Welcome to
week one of my 6-week series on making your dreams come true! This week we are
exploring determination, the first thing
moms need to achieve their dreams.
After my
divorce, I had to quickly adjust to my new life. My main focus during that time
was to make sure my children were going to be okay. At the same time, I was focused on finishing
my masters degree and I had dreams of starting a coaching business for
ambitious women. But I didn’t know how I
would maintain our quality of life, stay in graduate school, work full-time,
and start a business as a single mom.
There wasn’t
anyone in my immediate circle of relatives or friends who had ever gone through
a divorce and could share any firsthand experience or advice. In the movies marital separations and divorce
are often depicted to be manageable and fair.
Unlike in the
movies, my ex-husband did not help financially support our children. He didn’t pick up the kids like he was
supposed to or help drive them to and from their activities and sports. I soon figured out that he had an unusual
gift of knowing exactly what to do to make my life more difficult than it
needed to be. That was the reality that
I faced every day.
Despite my
situation and how I was feeling on the inside, I kept smiling and was determined to not give up on the dreams
in my heart. Merriam-Webster defines determination as “a quality that makes
you continue trying to do something that is difficult; the act of deciding
something definitely and firmly”.
My determination was what kept me writing
papers until 2 a.m. on weekdays when I had to be at work the next day. I dug deep inside until I found that place
that wouldn’t allow me to quit no matter how much I felt like I couldn’t do it
anymore. In that place, I was able to push
through my upper thresholds and achieve my dreams of starting a coaching
business.
Determination was more than just a feeling that I
had on the inside. I had to make
decisions and stick with them. I decided
that my dreams were bigger than my temporary feelings of frustration and overwhelm. I wanted to show my kids that they can do
anything if they want it badly enough and are willing to put in the work.
How badly do you want your dreams to come true? When you know that you deserve more out of life
and are determined to make it
happen, you will become unstoppable. Instead
of wondering if it’s possible, you will know for sure that it’s just a matter
of time.
Over the course of this week, set aside some time to think
about how your determination has helped
you get where you are today. Give yourself credit for your accomplishments along
the way and get excited about what is yet to come.
Next week’s topic will be resourcefulness. See you then!
I really enjoyed reading your blog. The last paragraph read "...give yourself credit for your accomplishments...". I think this is something us women forget to do because wale are so involved in the process. After reading your blog, I did take a few minutes and think about where I am now. It made me feel proud of my accomplishments, my family, and my life. Thank you for reminding me of what a determined woman I have been, presently am, and hope to continue to be.
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie! Thank you for sharing your thoughts. I am so happy that you enjoyed reading my post but even more happy to hear that you took time to honor yourself. I agree with you that we need to do this more often. Kudos to you for taking that moment to celebrate!
ReplyDeleteYes...yes...yes! Determination will do it. Your story is one that many of us can relate to. Without determination, I'd probably still be slumped in some bed, waiting on a my daughter's father to step back into the picture. I'm proud of my determination and I am patting myself on the back as I type. ;)
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