CEOMOM Magazine April 2017 | Page 7

To all mothers, I give you permission to celebrate your individuality. Celebrate your dreams. Embrace the things about you that make you more than just someone’s mother. You are a woman of power. Becoming a mother doesn’t stop you from dreaming, it gives your dreams new meaning.   T I have 2 daughters, and it brings joy to my heart knowing that they will see their mother being her own person. They will see me non- apologetically pursue my dreams without reserve. I want my daughters to be empowered to be all that they can be. What better way to empower them than by setting an example of intention and purpose?  To all mothers, I give you permission to celebrate your individuality. Celebrate your dreams. Embrace the things about you that make you more than just someone’s mother. You are a woman of power. Becoming a mother doesn’t stop you from dreaming, it gives your dreams new meaning. Here are 4 tips that will help you find your power beyond motherhood. Tip 1: Write down your dreams.  Writing your dreams down tends to be more effective than just saying or thinking them. Vision boards have become popular within the past few years, because they allow you to see your dreams in text and images. You may use a vision board or a journal to be specific about what you love to do, what you want to do, and what gives your heart joy. Do you love to write? Do you love to organize? Do you want to be a public speaker or launch a startup? Is there a ministry or nonprofit organization you have been eager to start? Whatever your visions may be, write them down, and be intentional about making them come true.  Tip 2: Take the first step. Every journey be gins with one small step. Moms have a tendency to wait until the perfect moment to pursue their dreams. They want to wait until the children graduate from college or until the children are old enough to drive or until they’ve saved up enough money. When you wear several hats, there is always going to be a reason to wait. Stop waiting and take the first step. It is not the size of the initial step that has all of the power, but the movement that inspires the next step. My grandmother used to say, “Girl, put one foot in front of the other, and get to moving.” It’s okay to start small. Just start. It’s the journey that is going to build and grow you as you pursue your power beyond motherhood. Tip 3: Join a community of working moms who are embracing their careers and passions.  The saying goes, "Surround yourself with people who are where you want to be." Being around other moms who are fervently living their dreams will allow you to not only see that you're not alone, but it will give you the opportunity to learn from like-minded individuals, exchange ideas, and receive much needed moral support. Use the internet to find networking groups, specifically for women and mompreneurs. Join mommy groups to find other women who are excited about their individual passions. Tip 3: Celebrate you. This is something women need to do more. Women struggle with taking care of themselves, because we often put others first, especially our children. As we move to living our purpose, we must celebrate the little victories along the way. Celebrate accomplishments by treating yourself to something special. Make sure it is out of the ordinary for you. The more you get used to celebrating you, the easier it will be for you to pursue your dreams and re-discover you.  CEOMOM   |   7