This past Monday I made one of the hardest decision of my life. To stay with my (secure) full-time job as the Director of Marketing at a firm in Vermont OR do I take the leap of faith and commit myself 200% to Simply Quinoa.

It’s something that I’ve toyed around with in the past, and it’s always been my dream, but I’ve never seemed to let myself take the risk. I’m not sure if it was a lack of confidence, or just fear that I’d not be able to make my dream a reality, but I finally told myself I needed to make the decision.

And well, my friends…I did it. I leapt. I trusted in myself and now I’m my own boss, building my own business and chasing after something I have always wanted.

I’m feeling crazy emotional about it all. I’m excited. I’m reenergized. I’m scared. I have a constant smile on my face. It’s like a weight has been lifted off my shoulders. Like there’s a new found clarity in my life.

And I’m happy. I’m really, really happy.

I was trying to think of a recipe to celebrate this insane life event and I kept coming back to quinoa pancakes.

I think it’s comfort. There’s something so fulfilling about a big stack of pancakes; whether it’s morning or late-night, fluffy pancakes always hit the spot.

Since we’re in full-on pumpkin season, we obviously had to include it in the recipe. Pancakes + pumpkin + quinoa + a dash of maple syrup + becoming a full-time food blogger = happiest life ever.

I swear, these pancakes made the day just that much more special.

But seriously, pancakes aside for a minute, I can’t write this post without including a sincere and heartfelt thank you. Without your love and support, I’d never be able to make this jump. Without you, I wouldn’t have been able to make Simply Quinoa a reality. So thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. From the bottom of my heart. You mean the world to me and I’m grateful you have given me the chance to follow my dreams.

XO (times a bajillion and one)