When The Universe Throws A Curve Ball

I didn’t intend to.  My goal was to talk solely about my vision over the next year and how I was going to get there, but it got me…emotional.

At our very first Mom-e Club meeting in Gilbert, I was surrounded by nine women, some of whom I had only met a few times, some not at all.  As each woman shared their vision, their struggles, their passion for what was to be achieved next year, I listened with great empathy because I knew that what I was doing with this club, building relationships and nurturing others’ spirits, was just one small part to help them achieve their goal.

Next up, me, last one in the room to share.  I started off by saying that I had originally launched a marketing business which was my passion, but after having Caleb, that passion completely changed.  And then…total meltdown.  I was digging through my purse looking for my Puffs tissues so I could wipe the mascara that was smearing down my face.  So many of these women had told me on various occasions that they look up to me, were inspired by the things I had done in my life and were in “awe” standing next to me.  They had put me up on a high pedestal and frankly, I didn’t feel that I had the right to be there.  Didn’t feel like I personally could fill those big shoes.  Lack of confidence and self esteem?  Yes, you guessed it, but why?

We all put on this facade when we meet other women whether through networking or when we’re public speaking.  We represent ourselves in this confident, composed manner, but truthfully, most entrepreneurs are struggling financially and do have ghosts in their closet.  Who isn’t?  Especially in this lovely economy.  Behind that exuberant, welcoming, “no fear” smile on their face is a worried woman trying to figure out how to make ends meet and when the next big gig is coming.  Not everyone, but most.  Sometimes it’s just too much to keep that facade going and when you finally feel comfortable with friends or a group of women to let it out or break down in tears, you do.  You show your vulnerability just as I had done.  And you know what?  There is NOTHING wrong with that.  It felt pretty darn good to finally get my feelings off my chest that had been sabotaging me all along.

It was then that these women brought me back to why they admired and were inspired by me.  It was not my actions, but the person I was becoming, and it all became quite clear what I had to do.  I had to stop throwing a pity party, pat myself on the back for anything and everything I had accomplished; realize that all of these dreams of mine take sacrifice and hard work; and that success was not a measure of how much money was in the old bank account.  The success or “money” would come as a result of my efforts and dedication, maybe not in the near future, but it would, and I could be happy, financially satisfied and passionate about what was in front of me.

As women, we need to have role models we can look up to.  It’s what keeps us motivated and inspired to never give up.  But don’t we relate more to them when we know the true story behind that smile?  Aren’t we more attracted to them when we learn they haven’t been handed everything on a silver platter, and are real people who have faced some hardships just like us?  And when we learn more about them, aren’t we more willing to help them achieve their goal?

I do.

When was the last time you showed your vulnerability and opened up to those around you?  I promise by doing so it will accomplish two things.  You will never ever feel like you have something to hide or be ashamed about, and you will always have a group of very supportive people standing by and cheering you on the whole way.  You are NEVER alone in this.  And not to hype up the Mom-e Club with self promotion or anything, but if you ever feel like you are alone, rest assured there are plenty of wonderful, caring, women who are part of the club to lift your spirits back up.  That’s my promise.