Forty is quite the milestone for me. This is a birthday I've been looking forward to for well over a decade now - for a number of reasons.
I spent my twenties raising my children and starting my business(es). I spent my thirties really pulling things together to create the life that I wanted (mission accomplished!).
I've always looked at my forties as being the decade to enjoy the rewards of all I've invested. And of course it'll be a whole new phase of life for me with my children raised and off on their own, my career running smooth, and more time to do things I've always wanted to do...
February of this year marked 16 full years in business.
When I quit my last "real job" and started my first business, I was married with four young children - and only in my early 20's. It's shocking how fast years can go by, kids can grow up, and life can change!
Many people have commented that I am "lucky." But the truth is, I worked hard to create the life I have today, and will continue to work hard for the future that I want.
The word "lucky" implies that I've had it easy, which is simply not the case. It takes a lot of dedication and self-discipline to buck the norm and to work through the challenges life throws your way.
It was all worth it. Long hours, self doubt, frustration, pushing myself, all of it.
It was SO worth it.
So in a way I suppose I am lucky. I count myself lucky for the extreme challenges that forced me to have to work harder. For the drive to push through and never give in. For living in a generation that offered me so many options.
I've had the opportunity to experience so many different variables along the way. I was married with a big family in my twenties. A single mother to young children in my thirties. And now, a single woman with my children practically grown. I ran a service based business, had local offices & clients, struggled through the start-up years, and now enjoy a successful online business and a fluid lifestyle.
I've been flat broke, had more money than I knew how to spend, suffered major health challenges, home schooled my children while my son was ill, felt completely alone in the world, had amazing friends that offered support and inspiration, was a full-time caretaker for my elderly grandmother, achieved success and lost it all then started over again - and so much more.
All of which puts me in a unique position to relate to most of my readers (you) on a more personal level, and all of the things you're going through or dealing with as you work on your own lifestyle goals.
I've struggled plenty along the way, and I still do sometimes. We all have our own unique set of circumstances, and no one is immune to the crazy curve balls life can throw in your path.
I'm grateful for all of it, the good and the bad, the lessons learned along the way too. And I'm grateful for you - and for the close friendships my career has allowed me to make all over this beautiful planet, even during the phases I could hardly leave home.
Thank you for being a part of my life, and for letting me be a part of yours - no matter how small. It's been an amazing experience so far, and it's only going to get better from here!
In closing I would like to say Thank You! for all the kind birthday wishes this past week. And I just want to remind you... whatever your dreams or goals, go for it, full on. Embrace the hardships and challenges - they will only make you stronger, and more grateful, when you push through and refuse to give in on your journey toward your ideal life. -said from personal experience
I'm really excited about the decade ahead of me. I want to help even more people achieve life-changing success, write my books, continue doing what I LOVE online, make even more friends around the world, travel to cool new places... and ENJOY life. That's my goal. I would love to hear yours...
Best,
p.s. If you need real hands-on help from someone that has "been there, done that" I would love to work with you personally to achieve your business & lifestyle goals.
See: Ready To Get Serious About Making Money Online? for details.
My Private Brainstorming Group is my absolute favorite spot on the web, and I would love for you to join us!
