I found my joy. How can I help other women do the same?

I had the pleasure of spending a day with a bright, sweet, kind, creative, beautiful young woman this weekend. We talked about dreams, wants, the future. You know, small stuff 😉

She just finished her first degree, but like so many young people her age has no idea where to go from here. Back to school? Work? In what field? I asked her what would her dream job look like. She smiled. She was dreaming for a moment, but then said “I don’t know”. She had gone to her dream place and then dismissed it due to self-doubt in seconds.

I asked her; if there were absolutely no limitations (money, education, knowledge etc), what would her dream job be? Now she thought a little longer and then told me her dream, and then quickly told me that there is no way it would work. How many of you do that? Dream and then dismiss the dream? I used to do that all the time and honestly still do sometimes. But I am learning to believe in my dreams whatever they may be and am loving the opportunities, people and experiences that have come into my life as a result.

I first learned this in my early 40’s. I wish I had sooner, but better late than never. It is my passion, and dream to help other women do the same.

No matter what your dream is, no matter what stage of life you are at; believe in your dream and you will live it.

This didn’t happen over night for me. Without knowing what was happening at the time, and as a result of a life-altering event, I took myself on a self-discovery journey and what a joyful journey it was. I learned so much about myself. I learned to be happy. I learned to forgive. I learned what it feels like to live with joy and it is way better than without.

I have lived more, been happier, experienced more and done more in the last 5 years than in all the years previous put together. And I have loved every second of it 🙂 I stopped living FOR others. I live for myself. I give myself freely, and without resentment to my children, my husband and my loved ones. I give to make others happy because it makes me happy. But first, I give to myself.

This is not selfish, this is self-love. And when we love ourselves we can so much more easily love others, love what we do, and simply love life.

The young lady I spoke of earlier has a dream and it is a beautiful dream. She couldn’t stop herself from smiling when she allowed herself to think about it as a possible reality. She struggles with the contradictory expectations and doubts of her family, friends and society. I told her to just put it in motion.

“Start doing today what you have to do to make your dream a reality”

Every little step counts. But only if you truly believe in you and your dream.

What is your dream? Are you on your way?