back from intense prayer and warfare. I needed to breathe. Yet even in those moments, the conviction was there, and God’s gentle reminder came through: He wasn’t angry with me. In fact, He was proud of me—proud of my growth and everything I’ve been navigating.
Currently, as I write this, I am sitting on the balcony of my hotel—yes, you heard that right. I took another trip, this time a little longer, and even now I can’t quite believe it myself. At the start of this year, I promised myself just one trip, a simple escape to breathe. Yet here I am, savoring the blessing of a second journey, just three months apart. With the year drawing to a close, my heart is overflowing with gratitude for the favor God has shown me. Twice this year, He granted me the space to step away, reflect, and just be. And as for the bank account? Well, I’ll face that reality when I’m home—I don’t need that kind of energy right now!
This feeling of independence and freedom is unparalleled, Bloomers. It’s like exhaling after holding your breath for far too long.
I don’t want to ramble much longer, but I am back—truly and officially! So stay tuned, because there’s so much more to share. With autumn’s arrival, expect a new post soon celebrating the beauty and changes this season brings. I’ve missed you all so much, more than words can express.
Before I wrap up, let me leave you with this: if you feel that pull to step away, to cross over to the other side and just breathe—do it. Don’t hesitate. I didn’t realize how essential it was until I did it myself. For your mental and physical health, for your soul—just take that step. Don’t overthink it. The bills will wait; they always do. But we only have one life, and it’s worth investing in moments that restore you. Sow into yourself. Take that trip, embrace the solitude, and if need be, cut off the noise, even from those closest to you.
“Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest.”
Until next time, stay blooming.
With love, Azalea
